Trask receives Seattle Storm award Aug. 5

Even in retirement, the achievements of Dr. Barbara Trask command an audience. The Seattle Storm has named the Hutchinson Center’s former Human Biology Division director a recipient of its 2011 Women of Inspiration Award. Trask will receive the honor Friday, Aug. 5, during the game between the WNBA championship Storm and the Connecticut Sun at 7 p.m. in Key Arena.

The team chose Trask and three other Seattle-area women as examples of inspirational courage, service and dedication. The award—which will be presented at halftime—is part of the WNBA and the Seattle Storm’s commitment to supporting the community and inspiring women.

Purchase discounted tickets online

You may show your courtside support for Trask by purchasing discounted tickets to the game.

• Click here to begin purchasing your tickets online.
• Enter the promo code  “woi2011” where indicated on the following page  
• Then enter your Ticketmaster user name and password (if you already have an account)
• If not, create an account easily where indicated on the far right 
• Proceed to check out  
• Print your tickets from home; no Ticketmaster fees.

A trailblazing role model in science

An internationally recognized expert in genomics, Trask was the first woman to lead a scientific research division at the Center, where she also served as senior vice president.

“Until I joined the Hutchinson Center, my role models in science were all men,” said Trask, who devoted her career to studying the genetic basis for cancer and other diseases. “I was fortunate that so many stepped in to encourage me to do more as my career developed. Many women at the Center now have leadership positions in science and administration, so the current generation has role models of both genders.”

In addition to Trask, the 2011 honorees are:

• Jerilyn Brusseau – Inspired by the loss of her brother in the Vietnam War, Brusseau founded PeaceTrees VietNam, a project that promotes friendship, safety and healing. 
• Grethe Cammermeyer – An equal rights pioneer whose courage in fighting for equality led to major changes in how the U.S. military treats people.
• Jessica Markowitz – The high school junior founded Richard’s Rwanda-IMPUHWE, an organization that supports educational opportunities for young girls in the rural area of Nyamata, Rwanda.

Trask, Brusseau, Cammermeyer and Markowitz join 23 women who have received the award since its inception in 2006; among them, longtime Center supporter Karen Moyer, co-founder and vice president of The Moyer Foundation.