A Night in the Winners' Circle

Springboard Enterprises hosted our third annual Winners’ Circle Awards Celebration Dinner at The New York Stock Exchange on October 29, 2009. The evening celebrated the accomplishments of women entrepreneurs in one of the world’s preeminent financial institutions.
Starting with a spirited reception on the historic NYSE floor, our sponsors, Board members, alumnae, investors, advisors, and friends enjoyed appetizers and drinks under the closing bell podium. Surrounded by the phones, computer screens, and desks so often seen on television, attendees toured the floor, mingled, and thoroughly appreciated the chosen venue.


On the podium, Board Chair Kay Koplovitz and President Amy Millman honored “The First Woman of Finance,” Mickie Siebert with the Northstar Award. As the first woman to buy her seat at the Stock Exchange forty years ago, Mickie reminded attendees of how far women have come and what we still need to achieve. Bob Power of the NYSE recounted how, just a few years ago, old phone rooms had to be converted to ladies’ restrooms to accommodate the women who had followed Mickie Siebert’s bold example. Sue Kiesel, the representative from Lead Underwriter Capital One Bank, spoke of Capital One’s commitment toward the advancement of female entrepreneurs.

Following the reception, attendees moved upstairs for the Awards Dinner. Kay welcomed the 225 guests into the Winners’ Circle and praised the women of Springboard for daring to dream big and execute their plans. The New York Stock Exchange’s Representative, Bob Power, and the first female Co-President of the New York Stock Exchange, Catherine Kinney, spoke next, discussing the need for human capital in business. Elaine Jones of Pfizer introduced the first Oracle Award recipient of the night, Barbara Dalton. Kay, along with Dinner Co-Chair and Springboard National Advisor, Toby Moskovits, presented the award after the audience enjoyed an inspiring video about Barbara and her distinguished career. Barbara, who is an experienced life science entrepreneur both in the lab and in the corporate world, was chosen as an Oracle recipient because of her commitment to going the extra mile for the companies she does business with.


Guests savored their meals and each other’s company before the next portion of the evening. Pam Contag, Springboard Board Member, Alumnae, and presenter in the latest Forum, spoke next on behalf of the current presenters, expressing their appreciation for all those involved in AllThingsLifeSciences. Lisa Burns, President and CEO of Burn McClellan, introduced the next Oracle recipient, Dr. Sharon Mates of Intra-Cellular Therapies. Kay and Lauren Flanagan, Springboard Board member and Dinner Co-Chair, awarded Sharon for her successful life science career. Sharon, Springboard alumnae, is a scientist and serial entrepreneur and her triumphs in the business world serve as an example for us all.

Dr. Paul Greengard of The Rockefeller University was the next special guest speaker, aptly chosen for his achievements in the life science industry, notably the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2000. Lauren reiterated Wisconsin Lt. Governor Barbara Lawton’s remarks praising Springboard made earlier in October at the Madison AllThingsLifeSciences Forum. Lauren also recognized the presence of the next generation of powerful women in the audience, as some guests were accompanied by their daughters. Sue Kiesel presented the raffle winner, Springboard Alumnae Aprile Pilon, with the Capital One Gift Basket including tickets to see the Rockettes in the Radio City Holiday Spectacular.


The 2009 Winners’ Circle Awards Celebration Dinner focused on the achievements of entrepreneurial women and recognized the accomplishments of honorees. Among some of the rave reviews: “It was a magical night, with the venue and awards making it that much more special” and “A truly informative, educational and inspirational gathering”. The atmosphere, venue, and guests made for an evening alive with the can-do spirit of the women of Springboard and the community that does so much to support them.

To view more photos from the evening, click here.