The 14th-annual Influential Women of Northwest Indiana Awards Banquet, a celebratory event that highlights the achievements of women in the region, is set for Sept. 25 at Avalon Manor in Merrillville.
Winners from a pool of 250 finalists from many of the region’s leading companies and organizations will be announced during the event, which is expected to draw over 800 attendees. The finalists were selected from over 500 nominations, submitted by their peers and members of the public.
Two winners, one Influential Woman winner and one Up and Coming winner, will be selected in each of 13 industry categories. Awards will also be given to the overall Influential Woman of the Year and Up and Coming Woman of the Year. Special awards will be given for Community Leader of the Year and Supporter of the Year.
All finalists will be recognized with a medallion at the banquet, which is presented by the Northwest Indiana Influential Women Association (NWIIWA).
“As this event continues to grow year after year, we are reminded of the incredible talent, dedication and strength women bring to the table in the communities in which we work and live,” said Mary Wright, NWIIWA Board Chair. “It is an honor to gather in the same room with these amazing finalists and their supporters as we all work together to advance women in the region.”
Nominees are evaluated by past Influential Women winners from their respective fields, including educators, corporate leaders, healthcare administrators, government officials, nonprofit directors, and others. Nominations for the 2026 Influential Women Awards can be made at www.nwiiwa.org/nominations-application.
This year’s banquet will be held 5-8:30 p.m. CT on Sept. 25 at Avalon Manor in Merrillville. Visit nwiiwa.org for more information, to view a complete list of 2025 finalists, and to purchase tickets to the banquet.
