Photo Contest Judges

We are pleased to include five celebrity judges who are all part of State Department's Empowering Women and Girls through Sports Council on our judging panel:

Angela Ruggiero, Ice Hockey

U.S. Department of State Empowering Women and Girls through Sports Council Member

In addition to her four Olympic medals, Angela is a three-time World Champion and a leader of the U.S. Women’s Hockey National Team. She currently holds the record as All-Time Leader in Games Played for Team USA. Angela is the founder and president of a girl’s hockey school and the former director of the New York Islanders’ Project Hope – an organization that provides young Chinese athletes with access to educational opportunities.

Annika Sörenstam, Golf

U.S. Department of State Empowering Women and Girls through Sports Initiative Council Member

Annika, originally from Sweden, is the greatest female golfer of this generation and often regarded as the best of all-time. She is a mother, career woman, motivational author, and active golf coach. The ANNIKA Foundation teaches children the importance of living a healthy, active lifestyle through fitness and nutrition, and offers aspiring junior golfers opportunities to pursue their dreams.

Ibtihaj Muhammad, Fencing

U.S. Department of State Empowering Women and Girls through Sports Initiative Council Member

An African American sabre fencer and member of the United States Fencing team, Ibtihaj is best known for being the first Muslim woman to compete for the U.S. in an international competition. In late 2002, Muhammad joined the prestigious Peter Westbrook Foundation, a program which utilizes the sport of fencing as a vehicle to develop life skills in young people from underserved communities.

Julie Foudy, Soccer

U.S. Department of State Empowering Women and Girls through Sports Initiative Council Member

A midfielder for the United States women's national soccer team from 1987 through 2004, Julie currently serves as the primary color commentator for women's soccer telecasts on ESPN. Julie launched the Julie Foudy Sports Leadership Academy (JFSLA) for girls ages 12-18 in summer of 2006. The aim of the JFSLA is to help students be a leader on the field and also in life.

Vivian Stringer, Basketball

U.S. Department of State Empowering Women and Girls through Sports Initiative Council Member

Currently the head coach of the Rutgers University women's basketball team, Vivian holds one of the best coaching records in the history of women's basketball. Vivian is the first coach in NCAA history to lead three different women's programs to the NCAA Final Four and is member of the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame and Basketball Hall of Fame.