With 184 career goals, Wambach is the all-time leading scorer in the history of international women’s soccer and a vocal advocate for pay equity and LGBTQ rights. “Abby Wambach is using her success on the field to advance issues of importance to women and society as a whole,” said Elizabeth Brazas, CFWNC president. “She is fighting for equal pay for women and is a strong advocate for gender rights and the rights of the LGBTQ community. Her call for female leadership and equity is a great fit for Power of the Purse®, and we look forward to having her here.”
Wambach, American Soccer Icon, Olympic gold medalist and activist, was the United States’ leading scorer in the 2007 and 2011 Women’s World Cup tournaments and the 2004 and 2012 Olympics. Her ability to wear down defenses with her physical play, aerial game and hard running has been a key to the USA’s success. After winning the Women’s World Cup in 2015, Wambach retired as one of the most dominant players in the history of women’s soccer. A true leader on and off the field, she is dedicating the next chapter of her career to fighting for equality and inclusion across industries.
Power of the Purse® brings well-known female speakers and personalities to Western North Carolina to celebrate the power of women’s philanthropy. The afternoon includes the announcement of grants from Women for Women, a Community Foundation giving circle. Past speakers have included Maria Hinojosa, Doris Kearns Goodwin, Mae Jemison, Piper Kerman, Olympia Snowe, Dee Dee Myers, Anna Deavere Smith, Gloria Steinem, Jennifer Buffett, Cokie Roberts and Anna Quindlen. The event benefits The Women’s Fund, a CFWNC permanent endowment.
The Community Foundation marks its 40th anniversary in 2018. CFWNC works with families, businesses and nonprofits to strengthen communities through the creation of charitable funds and strategic grantmaking. A permanent charitable resource, the Foundation manages over 1,060 funds and has facilitated more than $216 million in philanthropy since its founding in 1978. CFWNC continues to evolve to help donors and nonprofits meet their charitable goals and to serve the ever-changing needs of Western North Carolina and beyond. Learn more at www.cfwnc.org.