AWARDS & NOMINATIONS

NOW ACCEPTING NOMINATIONS THROUGH DECEMBER 5th!

SUBMIT YOUR NOMINATIONS HERE

Introducing the Inaugural Invest IN HER Awards!

Following a full day of connection, inspiration, and bold conversations at the 2026 Invest in Women Forum, we are thrilled to announce our inaugural Invest IN HER Awards — a star-studded celebration recognizing the women and organizations transforming the AEC/O industry through leadership, innovation, mentorship, and impact.

These awards shine a light on those who embody the spirit of the Forum—trailblazers who lead with purpose, break barriers, and lift others as they rise. They are the builders and the dreamers, the mentors and the makers, whose work transforms our industry into something more inclusive, more innovative, and infinitely more human.

Award categories include both Individual and Organizational recognitions. Nominees may come from all corners of the AEC/O space, and we encourage submissions that reflect a diversity of backgrounds, experiences, and disciplines. 

* VIEW SPONSORSHIPS | REGISTER FOR AWARDS RECEPTION ONLY

*ALL INVEST IN WOMEN FORUM REGISTRATIONS INCLUDE A SEAT AT THE INVEST IN HER AWARDS RECEPTION. 

Separate registration is available for those who cannot attend the full day event, but wish to sponsor and/or attend the awards only.

Nominate Someone Who Deserves the Spotlight

We invite you to nominate the individuals or organizations you believe best embody the values and characteristics represented in each award category. Self-nominations are welcome.

You'll be asked to provide:

• Name of nominee. (If it’s an organization, list the company name)

• Current employer.

• Nominee’s email address. (Or primary contact if an organization)

• Nominator's name, company, and email address.

• Award category.

• A written explanation sharing why you’re nominating them — including how they align with the award's intent, characteristics, and any examples or references. (No more than

2026 Award Categories

Game-Changer Award (Individual)

For bold disruptors pushing the industry forward.
Honors a woman who has challenged the status quo and sparked transformational change. Whether through new ideas, policies, or practices, this individual is fearless in addressing industry challenges head-on and creating lasting impact.

Purpose: Honors a women who is boldly redefining what is possible in their field

• Character-driven leadership and integrity
• A track record of pushing boundaries and challenging the status quo
• Innovative thinking that has led to meaningful change or disruption in their industry
• Courage navigating uncharted territory and breaking barriers

Rising Star Award

For emerging talent lighting up the future.
Celebrates a woman in the early stages of her career who demonstrates remarkable potential, initiative, and leadership. She’s already making waves—and she’s just getting started.

Purpose: Recognizes an emerging leader who is making a significant impact and is new in their career or role.

• Exceptional promise and early accomplishments in their field
• Leadership and commitment to growth
• Contributions to projects, teams, or initiatives that show innovation and drive
• A passion for advancing women in the industry

Leadership in Action Award

For leaders who walk the talk.
Recognizes a woman whose leadership style is both strategic and deeply human. She inspires action, cultivates trust, and consistently delivers meaningful results for her team, organization, or community.

Purpose: Celebrates an established leader who actively mentors and cultivates the next generation.

• Proven leadership in their profession or organization
• A strong commitment to mentorship and talent development
• Influence in shaping inclusive, high-performing teams
• A legacy of empowering others through action and example

Legacy Award

For a career that built a lasting stage.
Honors a woman with a long-standing track record of achievement and service in the AEC/O industry. Through mentorship, resilience, and advocacy, she has opened doors for others and helped shape the industry landscape.

Purpose: Honors a lifetime of achievement and enduring impact in the industry.

• Decades of leadership, innovation, and service
• A lasting influence on the industry community, or organization
• Mentorship and advocacy that has shaped future leaders
• A career marked by excellence, integrity, and vision

Champion of Equity and Inclusion Award

For those who make space for everyone to shine.
Acknowledges a woman who actively advances equity, diversity, and inclusion within her organization or the industry at large. Her work builds a more just, representative, and welcoming future for all.

Purpose: Recognizes a courageous leader who uses their platform to advance equity and inclusion.

• Bold leadership in advocating for underrepresented voices
• Implementation of inclusive policies, practices, and programs
• Courage in addressing systemic inequities and creating space for all
• Use of power and influence to elevate others and drive cultural change

️Tradeswoman of the Year Award

For excellence in the field—hands-on and heart-forward.
Celebrates a woman working in a trade or field-based role who demonstrates exceptional skill, professionalism, and commitment to her craft. She sets the standard and leads by example.

Purpose: Celebrates a woman working in the skilled trades who exemplifies excellence and mentorship.

• Mastery and professionalism in their trade
• Leadership on jobsites, facilities, or in training programs
• Active mentorship or advocacy for women in the trades
• A commitment to safety, quality, and inclusion

Mentor of the Year Award

For guiding lights who lift others up.
Recognizes a woman who generously shares her time, wisdom, and encouragement to support the growth and success of others. She’s a trusted advisor, a listener, and a force for good.

Purpose: Recognizes an individual who consistently supports and uplifts others through mentorship.

• A sustained commitment to mentoring women and emerging leaders
• Tangible impact on mentees' growth and success
• A nurturing, empowering, and inclusive mentoring style
• Advocacy for mentorship as a tool for equity and advancement

Innovator of the Year Award (Organization)

For organizations driving bold solutions and fresh thinking.
Honors a company or agency that has demonstrated a commitment to innovation—through technology, policy, program design, or partnerships—that advances both business goals and community well-being.

Purpose: Recognizes a company or organization driving innovation that promotes equity and excellence in the industry. 

• Innovations in their profession(s) and advancements in their industries
• Measurable impact on equity, access, and sustainability
• Industry-wide influence or replicable models of success
• Culture of creativity, continuous improvement, and inclusio

Ally for Women Award (Organization)

For organizations creating systems where women thrive.
Recognizes a company or institution making intentional strides to recruit, retain, and promote women at all levels. Their culture, policies, and actions demonstrate a commitment to gender equity in the workplace.

Purpose: Honors a company or organization that actively invests in, supports, and advances women in the industry.

• Strong internal policies and practices that promote gender equity
• Demonstrated outcomes in hiring, retention, and promotion of women
• Programs or initiatives that support women's advancement and leadership
• A culture of allyship, inclusion, accountability and recognizing women as leaders

This milestone year is your chance to be part of something bold, brilliant, and beautifully human.

Reserve your seat, take the stage, and help us shape the next decade of impact.
#InvestInWomen #ByDesign #ILinCP

NOW ACCEPTING NOMINATIONS THROUGH DECEMBER 5th!

SUBMIT YOUR NOMINATIONS HERE

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