WASHINGTON, D.C. — Independent Women’s Forum (IWF) presented Maria Bartiromo, anchor and global markets editor at Fox Business Network, with its Barbara K. Olson Woman of Valor Award on Wednesday during its Virtual Awards Celebration. Bartiromo was recognized as an inspiration and pioneer, showing what women can accomplish in media and how to successfully shatter glass ceilings. She holds numerous achievements in the global market reporting and journalism sectors, and was the first woman inducted into the Cable Hall of Fame.
“It takes courage to stick your neck out, and it takes courage to follow a story and keep following it,” said Bartiromo. “I feel so proud to stick to the truth and keep telling the truth no matter where it leads and no matter what pushback you get. That is journalism. And journalism can change the world. It can lift people’s lives, take people out of poverty with knowledge and education. And so, I’m proud of what I’ve been able to do.”
The Barbara K. Olson Woman of Valor Award has been bestowed upon some of the most influential female leaders in the country since 2004. It recognizes extraordinary women who have demonstrated a firm commitment to liberty, limited government, and personal responsibility, and whose work has helped make significant improvements to the lives of women nationwide. Previous award recipients include Nikki Haley, Carly Fiorina, Ayaan Hirsi Ali, Condoleezza Rice, Elaine Chao, Lynne Cheney, Kellyanne Conway, Senator Marsha Blackburn, Betsy DeVos, and Cathy McMorris Rodgers, to name a few.
In the midst of today’s political divide, Congressman Crenshaw reminded the audience that, “Patriotism should not be partisan at all.” And he noted that “our Founders, and Mount Rushmore, and the Pledge of Allegiance, and the national anthem…are the only things holding us together.”
Congressman Crenshaw addressed the challenges of 2020 and gave his advice for navigating the difficulties plaguing our nation today: “Patience refers to a sense of stillness,” he said. “This is what I write about in [my] book. And it is this ability to count to 10. It’s this ability to think to yourself, ‘Is everything in this headline accurate?’ Like, ‘Should I react to this the way they’re telling me to?’ We would all be a lot better off if that were the case.”
The Gentleman of Distinction Award celebrates a gentleman who is committed to protecting and defending our American ideals and works to create a stronger, freer, and healthier society. Past honorees have included Mike Rowe, Steve Forbes, Ed Gillespie, Mark Steyn, and Larry Kudlow.
The virtual event also featured a special musical performance by former American Idol finalist and country music star Ayla Brown.
Acceptance remarks from Maria Bartiromo.
Acceptance remarks from Representative Dan Crenshaw.
Event program.
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Independent Women’s Forum is an educational 501(c)(3) dedicated to developing and advancing policies that aren’t just well-intended, but actually enhance people’s freedom, choices, and opportunities.