CHICAGO — Nominations are now open for the Chicago Red Stars' 2021 #SHEINSPIRESME Award. #SHEINSPIRESME is an annual award presented to women who exemplify leadership, practice social responsibility and who inspire and uplift their community.
The 2021 #SHEINSPIRESME Award will have two winners, one from each of the following age groups:
Youth (20 and under)
Adult (21 and over)
Nominations can be submitted Sept. 8 through 5 p.m. CT, Sept. 22. Three finalists from both age groups will be shared via the Red Stars' social channels. Winners will then be selected by popular vote from supporters Sept. 23-28 and announced at the Red Stars match against the Orlando Pride Saturday, Oct. 2, at 6:30 p.m. CT at SeatGeek Stadium. Winners will receive a #SHEINSPIRESME commemorative plaque, a donation to continue their work in the community and tickets to the 2022 Chicago Red Stars home opener or a match of their choosing.
Previous #SHEINSPIRESME Award recipients include Sarah Lauch, Alexis Hunter and Makanaka Chikowero. Lauch, who moved to Chicago in 2004, founded the Live Like Roo Foundation to help families facing a cancer diagnosis in their pets. Her organization has helped more than 10,000 families nationwide and has provided nearly $1 million in medical grants.
A Floosmoor, IL native, Hunter served as the President of National Alliance of Black
School Educators for three years while earning her undergraduate degree at University of Missouri and was the first undergraduate to present at Harvard's Practicing Hope Summit Conference. Now, she is studying for a Ph.D. program in Justice Education.
Chikowero founded a non-profit called MTC Educate A Girl Inc., which provides mostly orphaned girls in rural Zimbabwe with the opportunity to continue their education. She is also the founding member of Rozaria Girls Club USA — a club that fosters the spirit of volunteerism and feminism with young adolescents living in Madison.
To nominate someone for the 2021 #SHEINSPIRESME Award, visit chicagoredstars.com/sheinspiresme. For tickets to the #SHEINSPIRESME match on Oct. 2, visit chicagoredstars.com .
