Ariadne Delon Scott, Director of Advocacy and the Environment for Specialized, and Sabine Dukes, founder of Velo Bella will be honored at the OIWC Gathering, Thursday, September 27th at Interbike.

Ariadne Delon Scott – Pioneering Woman Award

This award honors women within the bicycle market who have furthered the vision of the Outdoor Industries Women’s Coalition (OIWC) by demonstrating an outstanding commitment to mentoring female colleagues.

Ariadne is the Director of Advocacy and the Environment for Specialized, taking on the development and implementation of a global green action plan and integrating it into the Specialized culture and its environment, products, marketing and communication.

“With the news of global warming and the challenges we face to preserve and protect our precious planet, there is no better time than now to promote bicycles as a valid solution to our foreign dependency on oil and that is just the start of our green efforts,” stated Ariadne.

In her nomination, Ariadne is praised for bringing energy, creativity, and the resources of Specialized to make great things happen for bicycling. “Whether it is inspiring national bike to work programs, a local charity ride, or meeting with the president of the United States, Ariadne brings the same drive and passion to the table. She dreams big and inspires national campaigns, but is also there for small programs and grassroots initiatives.”

When she learned she was the 2007 recipient, Ariadne said, “I am truly honored to be recognized by my peers in the industry-as a team, we have enormous potential to create a strong and vibrant coalition of women in the bicycle industry to make a difference and inspire others to come along for the ride.”

Ariadne will receive $1,000 to be donated to a charity of her choice in her name.

As a long-time board member of the (ITDP), a non-profit organization promoting non-motorized transport on a global basis, she selected this organization to receive the donation.

“The work of ITDP is inspirational because it demonstrates the real power of 'pedal power' and how it literally transforms the lives of those who rely on bicycles to meet their basic transportation needs,” Ariadne said. “In the early 1990’s, old & recycled bicycle frames sent to ITDP were refabricated into medical ambulances for a hospital in Haiti to deliver medical supplies to those in need and inspired me to think of how bicycles can literally save lives. Their work today spans the globe in promoting sustainable policy work.”

Sabine Dukes – First Ascent Award

This award recognizes a woman new to the industry who demonstrates strong potential for leadership. This award furthers the vision of OIWC by increasing visibility of talented young women at lower levels in an organization, thereby facilitating and nurturing their leadership skills.

Sabine created Velo Bella, a women’s cycling club that now has more than 300 members. She says of her organization, which is staffed entirely by volunteers, “Our mission is to encourage women to take up the sport of cycling. We hope to encourage women by showing how much fun the sport can be. We have a great time, and we hope it shows. We do have a race-focused interest, but welcome any women interested to our team. We have no membership fees and the only requirement of the team is to purchase a jersey, participate in at least one race, and to have fun.”

In her nomination, Sabine is praised as being an inspiration to women everywhere. “In 2001 or 2002 she and a friend founded a cycling club with one mission in mind: Cute uniforms. The group has evolved into Velo Bella, a worldwide collection of pro and amateur racers and rec riders spreading the message that strong women can look good and have fun on a bike. The pros are always race-favorites among the 6-year-old girls at races because of their sassy uniforms. And they inspire women everywhere to be a part of their club and join the party.”

Sabine is also the Controller for Fox Racing Inc. A CPA and Dean's List scholar graduate of San Jose State with a BS in Business Administration, she is at home in the bicycle industry. “It’s a pleasure now coming to work and seeing other people clomping around the hallways in bike shoes!”

Sabine will receive a scholarship to a Strozzi Institute for Leadership workshop in Petaluma, CA. The popular four-day workshop, “Leadership in Action 1: Principles and Practices,” is valued at $2500.

Both women will accept the awards at the OIWC Gathering, Thursday, Sept. 27 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. in Casanova rooms 503 and 504.