Portland Thorns and Portland Fire launch EmpowHER Awards to recognize girls’ leadership and community impact
A new, annual recognition program tied to National Girls & Women in Sports Day
The Portland Thorns and the Portland Fire have announced the creation of the EmpowHER Awards, a new annual event designed to recognize girls and women in Portland for leadership and community involvement. The initiative was introduced on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, in connection with National Girls & Women in Sports Day.
The program is scheduled to open nominations in spring 2026, with an awards event planned for summer 2026. Organizers said the awards are intended to highlight women and girls whose work has produced measurable impact across sports and broader community settings, with expectations that many attendees will be young girls.
How the awards will work: nominations, selection, and oversight
The EmpowHER Awards will be supported by corporate sponsors, including Toyota, Chime, Carl’s Jr., Portland Pet Food Company, and Xfinity. Winners will be selected by a newly formed advisory group called the Her Voice Council, which is set to guide community- and equity-related initiatives connected to the Thorns and Fire.
The Her Voice Council includes representatives from partner organizations and local groups, including Adelante Mujeres and Sport Oregon. Additional sponsors of the council include Alaska Airlines, Ring, and Toyota.
- Nominations: expected to open in spring 2026
- Awards event: planned for summer 2026
- Selection: conducted by the Her Voice Council
A joint effort as Portland prepares for the Fire’s WNBA debut
The EmpowHER Awards arrive as Portland’s women’s professional sports landscape expands. The Portland Fire are scheduled to begin play in the WNBA in the 2026 season, after the league awarded Portland its 15th franchise on September 18, 2024. The franchise is owned and operated by RAJ Sports, led by Lisa Bhathal Merage and Alex Bhathal, who also own the Portland Thorns.
Beyond branding and business growth, the ownership group has also announced plans for a shared women’s performance center serving both the Thorns and the Fire. The project has been described as a dual-sport training facility intended to support both soccer and basketball operations ahead of the Fire’s first season.
National Girls & Women in Sports Day community event announced
Alongside the awards announcement, the Thorns and Fire also unveiled a free public event tied to National Girls & Women in Sports Day. The teams are partnering with Sport Oregon to host a community celebration and trivia night in Portland, with partners that include The Sports Bra, Backwoods Brewing, and the Portland Cascade. The event is open to all ages, and tickets are free.
The EmpowHER Awards are structured as an annual recognition platform, combining sponsor support, community nominations, and a standing advisory council tasked with guiding selection and related initiatives.