Congratulations Winners!

2024 Women of Inspiration™ Awards

The Women of Inspiration™ Awards recognize the achievements of women who lead, inspire, and motivate others. We shine a spotlight on influential leaders from diverse sectors across North America.

This year, we gathered in New York City to honor the accomplishments of women and their SupportHER allies who are effecting meaningful change in their industries, organizations, networks, and on a global scale.

We experienced the strength of connection, the impact of women in leadership roles, and the power of their stories that highlight industries where women are often underrepresented, showcasing the change they can inspire both individually and collectively.

A Woman of Inspiration leads, inspires, and motivates.

  • They are leaders, changemakers, and role models—powerful individuals (both women and men) who drive change.
  • They may seem ordinary, yet they achieve extraordinary feats.
  • They understand that their stories empower them rather than define them. They embody grit and tenacity, recognizing their worth.
  • They are unafraid to take the road less traveled, even if it means going it alone, standing firm in their convictions.
  • They uplift those around them, boldly claiming their space and dreaming big.

Our awardees share a common thread: they are leaders who inspire change.


Meet the 2024 Women of InspirationAward Recipients.

The awards aimed to inspire, connect, and highlight the remarkable stories of leaders across various fields. Attendees experienced the profound impact of women’s narratives and the unique contributions each individual has made.

This impressive event, held in Manhattan, showcased women-led brands such as Sweet Basil Catering and Drop of Sunshine. Awardees were presented with gifts from Award Partner Dean Davidson Jewelry. The event featured the globally celebrated DJ Power, live performances by Elizabeth Chan, CEO of Merry Bright Entertainment, and Duane (D.O.) Gibson, along with keynote (Melodie Schaffer, Offshore Sailor), inspiring panels with notable leaders (Dr. Martha Joan Hart) and women-led brands (Kris Ann Brady, VP Marketing Treasury Wine), a celebratory luncheon, and the awards ceremony.

Thank you to our Event Partners, @DeanDavidson, @DropofSunshine, @VENUS for your commitment to the advancement of women.

As we filled that lively room with passionate women and men, I felt an overwhelming surge of energy and resolve. Each story shared highlighted the resilience, creativity, and indomitable spirit that characterize female entrepreneurs. Sandra Filopoulos – Co-founder, Filo Imports | Women of InspirationAuthentic Leader Award

Experiencing the event firsthand has only intensified my admiration for the work your organization does to empower and celebrate women making significant changes. I am eager to explore collaborative opportunities to create independent projects that highlight the stories of extraordinary women. There is immense potential to capture and share these inspiring journeys, and I would be excited to contribute to your vision. Thank you once again for this opportunity. Kyle Rollins – ABC News

Read more here.

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Meet the 2024 WINNERS

AWARD PARTNERS

Testimonials

Good words from good people

Attending the Women of Inspiration was a terrific event. It was a gathering of exceptional women from a variety of backgrounds. Every person there had a remarkable story, and it was a great opportunity to build connections. I was delighted to be the keynote speaker and share in the challenges of racing my boat around the world and honoured to receive the Women of Inspiration Women in Sport Award. The essence of the event is to celebrate all that women have accomplished; from developing a new idea, overcoming challenges, to creating opportunities, or chasing a dream. There are no limits.

Melodie Schaffer, Melodie Ocean Racing | Women of Inspiration™ Women in Sport Award

The Women of Inspiration™ Award Gala was an incredible celebration of female empowerment and achievement. I was very inspired by the remarkable stories and accomplishments we heard from the various women and "SupportHERs" tonight. I also just had a really great time at our Roche table where we had an amazing blend of some of our most senior leaders as well as some very early in their career colleagues, all very different women, but all equally inspiring. Brigette Nolet- President and CEO, Roche Canada Pharma Supporting other women is so crucial. I think we as female leaders bring many unique and powerful qualities to the table - empathy, courageous authenticity, the power to inspire..  and when we lift each other up & show support, we create a network of support and opportunity. Together, we can break barriers, challenge stereotypes, and pave the way for future generations of female leaders. Brigette Nolet- President and CEO, Roche Canada Pharma

Brigette Nolet- President and CEO, Roche Canada Pharma

It was an honour to be recognized amongst so many women role models who leverage their influence and positions to inspire change. Thank you, Universal Womens Network™ for leading the way and providing the format and opportunity to celebrate, while also continuing to advance women’s agenda across North America. For me it was extra special to be surrounded by my family and see three generations of women together who truly inspire each other. I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to share that moment with them. #AspireHigher Gina Izumi - Senior Vice President, SAP Canada – 2023 Women of Inspiration™ Authentic Leader Award.

Gina Izumi - Senior Vice President, SAP Canada – 2023 Women of Inspiration™ Authentic Leader Award.

At Gilead Sciences, we set – and achieve – bold ambitions to create a healthier world for all people. From our pioneering virology medicines to our growing impact in oncology, we're delivering innovations once thought impossible in medicine. As we develop innovative medicines for life-threatening diseases, we recognize it takes more than medicine to improve wellbeing for people around the world. We know we are a stronger company and that innovation flourishes when we are informed by a diverse set of backgrounds, experiences and points of view. Our Women at Gilead employee resource group focuses on enhancing gender equity for women in opportunities and experiences at all levels. We are incredibly proud to be a sponsor for the Women of Inspiration™ awards which recognizes the achievements of women who lead, inspire and motivate others. We are delighted to have some of our own leaders recognized through these awards - Sharon Grehan, PhD for her authentic leader award and Shelly Smith, MBA as a finalist among strong female leaders across North America. Sharon Grehan – Women of Inspiration™ Authentic Leader Award

Sharon Grehan – Executive Director of Business Strategy & Operations /Global Lead for Women at Gilead Sciences | Women of Inspiration™ Authentic Leader Award

Simply humbling to be in the midst of such accomplished and inspiring women across industries within North America! Celebrating the successes of women and the SupportHER™ men will universally drive the change we need to create an equitable future. Congratulations to all the award recipients – your continued accomplishments will serve as a beacon of hope for so many others. Victoria Nguyen, ICD.D Vice President, Direct Financial Services-Simplii Operations, CIBC Capital Markets, 2020 Women of Inspiration™ Authentic Leader

Victoria Nguyen, ICD.D Vice President, Direct Financial Services-Simplii Operations, CIBC Capital Markets, 2020 Women of Inspiration™ Authentic Leader

Corporate Partners