The Women in Change Awards 2026
-A New Approach-
This year, we're doing things a little differently.
Over the years, we've seen many incredible women nominated by others—or putting themselves forward for recognition. But we also know there are countless women making an extraordinary impact who never receive the recognition they deserve because they aren't nominated.
We want to change that.
For the 2026 Women in Change Awards, we've introduced an independent Board of Judges. As always, they will carefully assess every application received, but this year we'll also be proactively identifying and nominating outstanding women whose achievements deserve to be celebrated.
Our aim is simple: to ensure we recognise the broadest possible range of exceptional women leading change, creating impact, and inspiring others.
Key dates:
- Applications open: 1 September 2026
- Applications close: 15 October 2026
- Shortlist announced (across five award categories): 31 October 2026
- Winners announced: 19 November 2026
If you know an inspirational woman—or believe your own achievements deserve recognition—we encourage you to get involved. Together, let's celebrate the women who are shaping the future through courage, leadership and lasting change.
Find out more in our Application Guide 2026!
THE JUDGES
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WOMEN IN CHANGE (NETHERLANDS)
Marcelle Jans is an experienced trainer and coach who helps professionals worldwide lead with clarity and confidence. After 15 years in international retail management, she moved into personal leadership development, becoming an accredited Co-Active coach and a senior trainer working with personal and professional clients.
She is the founder of the Self-Leadership Academy, where she supports women in leading authentically from the inside out, helping them show up with confidence, worthiness, and a true sense of empowerment.
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WOMEN IN CHANGE (USA)
Dr. Michelle Pipes, DBA is an international speaker, author, researcher, Human Adaptation Strategist, and founder of Joyful Change®, where she is helping lead the growing shift from traditional change management to human adaptation.
She is the author of the Joyful Change® ecosystem—including Stewarding Joyful Change, Joyfully Bespoke Change, Joyful Change Fluency, and the Joyful Change Brief Series—which equips Executive Stewards, Designers of Fit, and Navigators with practical, evidence-informed tools for thriving in an era of continuous change.
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LEAD - WOMEN IN CHANGE (MENA)
Dominika has built a diverse career spanning tech, consulting, digital media, and travel e-commerce, moving through a variety of roles before focusing her expertise on guiding organizations through change.
She holds an Executive MBA from Cranfield University, is a Chartered Manager (CMgr FCMI) and a Prosci certified change manager. Naturally drawn to exploring new horizons, she also holds diplomas in Cognitive Hypnotherapy and Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP).
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LEAD - WOMEN IN CHANGE (NETHERLANDS)
Judith has over 10 years of experience in transformations within both the corporate and public sectors, with a strong focus on the human aspect. Her change management expertise includes technology implementations, mergers and acquisitions, improving the employee experience, reorganisations and restructuring, and behavioural change.
She values connection, mentorship, empathy, positive intent, and servant leadership.
She is also the host of the podcast Change Chats, which focuses on navigating a career in change management.
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LEAD - WOMEN IN CHANGE (USA)
Dr. Meghan Waldron brings significant experience from both K-12 and Higher Education to inform her insights on current educational trends and challenges. With a background in English, Journalism, Small Business Ownership, and Educational Leadership, she offers a unique perspective on student success, personal writing, and navigating the changing landscape of public education.
Meg founded Smart Solutions Tutoring in 2007, and for nearly two decades this small business has served thousands of students. Meg also works at a local university serving as a Senior Pre-Professional Health Academic Advisor and adjunct professor.
Connect on LinkedIn
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FOUNDER & DIRECTOR • keyE TALENT GROUP
Kirsty Reilly Walton is one of the UK’s most accomplished talent industry executives, bringing over 30 years of expertise and an exceptional track record at the helm of some of the world’s most prestigious agencies.
In 2021, Kirsty founded keyE Talent Group. Since its launch, keyE has gone on to broker high-profile deals for global superstars including Kendall Jenner, further cementing Kirsty’s reputation as one of the industry’s most connected and trusted deal-makers.
keyE’s impressive roster includes Anaïs Gallagher, Kelly Osbourne, Callum Scott Howells, Tigerlilly Taylor, Hana Cross and Mischa Barton — a stellar lineup that speaks volumes about Kirsty’s standing and reputation within the global talent landscape.
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LEAD - WOMEN IN CHANGE (APAC)
Sharan is a seasoned project and change management professional with over 15 years of experience across EMEA and APAC. Her career spans diverse industries including IT, finance, energy, and consulting, where she has led transformation projects. She holds an MSc in Major Programme Management (megaprojects) from the University of Oxford, bringing both academic rigor and practical expertise to her work.
As the Founder and Managing Director of McKaram Consulting, She has built strategic partnerships with global organizations such as the Human Change Management Institute (HUCMI), furthering her mission to empower clients in navigating transformation.
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LEAD - WOMEN IN CHANGE (INDIA)
As a Global Transformation and Change Strategist, Priya works across diverse industries—Manufacturing, Industrial, Consumer, and Lifesciences—helping organizations navigate and shape the future amidst rapid shifts.
Her foundation in Human Resources has deeply influenced her approach, allowing her to view transformation through a people-centric and behavioral lens.
She believes that real change begins with individuals, and her work focuses on empowering leaders to lead with clarity, empathy, and purpose.
The WIC Awards is a celebration of the bold, persistent women redefining what’s possible across organisations, industries and communities. It’s about raising up the voices and stories that too often go unheard.