BOULDER, Colo. (BRAIN) — The Outdoor Industries Women’s Coalition will present leadership awards to Erin Sprague of Specialized and Jessica Klodnicki of Bell Helmets and Blackburn at its annual awards presentation held the first evening of the Interbike show.
“An important part of OIWC’s mission is to highlight and award women who are paving the way for other women. By shining a spotlight on these exceptional women, we demonstrate and celebrate the incredible impact women have on business in the industry,” the coalition said.
Sprague will be presented with the First Ascent award. Sprague is the director of market development for the USA at Specialized, where she works in partnership with top revenue retail accounts to drive business strategy, retail innovation and sales growth across the bicycle industry.
“Erin has led the women's category at Specialized and inspired the entire organization to take the women's category seriously. This had translated into empowering many female employees to excel in the organization and to increase the market share of Specialized women's products. Erin has increased sales, increased the percent of women in the organization, and shows a clear career path for female employees with increased opportunities," said Jennifer Capasso, in her nomination.
Klodnicki will be presented with the Pioneering Woman award. She is the executive vice president and general manager for Bell Helmets and Blackburn, part of the BRG Sports portfolio. Klodnicki is responsible for growing both brands globally.
Klodnicki also started a Santa Cruz-based women’s mountain biking group called Girls Rock that works with local bike shops, companies and other donors and volunteers to put on a monthly ride.
Klodnicki was nominated by 20 individuals. The OIWC said she could hold the record for most nominations for an OIWC Leadership Award.
“Jessica has succeeded in what I would have to say is a male-dominated sport and work place,” one of her nominators said. “Her diplomacy and dedication has served her well, and is changing the industry's view on the tremendous and growing female market.”
Both women will be honored at a presentation Wed., Sept. 16, from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Mandalay Bay, South Pacific F Ballroom.
RSVP is requested but not required. To RSVP, go to oiwc.org.
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Jessica Klodnicki
