Join us for the 26th Annual Heroines of Washington Awards Gala Thursday, October 8, 2026 at The Ritz Tysons Corner, VA.
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More than just an awards gala, this initiative celebrates women who make a meaningful impact beyond their job titles. This year we look forward to a beautiful evening, recognizing female leaders whose service makes a difference in our communities. Over 20 finalists will be recognized, and 8 winners will be celebrated and honored. The event will attract more than 30 sponsors and 400 guests with a goal to raise critical funds for March of Dimes.
View 2025 photos
March of Dimes leads the fight for the health of all moms and babies. We support research, lead programs, and provide education and advocacy so that every family can have the best possible start. Building on a successful 85-year legacy, we support every pregnant person and every family.
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Award categories:
Presenting sponsors
Health and Biotechnology
Lori Jackson, Jane Bancroft Robinson Foundation
Nidhi Reva, Anna Health
Syreen Goulmamine, Society for Women’s Health Research
Victoria Boston, Tech Network Inc
Finance and Banking
CJ Woods, Modera Wealth Management
Claudia Gamero, M&T Bank
Tiffani Moore, Federal Housing Finance Agency
Government Contracting
Anne Parsons, Booz Allen Hamilton
Carrie Marcantuono, ITC Federal
Deborah Ringel, Accenture Federal Services LLC
Pallabi Saboo, Harmonia
Professional Services and Consulting
Abby Ruiz de Gamboa, Deloitte Consulting
Keenan Austin Reed, Alpine Group
Kristin White, Beacon Global Strategies
Marilyn Nevy Cruz, Federal Death Penalty Unit, District of Nevada, U.S. Courts
Nyla Beth Gawel, North Highland
Real Estate and Construction
Barbara Werther, Werther & Mills
Bel St. John Day, Bradley Site Design
Elizabeth Meltzer, Compass
Stacy Kaplowitz, Lincoln Avenue Communities
Technology and Cyber Security
Debika Das, ASRC Federal
LaTonya Clark, Fannie Mae
Raji Bezwada, JCS Solutions
Shalini Ray, Guidehouse
Real Estate & Construction Award
Finance & Banking Award
Professional Services, Consulting & Law Award
Health & Biotech Award
Technology & Cybersecurity Award
GovCon Award
Submit a nomination
2025 award recipients
Corporate Heroine — Cecilia Hodges, M&T Bank
Legacy Heroine — Jennifer Felix, ARSC Federal
Lifetime Achievement Heroine – Stephanie C. Hill, Lockheed Martin
Heroine in Healthcare & Biotech — Ayana Martin, Veridian Therapeutics
Heroine in Professional Services and Consulting— Leslie Merriman, Skin Memory Spa
Heroine in Real Estate and Construction — Nora Abramson, Tower Companies
Heroines in Technology and Cyber Security – Patricia Obermaier, Resigility
Heroine in Finance & Banking – Kristyn King, Amazon
Event leadership
Laura Byerly, KPMG
Jennifer Felix, ASRC Federal
Kelly Kenney, Lockton
Holly McKenzie, PwC
Julie Murphy, Sage Communications
Deann O'Brien, M&T Bank
Caroline Sullivan, Bozzuto
Anny Tupy, Salesforce
Stephanie Winebarger, Nightwing
Executive Leadership Committee:
2025 Heroines of Washington
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Click here to learn more about sponsorship opportunities
The 2026 Heroines of Washington finalists are:
We proudly welcome nominations of leaders across the private and public sectors, including government contracting (GovCon), public-sector consulting, healthcare, cybersecurity, regulatory services, and law.
Heroines are selected through a thoughtful review process and are celebrated at the annual Heroes of Washington Awards Gala.
Ready to Nominate?
View Nomination Facts & Guidelines
The deadline for Submission is May 3rd. We encourage early submissions and thoughtful recommendations.
Meet our 2026 Honorees!
We are thrilled to honor Adaeze Enkowitch with the March of Dimes Legacy Award for her visionary leadership as CEO of Nadia Care and her commitment to improving maternal health outcomes for vulnerable women and families – advancing access and quality of care in alignment with March of Dimes mission.
Adaeze Enekwechi is a dedicated healthcare executive and policy professional motivated by the imperative that the US improve access, quality, and experience with healthcare for vulnerable populations. She is the CEO of Nadia Care a venture-backed maternal health company that provides wrap-around services that augment clinical care to drastically improve birth outcomes for vulnerable women and families.
Read her bio here
The Lifetime Achievement award recognizes an individual whose career accomplishments and community commitment have made a lasting and transformational impact—and who has helped open doors for others along the way.
Joan has led The Bialek Corporation since 1981, transforming it into a leading design and furniture company and serving clients nationally across the government, healthcare, and commercial sectors. Through Bialek’s community initiative, b-Impactful (“Making Space for Change”), Joan and her team put time, talent, and resources behind organizations advancing equity, wellness, and opportunity including DC Central Kitchen, the MLK Jr. DC Public Library, Children’s National Hospital, and the National Air and Space Museum—along with giving that extends to organizations like the Susan G. Komen Foundation and the Kennedy Center/NSO.
Joan currently serves as Chair of the Board of Directors of the National Symphony Orchestra, is a member of the Children’s National Ambassadors and the Truist DCA Community Board, and is involved with YPO Gold, Committee of 200, and The Economic Club of DC.
Read her bio here
Joan Bialek – Lifetime Achievement Honoree
