Women of Inspiration

Inspire Change

Women of Inspiration™ Awards

Nominations are open until June 15. All Nominees Nominated after June 1 must submit the Nomination Package by June 15 deadline.

Women of Inspiration™ Awards recognizes the achievements of women who lead, inspire and motivate. We celebrate women from diverse industries and stages of life along with the allies who SupportHER™.

A Woman of Inspiration™ is an extraordinary woman who inspires those around her to be more and do more. She is an everyday hero, entrepreneur, CEO, business leader, changemaker, game-changer and role model who leads by example with courage, confidence, commitment, and integrity.

This year, we celebrate women inspiring change in their networks, workplaces and communities.

The Universal Womens Network™ has celebrated over 1,000 women with nominations across North America reaching audiences of 7,000 entrepreneurs and professionals with over 2 million impressions. The Women of Inspiration™ Awards was inspired by our founder to celebrate one woman in 2015 who helped her through her Seven Year Journey.

A Women of Inspiration™ is not defined by her story, she is empowered by it.

According to the United Nations Progress on the Sustainability Development Goals, it will take 286 years to close the global gender gap. Women’s representation in positions of power and decision-making remains below parity. By recognizing the accomplishments of women, we value her contribution while inspiring other women to do the same.

When we celebrate the achievements of one woman, we celebrate the achievements of all women.

Who is a Woman of Inspiration™?

A Woman of Inspiration™ is a woman who inspires and motivates others through her words, actions, and achievements. She may be someone who has overcome challenges or adversity, or who has made a significant impact as an entrepreneur or leader within in her workplace, community or industry. A Woman of Inspiration™ is admired for her strength, resilience, determination, and leadership. She is seen as a role model and a source of guidance and support for those around her. A Woman of Inspiration™ is someone who leads by example, strives for excellence and demonstrates the ability to inspire and motivate others to be the best versions of themselves.

Who Can Be Nominated?

  • Nominate or Apply – Entrepreneurs, CEOs, Business Leaders from diverse sectors, industries and ages and stages of life including Innovators, Scientists, Journalists, Actors, Performers, Authors, Coaches, Athletes, Scientists, Journalists, Public Service, Philanthropists, SupportHER™ (Male Allies), Youth
  • Nominate a Company – Top Company Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (ED&I) SupportHER™ Champions Award – Public or Private Company (with a head office based in Canada).

 

NOMINATE or APPLY

Nominate or Apply – Woman of Inspiration™ or SupportHER™

Nominate a Company – Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (ED&I) SupportHER™ Champion

NOMINATION PROCESS

Step 1: Nominate or Apply as a Woman of Inspiration™ or SupportHER™, Nominations are open until June 15. All Nominees Nominated after June 1 must submit the Nomination Package by June 15 deadline.

Step 2: Nominee to Complete  Nomination Package by the deadline of June 15
Step 3: Share the good news that you have been nominated! Nominees receive a Women of Inspiration™ Awards Nominee Logo to add to their signature, website, LinkedIn, and Social Media
Step 4: Purchase your tickets to attend the Women of Inspiration™ Awards (Save the Date for November 3, 2023 – Details to be announced!))

TIMELINE

Women of Inspiration™ Award Categories

The Women of Inspiration Award categories recognize inspiring women from all industries, sectors and stages of life. Women of Inspirationcelebrate female entrepreneurs and leaders from across industries along with our SupportHER allies committed to equity, diversity and inclusion. Our awards validate the valuable contribution women make to the workforce or economy, inspire future generations of leaders, bring awareness to industries underrepresented by women and unite companies with the common goal to achieve gender equity. 2023 Award Categories

Why is Celebrating Women Important?

Celebrating women recognizes and honors their achievements and contributions. Recognizing women brings awareness to the contribution women are making in the economy, female entrepreneurship, and in industries underrepresented by women. Recognizing women inspires change for gender equality and challenges societal norms and stereotypes that may limit the potential of women and girls. By recognizing and celebrating the achievements of women, we can work to create a more inclusive and equitable society for everyone.

What is a SupportHER™?

SupportHERs are allies promoting the success and advancement for women in their networks, workplaces and communities. A SupportHER is an ally (male or female) who offers guidance, encouragement and resources to help women achieve their goals, build their businesses or succeed in their careers. A SupportHER is a team player who champions for the inclusion of women in the goals and the vision of the enterprise and who paves the road to empower women in leadership roles.

Top Companies – Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (ED&I) SupportHER™ Champions Award

The Top Companies – Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (ED&I) SupportHER™ Champion Award recognizes companies that have demonstrated a commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. This award honors industry leaders that have taken meaningful action to create an inclusive culture, and allyship and to support the advancement of women and underrepresented groups. The recipients of the Top Companies  Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (ED&I) SupportHER™  Champions Award recognize companies have inspired and empowered others to join them in their efforts and have made a lasting impact through their work. Nominate a Top Company

Every woman has a story. Your story does not define you; it empowers you!

Benefit of Nomination

Since our Awards launched in 2015, we have celebrated 1000+ women of all ages across diverse industries who are making an impact in their networks, workplaces and communities. We encourage our nominees, alumni and partners to participate and celebrate Women of Inspiration™ Nominees. Our goal is to leverage the networks to amplify the visibility of our finalists.

  • Press Releases to announce Finalists and Award Winners to media outlets.
  • Opportunities to leverage your nomination with local pr and media
  • Awards announcement in the UWomen Magazine™ to our digital network and with partners
  • Connections with like-minded, influential leaders
  • Inspire change on a larger stage
  • Elevate your business and credibility as a  leader in your industry
  • Recognition of achievements
  • Increasing her circle of influence and inspiring the next generation of leaders
  • Build thought leadership and credibility in your industry

What does it mean to be recognized?

“I am humbled by the nomination, the many awesome people who wrote recommendations and to be awarded the “Integrity Award”. Hearing the Ward introduction, I was in shock when you called my name. What a remarkable recognition for my life’s passion in working with others. I look forward to ensuring that others have the same opportunity in the future. Thank you, Monica, and all the many others who make this possible for us all. I look forward to working with the other recipients to keep sharing!” Rose Marie Gage – Founder and Principal of Great Governance Matters and MPOWRU. Independent Board Director. | 2021 Women of Inspiration™ Integrity Award

The Universal Womens Network™ is an incredible organization that supports empowers and celebrates women founders, entrepreneurs, and trailblazers. I can attest to how meaningful this group is as I started my own company at age 50. Monica is herself a phenomenal force and woman to celebrate also. The Awards gala last night was so well done, so inspiring. Suzie Yorke, Founder and Board Director, Love Good Fats | 2021 Women of Inspiration™ Game Changer Award

The Universal Womens Network™ and their theme Women Driving Change in 2021 that culminated in our Best-Selling book on Amazon from 100 women of Inspiration lead by Monica is an amazing organization. I am so proud to be honoured for a Global Impact Award as an entrepreneur for my tech start-ups and innovations and inventions in AI, security and emergency messaging. It is humbling to be honoured among these incredible women. Dr. Suhayya (Sue) Abu-Hakima, Co-Sounder/CEO Alstari | Women of Inspiration™ 2021 Global Impact Award

When we celebrate the accomplishments of one woman,  we celebrate all women!

Nominate or Apply Nominate a Company

Woman of Inspiration™ Awards

Recognizing Women Who Lead, Inspire and Motivate

Testimonials

Good words from good people

This has been an incredible experience from the pride of being nominated to the shock of winning! Thank you to the Universal Womens Network™ for bringing so many diverse women and their successes into the spotlight. I’m honoured to be included in this exceptional group of women.

Erin Bigney - Director Research, Canada East Spine Division | 2021 Women of Inspiration™ Mentorship Award

As the recipient of the Women of Inspiration™ Vision Builder Award, I can't be more excited about such amazing recognition. As an Educational Leader, I aspire to make a continuous and real change in the lives of my students. Have a vision and a goal, set it in front of you and in God's hand and do your best to make it happen! Thank you once again for this honour that I will cherish.

Phoebe Wasfy, Principal Philopateer Christian College | 2021 Women of Inspiration™ Vision Builder

I am humbled by the nomination, the many awesome people who wrote recommendations and to be awarded the “Integrity Award”. Hearing the award introduction, I was in shock when you called my name! What a remarkable recognition for my life’s passion in working with others! I look forward to ensuring that others have the same opportunity in the future. Thank you, Monica and all the many others who make this possible for us all. I look forward to working with the other recipients to keep sharing!

Rose Marie Gage - Founder and Principal of Great Governance Matters and MPOWRU, Independent Board Director | 2021 Women of Inspiration™ Integrity Award

The Women of Inspiration Award is exciting, humbling and an honour. Thank you to those who believed in me and that saw the potential that I could make a difference in the world. That passion and resiliency can make an impact in our environment, whether we know the full extent or not. Recognition is so much bigger than me. It’s an opportunity to provide a positive influence and a chance to learn, grow and be motivated. Thank you to all the people who supported me on my path to receiving this award. it's not just my achievement; it's theirs, too.

Jennifer Green, Director of Competitions and Young Women’s Initiative, Skills Ontario | 2021 Women of Inspiration™ Dream Builder

The Universal Women's Network is an incredible organization that supports empowers and celebrates women founders, entrepreneurs, and trailblazers. I can attest to how meaningful this group is as I started my own company at age 50. Monica is herself a phenomenal force and woman to celebrate also. The Awards gala last night was so well done, so inspiring—I can't wait to have the chance to do this in person in the future.

Suzie Yorke, Founder and Board Director, Love Good Fats | 2021 Women of Inspiration™ Game Changer

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