By Becca Weinberg
United in a collective desire for belonging and empowerment, Portland WISE members gathered with their family and friends on Saturday, November 1st, for the 2025 Women of Inspiration Awards. Hosted at Stoller Family Estate Vineyard and Winery, attendees braved the rainy outdoor conditions for a warm afternoon of brunch, wine, and connection.
“I’m thrilled to celebrate WISE Portland’s 3rd annual Women of Inspiration Awards, where we honor remarkable women who embody the WISE mission and make an extraordinary impact on our industry and community,” said WISE Portland President Kelsey Hough. “The WISE community means so much to me, and I feel lucky every day to be surrounded by such inspiring women.”
Two different awards were featured at the event: Woman to Watch, which highlights women in the sports and entertainment industry who are newer to their roles, and Woman of Inspiration, which is given to women who have been in the industry for 10+ years. WISE members selected nine nominees for Woman to Watch and seven nominees for Woman of Inspiration.
This year, the Portland Timbers swept the winners category, with both the Woman of Watch and Woman of Inspiration coming from their organization. Mental performance coach Lacey Henderson took home the Woman of Inspiration award, while senior manager of promotions and gameday presentation, Sydney Laciste, won the Woman to Watch award.
“A community coming together where traditionally women haven’t been celebrated, there hasn’t been space made for them, feels so comforting and really rewarding to be recognized,” said Henderson following the ceremony. “I think the reason that we do this work so often, especially for women who are athletes or raising athletes, you just want so much for your story to matter. And I think these are the types of communities and events where you are reminded that it does matter, and that we really do all grow together if we support each other.”
The event concluded with the sun beginning to break through the clouds on an otherwise gloomy day, and further networking opportunities on the horizon. Hough prepared the audience for a big year of WISE in 2026, including celebrating the fifth anniversary of the Portland chapter. Attendees joined in celebration of not just each incredible nominee this year, but all women in the community who are making a difference in their respective roles.