Paula Clapp
Co-Founder and VP of StolenYouth and the Seattle International Foundation
Paula Clapp, this year’s Ginger Ackerley Award winner, is co-founder and vice-president of StolenYouth. After investing in the film “SOLD”, which chronicles the life a young girl forced into prostitution in India, Clapp was inspired to advocate for Seattle-area youths forced into the sex trade. Clapp and her co-founders aim to spread awareness of the sex trade in Washington as well as raising money to aid the area’s sexually exploited children. StolenYouth has raised $2.5 million over a three-year period. The money raised goes to fund housing, education and counseling for exploited youths as well as prevention of sexual exploitation.
“Inspiring Women Night shines a light on the good work being done in our community. It is an honor to receive this award and to be able to talk about the young girls we at StolenYouth serve. Our community needs to know that 500 girls under the age of 18 are being bought and sold for sex; they are local children who are forced into a life they did not choose. I am humbled at the opportunity to spread more awareness about StolenYouth through Inspiring Women Night.”
– Paula Clapp
Today, Clapp serves as an advisory board member on the University of Washington’s Center for Human Rights. Clapp also worked as a school counselor at Zion Preparatory Academy. Adding to her vast philanthropic ventures, Clapp, along with her husband, Bill Clapp, co-founded the Seattle International Foundation where she is vice-president of the board. With Seattle International Foundation, Clapp works to diminish international poverty with a focus on impoverished Central American communities. Clapp has also co-founded Global Partnerships with her husband to empower women and girls through education, gender equality and leadership training.
Sally Clark
Former Seattle City Councilmember
Sally Clark was recently named as the University of Washington’s director of regional and community relations where she connects and works with local neighborhoods and the local government to build and strengthen relationships between the community and the university. Prior to her position with the University of Washington, Clark served nearly a decade on the Seattle City Council. Clark devoted her tenure with the city council to positively affect the lives of the local populace. Clark has used her position to increase the number of living wage jobs in Seattle, strengthen the safety net of those in need and ensure Seattle is a place opportunity and prosperity. Before joining city council, Clark was the director of resources with the Lifelong AIDS Alliance where she led the organization in providing food, housing and health resources for those affected by HIV/AIDS.
“Inspiring Women Night is a great opportunity to bring community service to the forefront. We all have a role to play in making sure we leave the world a better place and I am honored to receive this recognition from the Seattle Storm and I encourage everyone to find a role that fits them and allows them to give back to the community.”
– Sally Clark
Clark is a graduate of the University of Washington and started her career as a print journalist before going on to work for Seattle’s Department of Neighborhoods, the Metropolitan King County Council, Northwest Association for Housing Affordability and the Chicken Soup Brigade.
Jennie Reed
Title IX Activist, World & U.S. champion track cyclist
World and U.S. champion track cyclist and Kirkland native, Jennie Reed, has used her athleticism and drive to help and inspire others. The first American woman to win the World Championship in the keirin, Reed has gone on to win 25 international track cycling medals along with multiple Track World Championships. Reed is a 14 time USA Cycling National Champion and was tenth place in 2004 Athens Olympic Games as well as seventh place in sprint in the 2008 Beijing Olympics Games. In 2012, won the silver medal at the London Olympics as a part of the U.S. Women Track Cycling team.
“Track cycling is a great sport that has taught me so much. To be recognized by the Seattle Storm is an honor, it is a great platform to advocate track awareness and healthy lifestyles in our children.”
– Jennie Reed
Reed has used her success in cycling to start the Jennie Reed Foundation, which aims to educate Seattle-area children on cycling and the lifelong benefits that come with committing to a sport. The foundation spreads to develop young cyclists and build confidence all while encouraging active and healthy lives.
Mary Yu
Associate Justice of the Washington Supreme Court
Justice Mary Yu served 14 years as King County trial court judge before being appointed to the Washington State Supreme Court. Throughout her judicial career, Justice Yu has treated each case with fairness and concern, striving to make the best decision possible. Justice Yu is Seattle University Law School’s 2015 “Woman of the Year”, as well as a Jurist in Residence at Seattle University School of Law. Due to her passion for service, Justice Yu’s free time is spent mentoring young attorneys and law students as well as serving as presiding judge for the Seattle Girls’ School Mock Trial. Justice Yu’s dedication to the justice system and the community inspires and influences those around her. Justice Yu serves on multiple advisory councils and boards, all aimed at improving the community and the lives of those in it. Serving as co-chair on the Leadership Institute of University of Washington and Washington State Bar Association, as well as co-chair of the State of Washington Minority and Justice Commission.
“I am so honored to receive this recognition from an organization that has proven its commitment to girls’ and women’s sports. The Seattle Storm stands for the values of optimism, excellence and pride.”
– Mary Yu
Justice Yu earned a bachelor’s degree in Theology from the Dominican University in River Forest, Illinois; a master’s degree in Religious Studies from Loyola University and her law degree from University of Notre Dame.