Women of Impact Award Nominations

Celebrate the women who move Greater Cleveland forward.

The Junior League of Cleveland’s Women of Impact Awards honor women who lead with purpose, champion equity, and create meaningful, lasting change in our community. We invite you to nominate a woman whose work deserves to be recognized on this stage.

Nominate a Woman of Impact – Nominations are Closed for 2026. 2027 award nominations will open in the fall!

Key dates

Nomination Period

  • Applications open: Monday, December 1, 2025

  • Applications close: Thursday, January 15, 2026

Honorees will be celebrated at Spring Together: Women of Impact Awards on March 14, 2026 at the St. Clair Ballroom.

Who Can Be Nominated

Nominees must:

  • Be women who live, work, or volunteer in Greater Cleveland

  • Demonstrate meaningful community impact, leadership, or advocacy

  • Not be current members of the Junior League of Cleveland

Award Categories

Civic Leadership
For a woman improving Greater Cleveland through public service, civic engagement, or policy efforts.

Community Catalyst
For a woman who builds partnerships, sparks collaboration, or launches impactful community initiatives.

Service Through Action
For a woman whose hands-on work and volunteerism significantly improve the lives of others.

Equity in Health
For a woman expanding access, improving health outcomes, or advancing health equity in underserved communities.

NextGen Leader
For an emerging young professional whose early leadership is already making measurable impact.

Torchbearer Award
For a woman whose legacy of leadership, mentorship, and community service continues to uplift others.

How to Nominate (Nominations Closed for 2026)

You will be asked for:

  • Nominee details

  • A summary of the nominee’s impact

  • Award categories that fit

  • Two letters of support or references

Incomplete nominations may not be reviewed.

Selection Process

All nominations will be reviewed by the Women of Impact Awards Selection Committee, composed of:

  • The President of the Junior League of Cleveland

  • The Vice President of the Junior League of Cleveland

  • Additional JLC Board Members selected to participate in the review process

The committee will evaluate each nominee based on:

  • Demonstrated impact on Greater Cleveland

  • Leadership, service, and integrity

  • Alignment with JLC’s mission and values

  • Strength and clarity of supporting materials

  • Overall contribution to community well-being

Honorees will be selected through a confidential review and scoring process. All decisions of the committee are final.

Nominees and nominators will be notified on February 1, 2026.