Exceptional Women in the Spotlight:
I would like to honor women that have made a difference in the world and in the lives of others.  Do you have an Exceptional Woman in mind?  We have some amazing women in our 2010 line-up, but we are always open to learning about more great women. Simply click here to email Cynthia with your suggestions and with the Exceptional Woman's photos and stories that you would like to share with others.

Women in the Spotlight

Priscilla “Bo”Marconi
Executive Director
Marconi Automotive Museum & Foundation for Kids

Priscilla “Bo” Marconi is not a woman who takes life sitting on the sidelines. From her experience as a driver in the male dominated world of Formula Ford racing to the demanding nature of world class equestrian competition, Marconi demonstrates a passion for life that would be hard to surpass.

Her simple upbringing would not have foretold the drive she would later possess.  Growing up as the only child of a Baptist preacher and his wife in Oregon, Marconi developed a love for horses by riding those of her neighbors, vowing that when her budget allowed, she would pursue this life-long dream.

In college, she majored in piano, touring with a musical group called the Celebrant Singers and even had opportunity to sing the National Anthem for the last home game of the Yankees in the late 90’s.

For the past 25 years, Marconi has qualified to compete with American Saddlebred and Morgan horses.  This unique equestrian event known as saddle seat equitation is a sport which takes immense effort, skill and expense to perfect.  Marconi’s dedication has paid off. During the last several years, she has returned home from the world championship horse shows a multi-titled world champion. 

Marconi was introduced to the world of Formula Ford racing by her partner of over 16 years, Dick Marconi, retired vitamin-manufacturing mogul.  Among Marconi’s passions is racing cars.  Fearing Bo’s interest in his favorite pastime would wane if she remained on the sidelines, he encouraged her to get involved.  She enrolled in Arizona’s prestigious Bondurant Racing School, emerging with enough confidence to compete in eight Formula Ford races her first year.  She finished her career in the top five out of a grid of 40 men.  This caught the attention of major sponsors that offered to bring her to the big leagues of Indy racing.  This once in a lifetime opportunity would be declined so that she could pursue her passion for raising money for the Marconi Foundation charities.

In addition to “horse power”, Marconi’s passions include a love for kids. She spends the bulk of her time as CEO of the Marconi Automotive Museum & Foundation for Kids.  The museum which houses a $30 million exotic car collection, is used as a special event facility throughout the year in an effort to raise $1 million a year for kids at-risk and in need.  Additionally, she is Chair of the Board of Covenant House International based in New York City. Covenant House International has 21 sites world wide, serving homeless youth between the ages of 18-21.

Through her philanthropic efforts, competitive drive and devotion to animals, she serves as a wonderful role model for young women everywhere who aspire to live life to the fullest.