Carol Polis Speaking Fee: $10,000 to $20,000

Carol B. Polis made history in 1973 as the first woman licensed to judge professional boxing, a groundbreaking achievement in a male-dominated sport. Appointed by Pennsylvania Governor Milton Shapp, she began her judging career with a high-profile bout between Jimmy Young and Earnie Shavers at the Philadelphia Spectrum. Over the next 36 years, Polis officiated 143 professional contests, including 27 world championship fights across nine countries. Her international assignments took her to venues in Denmark, Venezuela, Argentina, Japan, Italy, Panama, and France, among others. Notably, she judged a WBA world title fight in Copenhagen in 1980 and a world Heavyweight championship bout in Las Vegas in 1982. In 1984, she was part of a historic card at Madison Square Garden that featured two female judges for the first time in a world title bout. Beyond the ring, Polis became a media personality, appearing as a mystery guest on "What's My Line?" and "To Tell the Truth." She also made a cameo as a judge in "Rocky V." In 2012, she co-authored her memoir, "The Lady is a Champ," detailing her journey from a novice spectator to a trailblazer in sports officiating. A cancer survivor, Polis is also an advocate for women's empowerment and overcoming adversity. She offers keynote presentations under the theme “With Courage Anything is Possible,” sharing insights from her remarkable career and personal life. Her story continues to inspire audiences worldwide, illustrating the power of resilience and determination.