Darla Varrenti - Founder, Nick of Time Foundation

Following the devastating loss of my 16-year-old son Nick Varrenti, a multi-sport athlete who died from sudden cardiac arrest, I transformed profound grief into life-saving action by founding Nick of Time Foundation with my family in 2006. What began as a mother's quest to honor her son's memory has evolved into a vital community health initiative dedicated to preventing sudden cardiac arrest in children and young adults through comprehensive sudden cardiac arrest awareness, education, and an ECG youth heart screening program.

How the prize money would be used:

The Nick of Time Foundation's mission is to save young lives by preventing sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) through education and early detection. To date, we have conducted cardiac screenings for 32,646 young hearts, identifying 648 individuals requiring critical follow-up care that could prevent sudden death.

Our comprehensive screenings include medical and family history assessments, 12-lead ECGs, physical examinations, "hands-only" CPR/AED training, and echocardiograms when necessary. Board-certified cardiologists and sports medicine physicians evaluate all results using international screening criteria, ensuring the highest standard of care typically available only through expensive private cardiology practices.

The award money would directly fund our commitment to serve underserved communities where families lack access to specialized cardiac care. These funds would cover the costs of medical equipment, and screening materials, allowing us to continue offering all services completely free of charge in high-need areas.

Beyond screenings, we educate teens and families about CPR and automated external defibrillator (AED) use, advocating for AED accessibility in schools and sports fields. Every dollar invested eliminates financial barriers to potentially life-saving early detection.

This funding ensures that zip code and economic status never determine whether a young person receives cardiac screening that could save their life. Through this support, Nick's legacy continues to protect young hearts in communities that need it most. 

Learn more about the other 2025 finalists below.

Voting WAS open from September 2nd - September 26th

About the Award: Nominations were open to both WISE and non-WISE members and were accepted until Friday, July 11, 2025. The finalists were be selected by the WISE Seattle Board and Women of Inspiration Committee. The winner of the 2025 WISE Seattle Women of Inspiration award will be announced at the Seattle Sports Commission’s annual Women in Leadership Breakfast on Friday, October 24th, 2025.  The winner will receive a WISE membership and a cash donation from WISE and our partners to be distributed to the non-profit or organization of their choice to continue to Encourage, Empower and Evolve Women in Sports & Events in our community. 

Women of Inspiration Award - This award, launched in Seattle in 2022, honors a female in our community who exemplifies the pillars in which WISE Seattle was founded. This individual is making a positive impact on the business of sports and events while serving as a positive role model and mentor for other women. The winner of this award will receive a cash donation on behalf of WISE Seattle and their partners to the cause, non-profit or organization that coincides with why they were nominated. 

WISE Seattle is the local chapter of a national organization that works to encourage, empower, and educate women professionals in the sports and events industries through professional development, mentorship, and networking opportunities. 

Learn More About This Year's Finalists

Congratulations to all of our 2025 Women of Inspiration Award Nominees!

Alanna McDonald - President/ Co-Founder of 3XBA

Alanna McDonald is the President and Co-Founder of the 3x3 Basketball Association (3XBA), the premier women’s 3x3 basketball tour and youth development pipeline in North America. She has dedicated her career to expanding opportunities for women athletes, lowering barriers for youth, and creating a sustainable Olympic development pathway. 

Alanna grew up in Seattle where she developed an early love for sports. Volleyball became her passion, carrying her from Ballard High School to Brown University, where she competed at the Division I level. She went on to play professionally overseas where she also earned a Master’s in International Migration Studies in Brussels, bringing with her a global perspective that continues to inform her leadership. Her passion for advocacy shaped her work in refugee resettlement, where she developed trauma-informed programs for families beginning new lives in the Pacific Northwest. 

In 2017, Alanna identified deep inequities in FIBA 3x3 basketball, where women had far fewer opportunities and lower pay than men. Determined to close the gap, she pitched her vision to the Seattle Storm leadership and launched the first professional women’s FIBA 3x3 pilot program of its kind. With the support of the WNBA, and collaboration with USA Basketball, the initiative opened new pathways for women athletes and developed U.S. talent for 3x3’s Olympic debut at the Tokyo 2020 Games.

In 2024, she co-founded 3XBA, a holistic youth-to-pro ecosystem helping to reshape the women’s basketball landscape. 3XBA expands access for young players from every background, creates professional pathways beyond the limited roster spots in traditional leagues, and supports girls and women at every stage of their basketball journey. In just two seasons, it has provided pro opportunities to 57 athletes—including WNBA players, draftees, and Olympians—while setting global records for prize money in women’s 3x3. 3XBA is building what did not exist before: a new opportunity pathway in basketball that advances equity for women and girls, establishes professional careers in a growing Olympic sport, and delivers affordable access for kids—offering a new model for inclusion, development, and lasting impact in sports.

How the prize money would be used:
3x3 basketball is a powerful catalyst for youth development, building well-rounded skills, collaboration, communication, and confident decision-making. Our professional women athletes coach and mentor our young players, creating a strong community foundation for the sport. 3XBA is deeply committed to inclusivity, making scholarships available for all youth programs so that cost is never a barrier. The cash donation would directly sustain these scholarships and our equitable development initiatives, giving more kids - especially girls - access to the sport.

Christina Millan - President/ Co-Founder of The Pro Shop

Christina Millán is the Owner + Principal of VIVA Projects, specializing in strategic project management and owner representation in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction industry. She is also the Co-Founder and current President of the non-profit The Pro Shop, whose mission is to empower women into greater positions of influence through the game of golf.

 A proud Latina small business owner in a male-dominated industry and an avid golfer, Christina has grown to love the game not only for its professional networking opportunities but for the personal confidence it has instilled. Since launching The Pro Shop, she has been part of a shift where women who had never said Yes to golf are now starting with Yes — playing in their first lesson, first round, and first industry tournament. She hosted the first tournament in the AEC industry with 50% women participants, a remarkable leap from the typical 3–5% female representation.

Christina is deeply passionate about removing barriers, fostering inclusivity, making it fun, and encouraging everyone to Say Yes. In an industry where golf is a powerful business development tool, she is changing the game so more women have the visibility, access, and confidence to fully participate. Creating meaningful and lasting impact for individuals, organizations, and the broader community.

How the prize money would be used:

The Pro Shop was founded to create an inclusive and supportive space for women to step confidently into the game of golf — a game historically dominated by men but also a key tool for business development in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry. Our mission is to empower women into greater positions of influence by removing barriers, building skills, and fostering the confidence to Say Yes when invited to participate. At the heart of our work is a commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring women have equitable access to the same opportunities that have traditionally been reserved for a select few.

If awarded the Women of Inspiration Award cash donation, the funds would directly support expanding our initiative by sponsoring additional participants, providing access to group lessons, mentorship, and on-course networking at little or no cost. Women have shared the cost, combined with the intimidation factor, has kept them from stepping onto the course and, in turn, from building relationships that advance their careers.

While our work is rooted in the AEC industry, the ripple effect extends far beyond it creating more inclusive spaces, strengthening networks, and inspiring women across the broader community to see golf as both a sport and a gateway to opportunity.

Through The Pro Shop, we continue to encourage, empower, and evolve the industry so that golf, and the doors it opens, is accessible to all. Creating lasting impact for women in our industry and beyond.

Marceil Whitney - Founder & Director, Tennis Outreach Programs (TOPs)

Marceil Whitney began her coaching career at the age of 18. More than 55 years later, she continues to inspire and reach youth of all ages and abilities through the sport of tennis. Her journey began in her hometown of Molalla, Oregon, where she first picked up a racquet. In seventh grade, Marceil had an early “aha” moment and while helping her teacher tutor an intellectually disabled classmate, she realized her deep passion for teaching. By fifth grade, she had decided she wanted to be a Physical Education teacher. In seventh grade, after watching Billie Jean King play tennis, she knew she wanted to make tennis her sport for life.

Her sophomore year in high school marked another defining moment: she realized she wanted to give back to youth through tennis, offering them opportunities she wished she had herself.

Upon moving to Seattle's Eastside in 1973, she brought her passion for youth tennis which started with the Bellevue Parks. More than 55 years later, she continues to inspire and reach over 3,500 youth each year, of all ages and abilities through the sport of tennis.

Marceil is the creator and author of two books, Teenie Tennis, A Love Game and Teenie Tennis, A Progressive Teaching Method for Teaching Young Juniors. She has produced two videos, Teenie Tennis, A Family Game and Teenie Tennis, Teaching Young Juniors.

For the past 55 years, Marceil has worked as a certified tennis professional through Racquet Sports Professional Association, RSPA, formally known as United States Professional Tennis Association, USPTA. She has served as a USPTA, Pacific Northwest Division officer. Marceil was awarded the Pacific Northwest USPTA Professional of the Year in 1991. 

Between 1997 and 2012, she coached at Central Park Tennis Club and served as the Redmond High School boys and girls tennis coach for 16 years, developing an inclusive team environment with a "no cuts" policy. She has been a long-term partner for over 45 years with Redmond Parks and Recreation, offering tennis camps and adult lessons for the public, which offers an opportunity to hire over 50 instructors to coach the tennis camps and adult lessons during the summer. Notably, she was recognized for her "Wake Up to Tennis" program for underserved youth in collaboration with Redmond Elementary School and the Old Redmond School House Community Center.

In 2003, Marceil founded Tennis Outreach Programs (TOPs), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, with a mission of “Empowering youth for lifetime success through tennis, education, fitness, and character development regardless of economic circumstance,” to further expand her desire to give back to the community. With help from supporters and generous donors, Eastside Tennis Center (ETC) opened in 2013; a dedicated facility for TOPs, to ensure she could offer youth tennis programs year-round. Marceil developed inclusive programs for Autistic, Hard of Hearing and Deaf Communities, with ASL Interpreters on court.

Her contributions to tennis and youth have been recognized nationally and regionally. Marceil received the Educational Merit Award in 1991 from the USTA International Tennis Hall of Fame in Rhode Island, recognizing her work with young juniors. Marceil was also inducted into the USTA Pacific Northwest Hall of Fame in 2023. Marceil and her husband, Brian of 53 years have 3 grown children and 9 grandchildren. Her faith, family, and friends are her support and cheerleaders in her life journey. Marceil enjoys spending time with their grandchildren, baking, biking, and helping others.

How the prize money would be used:

If awarded this funding, Tennis Outreach Programs (TOPs) would use it to expand opportunities for youth and families who might not otherwise have access to tennis. Our mission is to ensure that every child can step onto the court to build skills that extend far beyond the game. In which TOPs SPIRIT core values are integrated into the development our lessons, Sportsmanship, Perseverance, Integrity, Respect, Inspiration, Teamwork, alongside forehands and serves. These values help youth succeed in school, relationships, and future careers.

The award would help provide financial assistance, so no child is turned away. In addition, it would support our inclusive programs for Autistic and Hard of Hearing, Deaf participants, Before and After- School programs in which is subsidized by grants and donors. This support would directly empower young people, create meaningful coaching opportunity for girls and women, of whom serve as mentors and role models for the youth they serve. TOPs is honored to have been given the opportunity to change lives by building lifelong success through tennis, pickleball, education, and character development.

“I’m deeply honored to be in the company of such a prestigious group of women for this WISE award. Together, our journeys reflect a shared commitment to giving back and turning our visions and dreams into opportunities that help and inspire others.”

Suzanne Vick - Athletic Director, University Place School District/ Curtis High School

I’m a proud mom of three grown sons. Having spent 25 years in education, I currently serve as the Athletic Director for the University Place School District and Curtis High School and am humbled to have been recognized as the 2025–2026 SPLS Athletic Director of the Year and the 2025–2026 West Central District Athletic Director of the Year.

Sports have shaped my life. I was a multi-sport student-athlete at Wilson High School (now Silas High School) and went on to play volleyball at Eastern Washington University. I’ve been honored with induction into the Wilson High School Hall of Fame, the Tacoma-Pierce County Hall of Fame, and the Eastern Washington University Hall of Fame.

My passion is empowering people to live within their passion. I’m an advocate for positive change and a champion for female athletes. As advisor to the Curtis High School Girls and Women in Sports group, I have the privilege of helping young women grow as leaders, student-athletes, teammates, and individuals.

How the prize money would be used:

If awarded, I would like the donation to go to the Curtis Girls and Women in Sports group, a student-led organization founded three years ago by a student-athlete advocating for equity in sports. Since then, the group has grown in both size and influence, providing a safe, empowering space for female student-athletes to connect, collaborate, and lead.

Over the past three years, our leaders have attended the Sports in Schools Leadership Camp, hosted three “Your Voice Matters” events for female student-athletes, their families, and fans, and created two all-girls “Viking Experience” camps for K–6 students. They have also discussed creating an event to inspire other local high schools to do the same.

This donation would help continue those opportunities by covering costs for leadership camps, guest speakers, mentorship programs, and other student-driven initiatives. Most importantly, the student-athletes themselves would help decide how the funds are used, ensuring the money supports their dreams and builds a foundation for the next generation of female leaders in athletics.

Congratulations To Our 2024 WISE Seattle Women Of Inspiration Winner 

We were thrilled to announce Annette Diggs, Founder, Edge Outdoors, as the recipient of the 2024 WISE Seattle Women of Inspiration Award!

This prestigious honor was recently awarded to Annette at the 2024 Seattle Sports Commission Women in Leadership Breakfast.

WINNER - Annette Diggs - Founder, Edge Outdoors

As a finalist for the 2024 WISE Seattle Woman of Inspiration Award, I’m truly honored to be recognized for my contributions to race and gender equity in the outdoors. Over the past decade, I’ve devoted myself to fostering and developing marginalized communities in outdoor spaces through EDGE Outdoors, an organization I founded to address the underrepresentation of Black, Indigenous, and Women of Color in snow sports. I take pride in being a scientist, ski instructor, outdoor enthusiast, and humanitarian. My involvement extends to significant roles on the Ski California DEI Task Force, Snowsports Industries America’s Inclusion Committee, and the US Hang Gliding & Paragliding Association's Women’s Committee.

My passion for inclusivity is deeply personal and extends well beyond my professional achievements. I’ve had the privilege of climbing iconic volcanoes in the Pacific Northwest, including Mount Rainier, and summiting Mt. Kilimanjaro in Africa. In 2019, I led a humanitarian effort that provided essential gear to 32 porters on Mt. Kilimanjaro, reflecting my commitment to empowering those who are often the least supported in the mountaineering world.

Through EDGE Outdoors, I’m dedicated to creating opportunities for underrepresented communities to not only participate in snow sports but also to lead and compete professionally. I’ve established significant partnerships with organizations like Vail Resorts and Stevens Pass Ski Resort, contributing to a nearly 20% increase in BIPOC hires at Stevens Pass.

My work is far-reaching, and I remain committed to challenging the status quo to create a more inclusive outdoor environment. If awarded this recognition and donation, I will continue to support the ongoing mission of EDGE Outdoors.

Watch the video below, produced by our partners at King 5, highlighting the 2024 Winner.

Congratulations To Our 2023 WISE Seattle Women Of Inspiration Winner 

We were thrilled to announce Mel Harrow, Associate Athletic Director at the Bush School and Head Coach of UW Women's Hockey, as the recipient of the 2023 WISE Seattle Women of Inspiration Award!

This prestigious honor was recently awarded to Mel at the 2023 Seattle Sports Commission Women's Leadership Breakfast.

Congratulations to all the incredible finalists who made this award so fiercely competitive: 

Jen Barnes - Owner, Rough & Tumble 
Tiffany Castro - Owner, West Coast Queen Of Diamonds
Marcie Morgan - Founder, Seven Seals Racing Team
Kat Sweet - Founder, Sweetlines 

These incredible women collectively saw an opportunity to fill a space where there was a gap.

We encourage you to follow their journey.

We can't wait to see what they do next!⁠ 
⁠
Let them be your reminder to take action and "Do It." ⁠

WINNER - Mel Harrow - Associate Athletic Director at the Bush School & Head Coach UW Women's Hockey

Mel grew up playing ice hockey in the greater Seattle area before going on to play college hockey at Buffalo State University. Growing up around ice hockey drove Mel toward a career in sport where she focuses on creating a positive environment for the next generation of athletes. Mel is currently the Associate Athletic Director for the Bush School and the Head Coach for the UW Women's Club hockey team. 

Mel’s core value is supporting and empowering the whole person through sports. She creates and implements athletic leadership programming to develop student-athletes to be leaders. Her passions lie in achieving gender equity in sport, sport for all, and ensuring all who identify as girls and women build confidence on and off the field. Mel has been driven to achieve this through her work with EmpowHER Hour workshops, sports sampling clinics, panel presentations, and increasing the number of women identifying athletes to access strength and conditioning training. Recently, Mel co-hosted a coaching education clinic to certify 85 WIAA coaches. 

The cash prize donation would go to progressing hockey to a more inclusive community by providing access (gear/scholarship funds) to the sport for underrepresented groups.

A little more about Mel Harrow

Media Coverage

2022: Listen to an interview with WOI Committee Chair, Michelle Ludtka Furbush on the Bump & Stacy Show on Seattle Sports 710AM.

Women of Inspiration Program Partners