Elly Awards

Honoring game changing women leaders since 2011.

About

Over $2 million raised for women over 35 completing their college degrees.

Named for Forum founder Elinor Guggenheimer, the Elly Awards is the annual fundraising event for The Education Fund. Since 2011, the event has honored women leaders who set (or changed) the rules of the game.

2021 Virtual Elly Awards

In 2021, the Elly Awards honored Cynt Marshall, CEO, Dallas Mavericks, who spoke with moderator Willow Bay, Dean of the USC Annenberg School of Communications and Journalism. As always our 20 Scholars, were acknowledged for their achievements in pursuit of an education.

2020 Elly Awards Honorees

Sylvia Acevedo

Former CEO, Girl Scouts of the USA

Misty Copeland

Principal Dancer, American Ballet Theatre and Author

Stephanie Ruhle

Moderator: MSNBC Anchor and NBC Senior Business Correspondent

2019 Elly Awards

Mika Brzezinski, co-host of MSNBC’s Morning Joe delivered the keynote address in 2019, “Saluting Founders and Icons.”

2019 Elly Award Honorees

Katie Couric

Award-Winning Journalist and Author

Muriel Fox

PR Executive and Feminist Activist

Eleanor Holmes Norton

U.S. Congressional Representative for Washington, D.C.

2018 Elly Awards

Our largest group of honorees, speakers and panelists ever, featured former first-lady and Secretary of State, Hillary Rodham Clinton delivered the keynote address.

Sheila C. Johnson

Founder and CEO of Salamander Hotel and Resorts

Deirdre Quinn

CEO and Co-Founder of Lafayette 148 New York

Donna E. Shalala

Former Secretary of Health and Human Services and President of the Clinton Foundation

Kay Unger

CEO, Kay Unger Designs and The Kay Unger Family Foundation

Dr. Joyce F. Brown

President, Fashion Institute of Technology