Ashley Judd to Receive Sandra Day O’Connor Lifetime Achievement Award

Arizona Foundation for Women has selected two-time Golden Globe-nominated actress, humanitarian and author Ashley Judd as its 2018 Sandra Day O’Connor Lifetime Achievement Award Honoree.

Judd is known for her roles in successful movies such as Kiss the Girls, Eye of the Beholder, Someone Like You and Double Jeopardy. Notably, Arizona Foundation for Women is recognizing her for her philanthropic and activist work around women’s health, rights and equality, and helping those living with AIDS around the world.

Judd will receive the Sandra Day O’Connor Lifetime Achievement Award on March 26, 2018, at the Arizona Biltmore during the foundation’s annual awards luncheon. The award is given annually to a woman who has distinguished herself through her leadership and contributions to society, especially for work that benefits women and families. Past honorees include Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, former first lady Barbara Bush, Billie Jean King, Goldie Hawn and Maria Shriver.

“Receiving the Sandra Day O’Connor Lifetime Achievement Award is an enormous honor,” Judd says. “Named for a historic pioneer and icon, I interpret the award as less a validation for what service God has used me to render thus far, than as a sacred encouragement to continue to strive for an equal, safe and flourishing society in which everyone is valued and has the same opportunities. I am very thankful to the Arizona Foundation for Women for the opportunity to reflect on my journey thus far and the encouragement to keep striving.“

Arizona Foundation for Women’s mission is to advance the status of Arizona’s women through research, advocacy and philanthropy to ensure their safety, health and economic independence. Domestic violence, sexual abuse and human trafficking are a few areas of focus for the foundation.

PHOTO BY ALEX CAYLEY/COURTESY ARIZONA FOUNDATION FOR WOMEN