First-Ever HORIZON AWARDS a Huge, Inspiring Success

    MIAMI, FL, October 23, 2016 /24-7PressRelease/ -- On October 5, 2016, the Women's In-House Counsel Leadership Institute (WIHCL) held its first ever Horizon Awards dinner to an overwhelmingly pleased crowd of 325 attendees. The celebratory event recognized corporations, law firms, and individuals who are actively promoting opportunities for women to succeed in the highest levels of the legal profession. Held in the Nation's capital, Washington, D.C. , the evening featured inspirational stories of overcoming challenges, personal and professional triumph, and the tremendous power of networking and giving back.

"The authenticity of the event was remarkable," said attendee Lucy Dougherty, Deputy General Counsel with General Motors. "I was humbled to be a part [of the event] and invigorated by the examples given."

One of the biggest features of the evening was the actual awards presentation. Each award recognized specific areas of impact such as mentoring, advocacy, networking, and acting as a role model for others to follow. The inaugural winners included:

- The Bridge Builder Award
Sloane S. Perras - Vice President | Chief Legal Officer - THE KRYSTAL COMPANY
Presented to a woman who creates and nurtures networks of women, advancing the empowerment of women and change in the legal industry.

- The Sabatino Advocate Award
Created in honor of Thomas J. Sabatino, Jr. - Executive Vice President Law & Regulatory Affairs | General Counsel - AETNA
Craig Glidden - General Counsel and Executive Vice President Law & Public Policy | General Motors
Presented to a visionary male general counsel who has worked tirelessly to help women advance in the profession.

- The Hynes Catalyst for Tomorrow Award
Juliette Pryor - Executive Vice President | General Counsel | Chief Compliance Officer - US FOODS
Presented to a woman who embraces collaboration to achieve sustainable results extending beyond her profession into the world community.

- The Circle of Honor Award
Christine Edwards - Capital Partner |Chair of Bank Regulatory Practice - WINSTON & STRAWN LLP
Presented to a general counsel whose career has clearly helped women advance in the legal profession. Her personal integrity and commitment to excellence make her a role model both within and outside of the legal community.

"It is incredibly rewarding not only that people turned out in such great numbers to support this event, but that it truly touched the hearts of so many" said Lloyd M. Johnson, Jr., Executive Director for WIHCL. "That is proof that our mission is meaningful, needed, and can have an incredibly far-reaching impact throughout the business and legal worlds. We are so grateful to our membership, honorees, and firms and business partners who have made the Horizon Awards possible. We look forward to continuing our work for many more years to come."

About the Women's In-House Counsel Leadership Institute

The Women's In-House Counsel Leadership Institute (WICHL) was founded in 2015 to transform the way that legal departments develop leaders - specifically with the aim of increasing and enhancing the role of women in leadership positions. The non-profit organization's integrated set of executive leadership development programs are rooted in a competencies-based framework which supplements existing leadership efforts with member coursework, networking, and access to peer and expert mentors. Through the WICHL's involvement women in the legal profession are encouraged to progress along the development trail and seamlessly step into key leadership positions within corporate legal departments and in major corporations around the world. Membership opportunities along with the organization's latest programs and accomplishments can be found online at http://www.wihcl.org.

# # #