Twenty-one women-led Australian businesses have been named finalists in the 2026 Stevie Awards for Women in Business, collectively earning 70 nominations—roughly one in every 14 finalist spots in a competition that attracted over 1,500 entries from 56 nations and territories. The finalists will learn whether they have won gold, silver, or bronze at a ceremony in New York City on 16 November, which will be broadcast live and is expected to draw more than 400 women and their guests.
The scale of Australia's representation underscores the country's outsized impact in a global awards program that honors women executives, entrepreneurs, employees, and the organizations they run. Raquel Manning of Blue Diamond Property Group leads the Australian contingent with eight Stevies, including Lifetime Achievement and Woman of the Year in Real Estate. Shelly McElroy of Dream Culture follows with seven, while Katrina Wurm and Michelle Wollaston each have six. Malini Raj of the Australian Multicultural Women's Alliance has five, and Kerry Bolton's Caring Lotus has four.
Annette Densham, an award strategist and founder of Award Writing Services, which itself was recognized in six categories, including Best New Product or Service for its Breadcrumb Method, said the nominations represent more than trophies. "I've been doing this a long time, and it still gives me goosebumps when the finalist list drops," Densham said. "These are women who get on with it and rarely stop to look at what they've built. Entering the Stevie Awards is that pause to pat themselves on the back and reflect on what they've accomplished."
The implications of this strong Australian showing extend beyond individual accolades. The Stevie Awards for Women in Business, now in its 23rd year, are widely regarded as the world's premier business award for women. Recognition at this level can elevate a company's profile, attract investment, and open doors to international markets. For many of the finalists, the nomination itself serves as validation of years of often unrecognized work. Densham noted that for most of her clients, "the moment that matters is reading their story and realising they've done a lot more than they gave themselves credit for."
Maggie Miller, president of the Stevie Awards, said, "As the Stevie Awards for Women in Business marks its 23rd year, we continue to be impressed by the remarkable accomplishments represented among the nominations. It's especially rewarding to see the significance a Stevie Award holds for women and the recognition it brings to their achievements, careers, and organizations. We congratulate all of this year's finalists and look forward to revealing the Gold, Silver, and Bronze Stevie Award placements on November 16."
The finalists span diverse industries, from property and wellness to media and professional services. Among them are Together We Can International, recognized for Achievement in Diversity & Inclusion and Women-Run Company for Social Good; Oi Cosmetic Studio, with nominations for Best Female Entrepreneur and Female Executive of the Year in Asia, Australia or New Zealand; and Jacine Drummond, nominated for Company of the Year – Consumer Products. Other notable finalists include Gwen Baker of Boxer Brands, Jenny Pither of Allied Health Admin and Consulting, and Emma Payne of HappiHive.
Details about the Stevie Awards for Women in Business and the full list of winners are available at http://Women.StevieAwards.com. Entries for the 2027 awards open in May. More information about the Stevie Awards is available at http://www.StevieAwards.com.
