NEW YORK, April 25, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- A jam packed room filled the Marriott Marquis Times Square as 1200 women gathered to hear motivational life stories from some of the leading female role models in America.

To a standing ovation, GMA's Robin Roberts accepted the first ever ICON award (a Baume & Mercier watch) for her fearless battle against cancer not once but twice. Ms. Roberts talked about facing challenges in life and "...knowing what your 'something' is... When you are going through a burden, think of it as wings that will help lift you through it." And she noted that her favorite person to interview now is Michelle Obama but she has to be careful with the height of her heels ... and not upstage the First Lady by being taller!!

As the keynote speaker, and in her usual feisty fashion, real estate mogul Barbara Corcoran encouraged the audience to be fearless in their endeavors; regaling the women with numerous stories about, "... how everything that happened to me in business was on the heels of a spectacular failure and it was my ability to take a hit and come back" that led to her success. Ms. Jones noted, "You are the inspiration to working women everywhere."

Randi Zuckerberg, founder and CEO of Zuckerberg Media, has just been elected as a board member of the NAPW. Ms. Zuckerberg took the stage to make the announcement where she also highlighted how technology has enabled women to better keep track of their health and fitness levels. Ms. Zuckerberg talked about how she grew up in a normal family in upstate NY and then began living the American dream through Facebook. But it's her health for which she feels most grateful.

Finally, Star Jones announced the formation of the NAPW Foundation which will make a difference in the lives of women and girls through service, sisterhood and self help. Some of the philanthropic partners include, the American Heart Association, BCRF (Breast Cancer Research Foundation), Dress for Success and Girls, Inc. Star reminded the audience that sometimes you don't know your purpose until you are walking in it. As she learned after open heart surgery, and then became the National Volunteer for the American Heart Association.

The diverse members that make up the NAPW called the speakers inspiring and energizing, conveying great empathy for Ms. Roberts' words to "make your mess your message". One member said, "A conference like this kicks me to push myself harder in business." And in the true spirit of networking that means women entrepreneurs can help one another aspire, connect and achieve.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140425/79117
Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140425/79118

SOURCE National Association of Professional Women (NAPW)