The 2010 Vital Voices Global Leadership Awards at the Kennedy Center on 
March 10 was a smashing success, raising over $1.3 million to support women leaders working to strengthen democracy, increase economic opportunity and protect human rights around the world.
More than 1,000 friends and supporters packed the Eisenhower Theater for the annual event, themed Impact through Innovation: Women Inspiring Change, to honor remarkable women who, every day, push boundaries and take risks to alleviate poverty, safeguard human rights, end violence against women and promote education in their communities.
A power-packed presenter line-up from media, entertainment and government sectors included Sally Field, Angélique Kidjo, Sheila Bair, Suze Orman, Andrea Jung, Reese Witherspoon, Ann Moore, Sheila Johnson, Nicholas D. Kristof, Diane von Furstenberg, Kay Bailey Hutchison, Brian Williams, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, and Michele Norris.
The Awards went to:
MELINDA FRENCH GATES, USA Global Trailblazer Award
AFNAN AL ZAYANI, BAHRAIN Leadership in Public Life Award
PANMELA CASTRO, BRAZIL Human Rights Award
REBECCA LOLOSOLI, KENYA French Holland Award
ROSHANEH ZAFAR, PAKISTAN Economic Empowerment Award