Eligibility & Award Categories

Woman of Inspiration™ or SupportHER™

Women of Inspiration™ Awards

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

Who Inspires You?

A Woman of Inspiration™ is a role model who inspires those around her to be more and do more. She uses her influence and position of power to inspire change in her network, workplace or community.  She is admired and respected for her resilience, leadership and humility. She has grit and fights for what she believes in, regardless of the barriers. She isn’t afraid to roll up her sleeves. She ignores the naysayers and fearlessly steps outside of her comfort zone to pave the road for others to follow.

Nominate or Apply: We recognize female leaders from diverse industries and sectors representing the diversity of female leadership as Executives, Entrepreneurs, Business Owners, Founders, Athletes, Business Leaders, Creators, Artists and Entertainers, Musicians, Coaches, Authors, Tradeswoman, Designers, Lawyers and more.

A SupportHER™ is an individual (male allie) or company that champions women in their network, workplace, and community. Executives, Entrepreneurs, Business Owners, Founders, Athletes, Business Leaders, Creators, Artists and Entertainers, Musicians, Coaches, Authors, Tradeswoman, Designers, Lawyers and more.

Top Company – SupportHER™ Champions are committed to the advancement of women, promote allyship and lead by example in their industry to inspire change for a more equitable world. Apply.

Women of Inspiration™ Awards 

Nomination Process

Step 1: Nominate or Apply for 2025

Step 2: Submit the Nomination Package – Application Fee $199 (Includes 2025 Nominee Logo, Name in UWomen Magazine™ Awards Issue)

Who inspires you?

 

Timeline

  • Nominations (Early Bird) – January 31, 2025
  • Nomination Deadline – June 1, 2025
  • Late Entry Deadline – June 15, 2025
  • Judging – July – August, 2025
  • September 15, 2025 – Announcement
  • Women of Inspiration™ +  SupportHER™ Summit TBC – November 2025

 

WHY NOMINATE?

By nominating a woman, you are telling her and the world that she is an extraordinary and courageous woman who is inspiring others and making an impact on the lives of others. A woman of inspiration is resilient, overcomes challenges with grace and lifts those around her. By nominating a woman, you are honoring her accomplishments, the opportunity to build a legacy, validating her hard work, dedication, and contribution in the workplace, elevating her personal and professional profile, an opportunity to be recognized locally, nationally, and globally.

Nominating a woman who inspires you shows her that she has made an impact. This recognition could make all the difference in her world to keep moving forward in her purpose. When we celebrate the achievements of one woman, we celebrate all women!

  • Elevate her leadership confidence and visibility
  • Provide her recognition on a local, national, and global level
  • Validate her hard work, while affirming she’s on the right path
  • Discover new opportunities to further her personally and professionally
  • Increase her circle of influence with other like-minded women
  • Attract and retain key talent and recognize your leaders

ELIGIBILITY

  • A Nomination Package must be completed by the nominee by the deadline. Application Fee must be paid when submitting Nomination Package online.
  • All completed and eligible nomination packages will be forwarded to the Selection Committee for judging. Universal Womens Network™ Inc. reserves the right to withhold an award in any category.
  • Nominees are eligible for re-nomination in subsequent years by submitting a new Nomination Package and meeting the requirements for nomination.
  • Finalists will be notified before the event to attend the VIP Reception and Awards. Winners will be announced publically at the Women of Inspiration™ Awards.
  • Nomination Package – Application Fee and event tickets not included.
  • Nominee and finalist’s names, bio, and photos may be published for editorial, marketing, or promotional materials for Universal Womens Network™, Women of Inspiration™ Awards.
  • A Nominee may opt to decline the nomination by contacting Universal Womens Network™ Inc.
  • Women of Inspiration™ Award encourages you to become an Ambassador and member.
  • Nominees will receive updates about our network, nomination deadlines and details about our awards. Nominees may opt out of receiving communications however this will be deemed ineligible for award consideration.
  • Nominees are encouraged to lead by example and show support for fellow nominees.
  • All programs and content are in English.
  • Once the nomination package has been submitted, no edits to photos or additional content will be accepted.
  • Nominees must not alter the logo or create any new deliverables other than the awards logos collateral provided.
  • Universal Womens Network™ Inc. reserves the right to decline a nomination and rescind an award from the winner in cases of fraudulent or criminal allegations, accusations, investigations, or charges.

RULES AND GUIDELINES

  • Application Fee of $199 submitted with Nomination Package (Includes Nominee Logo and the invitation to Virtual Networking Experiences).
  • Nominees must attend the Women of Inspiration™ Awards.
  • Nominees must complete and submit a Nomination Package online. Late entries will be subject to a late entry fee.
  • Nominees must be in attendance at the Awards to be eligible.
  • Nominees are required to purchase tickets. Individual and Corporate Packages are available for your team, company, family and friends.
  • If you are not already a member, you may choose to become a member of Universal Womens Network™.
  • Nominees under the age of 18 must have a Letter of Consent from a legal guardian accompanying the nomination
  • Universal Womens Network™ reserves the right to withhold an award in any category and holds final determination on all awards. Award categories may be subject to change.
  • The selection committee reserves the right to move a nominee to a category more suited to their strengths and skill sets without notification. View Categories.
  • Nominee’s and finalist’s names, bio, the photo will be published for editorial, marketing, or promotional materials for Universal Womens Network™ and Women of Inspiration™.
  • Nominees are eligible for re-nomination in subsequent years. A new nomination and Nomination Package must be submitted by the deadline.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  • Who can be nominated? The Women of Inspiration Awards recognizes women from diverse sectors, industries, and backgrounds. Anyone may nominate a woman for the award, or she may self-nominate. Nominees will be notified via email and invited to submit the Nomination Package. Nominee Packages must be completed to be eligible.
  • Who is responsible for completing the nomination package? Nominees are responsible for completing and submitting the Nominee Package online to be eligible. A completed nominee package consists of the Completion of questions, Two (2) Letters of Reference, Digital headshot (high resolution, color image, min 300 dpi (min 1MB, Max 5 MB JPEG or PNG).
  • Letter of Reference – A minimum of two (2) Letters of Reference in support of the nominee must be included with the Nomination Package.
    Anyone (other than the nominee) may submit a Letter of Reference on behalf of the Nominee that may speak to the nominee’s credibility, strengths, leadership and accomplishments.
    Letters of Reference must be signed and dated and include a contact email. A letter on letterhead is preferred if applicable. Please upload one single PDF to include all documents. * Self-nominations must have Letters of Reference provided by someone other than the nominees.
  • Letter of Consent – A letter of consent must be provided by parents or legal guardians for women under the age of 18.
  • Is there a fee to submit a nomination package? Yes. A non-refundable $ 199 application fee must be submitted with the Nomination Package. Tickets to the Awards are not included.
  • Are nominees required to purchase event tickets? Yes, Nominees are required to purchase tickets to attend the Awards before the deadline. Nominees must be present at the Awards to be eligible.
  • How is judging completed? Judging is based on the contents of the completed Nomination Package submitted to Universal Womens Network™. The Award winners will be announced at the Women of Inspiration™ Awards. Our Selection Committee have all signed a Confidentiality Agreement.
  • How are the winners chosen? Nominee Packages are reviewed by our Selection Committee based on the information submitted. Please ensure packages are completed before submitting them. Incomplete packages will not be eligible. No late entries or changes to the nomination package will be accepted once submitted.
  • Criteria: Completed Nomination Package includes Headshots, Letters of Reference, Awards and Recognition, Proven Personal and Business Success, Leadership, Mentorship, evidence of advocacy for the advancement of women and personal story of inspiration.
  • Are past Women of Inspiration™ Nominees or Finalists eligible? Yes
  • Women of Inspiration™ Alumni – Yes, Alumni would be eligible for the Legends Award
  • Are there any industry, cultural, or religious restrictions? No
  • Who is eligible? Nominations are open across Canada and USA.
  • May I submit additional documents for the Selection Committee to review? Yes, there is an opportunity for the nominee to submit a video, website, or social media handle or upload one additional document such as a personal letter and resume.
  • Can an organization of any size nominate an individual? Yes. Employees may be self-employed or employed by companies of any size.
  • Who can apply for the Top Company – SupportHER Champion Award? The application must be submitted by a C-Suite (or designated key stakeholder) of the company.

 NOMINATION BENEFIT

  • Announcement as Woman of Inspiration™  or SupportHER™  Nominee on the Universal Womens Network™ website and featured in our newsletter. Watch for social media mentions leading up to the Women of Inspiration™ Awards.
  • Nominee Badge to announce your nomination on Social Media (LinkedIn, IG), Marketing and Website,
  • Increase your circle of influence with like-minded leaders and key stakeholders.
  • Invitation to attend our VIP Nominee Reception.
  • Elevate your personal and professional profile locally, nationally, and globally.
  • Increased credibility of your business profile or cause.
  • Enhance your legacy.
  • Be a part of the Women of Inspiration™ Awards and make valuable connections.
  • The feeling of being acknowledged, PRICELESS!

AWARD RECIPIENTS

  • Women of Inspiration™  or SupportHER Award Certificate
  • Gift for the Awardee from our Partners at Dean Davidson. Awardees must be in attendance.
  • Opportunity to be interviewed by Universal Womens Network™
  • Recognized on Universal Womens Network™ website, newsletter, social media
  • Receive Women of Inspiration™ Awards logos and email signature, LinkedIn, social media, Website
  • Elevate your leadership and build connections with leaders across Canada and USA
  • Become a part of the Woman of Inspiration™ and SupportHER™ Alumni
  • Recognized as Woman of Inspiration™ Award recipient locally, nationally, or globally
  • Opportunity to leverage your credibility with local media.
  • Awards Announcement in UWomen Magazine™

AWARD CATEGORIES

The Women of Inspiration™ Award categories recognize inspiring women from all industries, sectors, and stages of life. Women of Inspiration™ celebrate female entrepreneurs and business leaders, changemakers from across industries along with our SupportHER™ allies committed to advancing women. Our awards recognize the valuable contribution women make to the workforce or economy to inspire future generations of leaders together with brands committed to fostering inclusivity and advancing women. Award Categories

The Women of Inspiration™ Awards recognizes and celebrates the accomplishments of women, SupportHER™s (male allies) and Top Companies SupportHER™ Champions across North America. This is an opportunity to recognize women and men in your company by valuing their contributions. The Women of Inspiration™ Awards is North America’s largest women empowerment event celebrating the achievements of leaders from diverse industries. It is  an opportunity to connect local, national, and global stakeholders, network, and build valuable relationships with other thought leaders, industry experts, and visionaries

  • Advocate and Catalyst for Change Award
  • Art and Entertainment Award
  • Authentic Leader Award
  • Creator Award
  • C-Suite Award
  • Dream Builder Award
  • Game Changer Award
  • Global Impact Award
  • Icon Award
  • Inspire Award
  • Lifestyle Award
  • Lifetime Achievement Award
  • Rising Leader Award
  • SupportHER Award (Male Allie)
  • Trailblazer (STEM) Award
  • Trendsetter Award
  • Women-Led Award
  • Women in Media Award
  • Women in Sport Award
  • Vision Builder Award
  • Youth Excellence Award

 Company Recognition

  • Top Companies – SupportHER™ Champions

Awards for Men

  • SupportHER™ Awards

ELIGIBILITY

2025 AWARD CATEGORY DESCRIPTIONS

The Women of Inspiration™ Award and SupportHER™ Award categories recognize inspiring women (and men) from all industries, sectors, and stages of life. Women of Inspiration™ celebrates entrepreneurs and leaders across industries along with our SupportHER™ (male allies). Our awards validate the valuable contribution women (and men) are making to the workforce or economy, inspire future generations of leaders, bring awareness to industries underrepresented by women.

  • Advocate and Catalyst for Change Award: This award honors individuals who tirelessly champion progress and equality, breaking down barriers and igniting transformative societal shifts. Recognized advocates use their voice and influence to enact meaningful change, inspiring others to follow in their footsteps.
  • Arts and Entertainment Award: Celebrating exceptional talent and creativity, this award applauds women who have made significant contributions to the arts and entertainment industries. Their innovative work captivates audiences, challenges norms, and enriches cultural landscapes.
  • Authentic Leader Award: Recognizes a woman who demonstrates authentic leadership and integrity, making significant contributions to her industry. She inspires authenticity, earns respect, and promotes transparency. The award celebrates her entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to fostering an inclusive culture and equitable work environment while empowering women in the workplace.
  • Creator Award: Honoring visionary creators whose innovative ideas and projects have made a lasting impact, this award celebrates those who bring imagination to life, shaping the future with their unique contributions.
  • Dream Builder Award: This award celebrates those who transform visions into reality, paving the way for future possibilities. Dream Builders are pioneers, trailblazing paths in pursuit of groundbreaking dreams.
  • Dream Builder Award: Honors a woman who has excelled in a traditionally male-dominated industry, significantly impacting through her leadership and innovation. This award celebrates her achievements in overcoming obstacles, inspiring others, and advocating for women pursuing careers in fields like manufacturing, construction, aviation, and skilled trades.
  • Fashion and Beauty Award: Recognizing outstanding contributions to fashion and beauty, this award honors those who redefine style and empower self-expression through their work in business, influencing trends and empowering women.
  • Game Changer Award
    The Game Changer Award honors a woman entrepreneur with national or global vision. She is a thought leader who adapts to market changes, sets new standards for female entrepreneurs, owns at least 51% of her business, and generates over $1,000,000 in annual revenue.
  • Global Impact Award: Honoring those whose efforts have transcended borders, this award recognizes leaders making significant contributions to global challenges, advocating for sustainable solutions and international collaboration.
  • Health and Wellness Award: Celebrating dedication to improving health and well-being, this award acknowledges those who champion transformative practices, promote wellness, and inspire healthier communities.
  • Icon Award: This prestigious award honors individuals whose enduring legacy and influence inspire generations. Icons are celebrated for their remarkable achievements and lasting contributions across diverse fields.
  • Inspire Award: Recognizing those who ignite passion and motivation in others, this award honors individuals whose stories and actions inspire change, encouraging others to pursue their own aspirations.
  • Influencer Award: This award celebrates individuals who use their platforms to effect positive change, engaging audiences with compelling messages that drive progress and foster community connections.
  • Legend Award: This award honors extraordinary individuals whose lifetime achievements have left an indelible mark on their industries and communities. Legends are revered for their wisdom, experience, and contributions.
  • Lifetime Achievement Award: Recognizing decades of dedication, this award celebrates individuals whose enduring contributions have significantly advanced their field, leaving a profound and lasting impact.
  • Rising Leader Award: Celebrating emerging talents, this award honors individuals who demonstrate exceptional leadership potential and a commitment to driving innovation and growth in their respective spheres.
  • SupportHER Award (Male Ally): This accolade acknowledges male allies who actively support and advocate for gender equality, creating inclusive environments that empower and uplift women in their personal and professional journeys.
  • Trailblazer (STEM) Award: Recognizing innovation and leadership shaping the future of tech. This award honors women who lead the way in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, breaking new ground and inspiring future generations of women in STEM fields.
  • Women-Led Award: Celebrating enterprises led by women, this award acknowledges the vision, leadership, and entrepreneurial spirit that drive success in businesses and initiatives spearheaded by women.
  • Women in Media Award: Recognizing trailblazers in media, this award honors women who shape narratives, influence public discourse, and champion diverse voices in journalism, broadcasting, and digital platforms.
  • Women in Power Award: This award celebrates women who hold influential leadership positions, driving change and making significant contributions to their industries and fields. These leaders inspire change through their vision and decisive action and exemplary leadership..
  • Women in Sport Award: This award recognizes outstanding accomplishments of women in sport, celebrating women who excel in athletic endeavors, contribute to underrepresented areas to break barriers, and inspire the next generation of female leaders. Including motorsport, golf, sailing, rugby, basketball, hockey, gymnastics.
  • Vision Builder Award: This award recognizes entrepreneurs with proven success and with the foresight and tenacity to turn visionary ideas into reality. Vision Builders inspire others to dream big and pursue transformative goals with lasting impact through their work.
  • Youth Excellence Award: This award celebrates young leaders who exhibit outstanding potential and achievements, inspiring peers and shaping the future with their passion, creativity, and determination.

Corporate Partners

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