Mercury to Honor Former Arizona Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords as 2017 BBVA Compass Bright Futures Woman of Inspiration

The three-time WNBA Champion Phoenix Mercury have named former Arizona Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords the team’s 2017 BBVA Compass Bright Futures Woman of Inspiration. Giffords will be honored in-person on Thursday, August 24, at 6 p.m., when the Mercury host the Los Angeles Sparks at Talking Stick Resort Arena on ESPN2.

“All of Arizona stood with Congresswoman Giffords after that terrible attack in 2011, and we have all witnessed Gabby’s courage and resiliency on her road back,” said Phoenix Mercury Chief Operating Officer Vince Kozar.  “Though no longer in Congress, she continues to demonstrate the same passion that made her just the third woman sent to Congress by the State of Arizona.  Her example of strength in the face of seemingly impossible odds continues to be an inspiration, and we are honored to recognize her in August.”

As part of the WNBA’s Inspiring Women platform, the Mercury annually honors one deserving candidate at a game. Giffords will receive the award in a special ceremony at halftime of the August 24 game.

For more than 15 years, former Congresswoman Giffords has dedicated herself to public service. As the youngest women ever elected to the Arizona State Senate, she represented her community in the Arizona Legislature from 2000 – 2005, and then in U.S. Congress from 2006 – 2012. On January 8, 2011, at a “Congress On Your Corner” event in Tucson with her constituents, Congresswoman Giffords was a victim of an assassination attempt. She was critically injured by a gunshot wound to the head, and a total of thirteen people were injured and six others were killed in the shooting. Determined to get back to Congress, Giffords said, “I will return, and we will work together for Arizona and this great country.”

“This award has been given to outstanding women in the past, and there was no question that Congresswoman Giffords is a living example of BBVA Compass’ 10 Bright Principles,” said BBVA Compass Phoenix CEO Brad Parker. “She has rebounded from a senseless tragedy that shook the nation, and has overcome so many obstacles to create opportunities for her bright future. We’re proud to give her this award in tandem with the Mercury, an organization who also is committed to bright futures.”

Giffords joins an elite group of inspiring women who have been honored by the Mercury, including Robin Roberts (2007), Ali Vincent (2008), Jackie Joyner-Kersee (2009), Billie Jean King (2010), Picabo Street (2011), Hope Solo (2012), Lisa Fernandez (2013), Jordan Wieber (2014), Mo’ne Davis (2015) and Holly Rowe (2016).

Fans can visit PhoenixMercury.com/promos to view a complete schedule of theme nights, fan giveaways and exciting promotional opportunities. Tickets to the Mercury’s matchup against the San Antonio Stars on Sunday, July 30 and other Mercury home games are available at PhoenixMercury.com or by phone at 602.252.WNBA.

About BBVA Compass: BBVA Compass is a Sunbelt-based financial institution that operates 674 branches, including 345 in Texas, 89 in Alabama, 75 in Arizona, 62 in California, 45 in Florida, 38 in Colorado and 20 in New Mexico, and commercial and private client offices throughout the U.S. BBVA Compass ranks among the top 25 largest U.S. commercial banks based on deposit market share and ranks among the largest banks in Alabama (2nd), Texas (4th) and Arizona (4th). BBVA Compass was recently named Best Digital Bank in North America by global finance magazine Euromoney, and earned top nods for best mobile app and best regional bank in the South & West in Money magazine’s annual list of the Best Banks in America. Additional information about BBVA Compass can be found at bbvacompass.com, by following @BBVACompassNews on Twitter or visiting newsroom.bbvacompass.com.