Madeline Weinstein, Dedicated Supporter and Visionary Leader
Board of Trustees member Madeline Weinstein exemplifies the notion that a single person can make a big impact. Her belief in gender equity shines through in everything she does, and this passion has helped her emerge as a leader among leaders while serving on a variety of Foundation committees. Weinstein is currently the Vice President for Governance and a member of the Executive Committee for the Women’s Sports Foundation, and has previously served on the Foundation’s Development Committee and National Branding Campaign. Through it all, she has maintained a focus and drive that rivals any competitive athlete.
How did you become involved with the Women’s Sports Foundation?
I had the good fortune to hear Donna Lopiano speak about 10 years ago at a conference for women executives. She spoke about the history of women in sports, motivating us with success stories about the progress that’s been made and the impact this has had on the lives of millions of girls and women. But, she also challenged us to participate in the work still to be done to assure equal opportunities in sports as in all other areas of life. From then on, I was hooked.
Have you ever been denied an opportunity, athletically or professionally, based on your gender?
Growing up before Title IX, there were no sports opportunities for girls in my community. I was a good athlete and loved to participate in all kinds of sports, but this was limited to neighborhood and schoolyard games. I used to watch the boys play little league and basketball, but it took some growing up before I realized the extent to which I had been denied important formative experiences. What I knew at the time was that I was missing the fun.
What kind of legacy do you hope to leave for women?
My friends at the Women’s Sports Foundation, and I all have the same wish. We want women and girls to know they have a right to equal opportunities to participate in sports. We want them to know the joy of being the best they can be, of setting personal goals and achieving success, of contributing to a team effort, and win or lose, to be proud of their efforts. Above all, we want to inspire the belief that everything is possible.
With the support of people like Weinstein, everything IS possible. But you don’t have to be a Foundation Trustee to help us reach these goals. Activism on our GoGirlGo! National Campaign Web site, volunteering at a Foundation event and making a financial contribution to our grant and educational programs are just some of the ways you can give back to a cause worth fighting for. Like Weinstein, you have the power to make a difference for girls and women in sports.