Arizona Foundation for Women announces award winning actress and writer Mary-Louise Parker as its 2023 Sandra Day O’Connor Lifetime Achievement Award honoree.
Parker will receive the Award on the evening of Friday, February 24, 2023 at the Foundation’s annual awards event, the 2023 AFW Soirée – A Moonlight Masquerade, held at the JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort & Spa in Scottsdale, Arizona. The Moonlight Masquerade is co-chaired by Dr. Radha Rishi and Seema Patel.
AFW is recognizing Parker for her expansive philanthropic and advocacy work in areas such as combatting human trafficking and empowering underserved women and children.
Her humanitarian efforts in the United States and East Africa have also been recognized by the David Lynch Foundation and the Los Angeles County Commission for Human Rights.
“When first introduced to Mary-Louise, I was captivated by her passion for the betterment of women,” said Mesha Davis, AFW CEO. “She is a true humanitarian. Her work and humility are admirable, and truly exemplify the spirit of this award.”
Parker is a recipient of two Tony awards, the Emmy, two Golden Globes, the Satellite Award, two Obies and two Lucille Lortel Awards, as well as the Drama Desk, Outer Critics, and Drama League Awards, the Clarence Derwent, and Theatre World Awards and more. She’s appeared extensively on and off Broadway and on television and film for over thirty-five years.
Parker is widely known for her movie roles in “Prelude to a Kiss”, “Grand Canyon”, “Fried Green Tomatoes”, “The Client”, “A Place for Annie” and “Boys on the Side” to name a few. Her television credits include “The West Wing”, “Angels in America”, “Weeds” and many more.
In 2015, Parker released her first book, an autobiography titled “Dear Mr. You”, where she recounts her life through letters written to men who have informed the person she is today. Her writing has appeared in Esquire, The New York Times, O Magazine, Glamour, Bullett, The Riveter and InStyle.
Parker shares ties to Arizona, as a graduate of Marcos de Niza High School in Tempe.
The Sandra Day O’Connor Lifetime Achievement Award is given annually to a woman who has distinguished herself through her leadership and contributions to society through her lifetime achievements, especially for work which benefits women and families. Past honorees include Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, Former First Lady Barbara Bush, Billie Jean King, Sally Ride, Ashley Judd, Soledad O’Brien, Gretchen Carlson and Sheila E. to name a few.
The Soirée is AFW’s premier awareness and fundraising event. Attendees will dance, dine and meet inspirational women and men from across Arizona and beyond. Most importantly, they will raise funds in support of programs and services that address the Safety, Health and Economic Empowerment of women in Arizona. The money raised will be directed to women’s leadership development, community education, and financial empowerment. The highlight of the event is the recognition of three inspiring individuals for their lifetime work benefiting women with the following honors:
- Sandra Day O’Connor Lifetime Achievement Award
- Voice of Women Award
- Marilyn R. Seymann Award
The evening will be complete with live music, dancing and some of Arizona’s most dedicated individuals. To learn more about the 2023 AFW Soirée – A Moonlight Masquerade and to purchase tickets, tables or sponsor the event, here.
The 2023 AFW Soirée is sponsored by Southwest Airlines, Burch & Cracchiolo, P.A., Dr. Rishi at Arizona Allergy Associates, The Burgess Law Group and The Fransway Family.
