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MILWAUKEE, June 11, 2015 – ForbesWoman, along with Northwestern Mutual, has named Reshma Saujani the 2015 recipient of the Forbes Impact Award in Leadership. The award honors a woman who is investing in and making a meaningful change for the next generation of women. It was presented at the 3rd Annual Forbes Women’s Summit in New York City June 10.
Saujani is the 39-year-old founder and CEO of Girls Who Code, an organization launched in 2012 with a mission to close the gender gap in science, technology, engineering and math, known as STEM. The program focuses on empowering, educating and equipping girls with the computing skills to succeed in a high-tech world. Saujani accepted the award during a special presentation at the summit, themed Power Redefined: Transforming the Rules of Engagement.
“I accepted the Forbes Impact Award in Leadership on behalf of all the girls at Girls Who Code who are fearless and resilient. They are true change agents who will use their technical skills to build products that will have a lasting impact on our world,” said Saujani. “Their commitment to closing the gender gap in computer science inspires me every day. I am honored to receive this award on their behalf.”
Launched in 2012, Girls Who Code pairs intensive instruction in robotics, web design and mobile development with high-touch mentorship from some of the industry’s top female engineers and entrepreneurs. The national program has grown to more than 214 clubs in schools, libraries and communities across the country and includes a Summer Immersion Program in nine cities nationwide.
“We were extremely impressed and inspired by Reshma’s leadership, determination and vision,” said Rebekah Barsch, vice president of planning and sales at Northwestern Mutual. “Through her tireless work in public advocacy and her commitment to Girls Who Code, Reshma truly is changing the lives of girls today by showing what it means to invest in our next generation of women.”
Northwestern Mutual is committed to empowering women to achieve their goals – in life and in finances. The company recently revealed key insights about women and finances from a study done in partnership with Forbes Insights. The findings are featured online and in a special women’s edition of Forbes magazine this June. In addition, Northwestern Mutual’s multi-year campaign, #WomanWithAPlan, celebrates the accomplishments of women who have found success through planning, dedication and preparation. The company also has an annual tour, Inspiring Leaders: The Power of You, a multi-city event featuring inspiring women leaders, panel discussions and networking.
Presented by Northwestern Mutual, this year’s Forbes Women’s Summit brought together more than 250 leaders in business, politics, technology, media, philanthropy, fashion and entertainment to forge partnerships, find solutions and take actions to make the world a better place. Speakers included Jessica Alba, Ina Garten, Chelsea Handler, Ivanka Trump, Sara Blakely, Kay Krill, Debra Lee, Jennifer Hyman, Gayle King, Soledad O’Brien, Tracy Andersen, Rosalind Brewer, Roya Mahboob, Ramona Pierson, Merlanne Verveer and Risa Lavizzo-Mourey.
About Northwestern Mutual
Northwestern Mutual has been helping families and businesses achieve financial security for nearly 160 years. Our financial representatives build relationships with clients through a distinctive planning approach that integrates risk management with wealth accumulation, preservation and distribution. With $230 billion in assets, $27 billion in revenues, nearly $90 billion in assets under management in our investment products and services, and more than $1.5 trillion worth of life insurance protection in force, Northwestern Mutual delivers financial security to 4.3 million people who rely on us for insurance and investment solutions, including life, disability income and long-term care insurance; annuities; trust services; mutual funds; and investment advisory products and services. Northwestern Mutual is recognized by FORTUNE® magazine as one of the “World’s Most Admired” life insurance companies in 2015.
Northwestern Mutual is the marketing name for The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company, Milwaukee, WI, and its subsidiaries. Northwestern Mutual and its subsidiaries offer a comprehensive approach to financial security solutions, including life insurance, long-term care insurance, disability income insurance, annuities, Iife insurance with long-term care benefits, investment products, and advisory products and services. Subsidiaries include Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC, broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, member FINRA and SIPC; the Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company, limited purpose federal savings bank; and Northwestern Long Term Care Insurance Company.
About Forbes Media:
Forbes Media is a global media, branding and technology company, with a focus on news and information about business, investing, technology, entrepreneurship, leadership and affluent lifestyles. The company publishes Forbes, Forbes Asia, Forbes Europe and ForbesLife magazines as well as Forbes.com and ForbesLife.com. The Forbes brand today reaches more than 75 million people worldwide with its business message each month through its magazines and 37 licensed local editions around the globe, Forbes.com, TV, conferences, research, and social and mobile platforms. The Forbes magazine iPad app merges print storytelling with social sharing and the Web. Forbes Media’s brand extensions include conferences, real estate, education, financial services and technology license agreements.
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