2022 Sandra Day O’Connor Lifetime Achievement award recipient announced

AFW to honor ‘Queen of Percussion’ Sheila E.

Arizona Foundation for Women has selected Grammy- and Emmy-nominated musician, author and humanitarian Sheila Escovedo, best known as Sheila E., as its 2022 Sandra Day O’Connor Lifetime Achievement Award Honoree.

Sheila E. will receive the Sandra Day O’Connor Lifetime Achievement Award on the evening of Thursday, March 17, at the Foundation’s annual awards event, the AFW Silver Soirée, held at Chateau Luxe in Phoenix. The AFW Silver Soirée is co-chaired by Juliet Burgess and Brooke Levy, and local philanthropist Billie Jo Herberger is distinguished honorary co-chair.

“Thank you, Arizona Foundation for Women for honoring me with the Sandra Day O’Connor Lifetime Achievement Award, I am humbled and honored,” said Sheila E. “Sandra Day O’Connor has always been an inspiration, this is very personal to me. I believe it is important for us as women to recognize, acknowledge and uplift each other. AFW’s work in research, advocacy and philanthropy does just that and the SHE counts campaign is making a profound impact. Safety, Health and Economic Empowerment are powerful tools in creating security, strength and independence.”

Sheila E. is regarded as the “Queen of Percussion” in reference to her decades long musical career, working as a solo artist and with numerous legendary musicians in various genres. Sheila E. has been just as instrumental in making meaningful progress on gender and racial equity. Through her advocacy and awareness surrounding gender inequality in the music industry, to being television’s first female musical director (for Magic Johnson’s “The Magic Hour”) and her philanthropic work as co-founder of nonprofit Elevate Oakland, Sheila E. demonstrates passion for women’s safety, health and economic well-being.

Furthermore, through the creation of her YouTube show, “Sheila E. TV”, she provides a platform for fellow trailblazing women who have made significant impacts in their fields, according to a press release.

Sheila E.’s musical career has earned her accolades that include: the Latin Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, which she was awarded alongside her father in 2021; two Primetime Emmy nominations and four Grammy nominations. In 2014, she released her memoir, The Beat of My Own Drum, where she bravely shares her journey through the music industry and her personal battle overcoming childhood abuse.

“AFW is immensely proud to recognize Sheila E. not only for her contributions in the music industry, but also for her strong commitment to the community,” said Mesha Davis, CEO of AFW. “As a trailblazing female musician and performer, Sheila E. has shown that young girls and women can have a successful professional career and still prioritize making a difference with one’s platform.”

The Sandra Day O’Connor Lifetime Achievement Award is given annually to a woman who has distinguished herself through her leadership and contributions to society through her lifetime achievements, especially for work which benefits women and families. Past honorees include Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, Former First Lady Barbara Bush, Billie Jean King, Goldie Hawn, Ashley Judd, Soledad O’Brien, and Gretchen Carlson to name a few.

The Silver Soirée is AFW’s premier awareness and fundraising event.

Attendees will dance, dine and meet inspirational women and men from across Arizona and beyond. Most importantly, they will raise funds in support of programs and services that address the Safety, Health and Economic Empowerment of women in Arizona.

The money raised will be directed to women’s leadership development, community education, and financial empowerment. The highlight of the event is the recognition of three inspiring individuals for their lifetime work benefiting women with the following honors:

• Sandra Day O’Connor Lifetime Achievement Award
• Voice of Women Award
• Marilyn R. Seymann Award

The evening will be complete with live music, dancing and some of Arizona’s most dedicated individuals. To learn more about AFW’s Silver Soirée and to purchase tickets, tables or sponsor the event, visit azfw.org/silversoiree.