Meet Our 2026 Trailblazer: Kerri Walsh Jennings
Presented to a highly visible leader whose vision and influence help shape a stronger, more inclusive Bay Area. The Trailblazer Award recognizes an individual whose impact reaches beyond their industry -- someone who sets a new standard, opens doors others did not know existed, and makes the community around them better for having shown up.
Three-time Olympic gold medalist. Five-time Olympian. Two-time NCAA champion. One of the most accomplished athletes in the history of beach volleyball.
We are proud to announce Kerri Walsh Jennings as our 2026 Trailblazer Award honoree at Women Who Inspire.
A Bay Area native, who went to Mitty High School in San Jose, Kerri began her volleyball career at Stanford University, where she was a two-time NCAA champion. She went on to become a five-time Olympian, three-time Olympic gold medalist, and Olympic bronze medalist in beach volleyball, establishing herself as one of the most accomplished athletes in the sport's history.
Beyond the court, Kerri is a passionate advocate for growing the game and creating meaningful pathways for athletes at every level. She co-founded p1440, a purpose-driven youth-to-pro volleyball platform designed to expand access, competition, community, and opportunities for athletes to train, compete, and develop throughout their careers.
As Founding Owner & Chief Impact Officer of MLV NorCal, Kerri is helping shape the volleyball franchise from the ground up, with a focus on building a world-class, championship-caliber culture, elevating the athlete experience, and creating a fan experience that resonates throughout the Bay Area.
Her leadership reflects a lifelong commitment to volleyball and to inspiring the next generation of female athletes.
"I am deeply honored by this recognition and incredibly aware of how fortunate I have been throughout my life," Kerri shared. "None of us gets where we are alone. I'm grateful for every person who encouraged me, challenged me, believed in me, and opened a door for me along the way. In this next chapter, one of the greatest privileges I can imagine is having the opportunity to hold those doors open for others, and to help create the same kind of possibility that so many people created for me."
Join us in celebrating Kerri and the rest of our 2026 honorees at Women Who Inspire, Thursday, October 22 at the San Jose Woman's Club.
Dress for Success San Francisco/San Jose empowers women to achieve economic mobility by providing a network of support, workplace attire, and career skills and tools for success.