Twenty-one women-led Australian businesses have been named finalists in the 2026 Stevie Awards for Women in Business, a global competition that drew over 1,500 entries from 56 nations and territories. Between them, this group of finalists has already won 70 Stevie Awards, approximately one in every 14 awarded in the competition. The winners will be announced at a ceremony in New York City on November 16, where more than 400 women and their guests are expected to attend. The event will also be broadcast live.
The finalists represent a diverse range of industries and achievements. Raquel Manning of Blue Diamond Property Group leads the group 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. Other finalists include Brenda Keane of BeKeane Healthy & Fit, Celanie Meyer of Ascent Professional Services, and Together We Can International, among others.
Annette Densham, an award strategist and founder of Award Writing Services, said the finalist announcement remains a powerful moment. "I've been doing this a long time, and it still gives me goosebumps when the finalist list drops. 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," she said. Densham's own firm, Award Writing Services, was recognised in six categories, including Best New Product or Service for the Breadcrumb Method, its system for turning expertise into visible, verifiable authority.
The Stevie Awards for Women in Business honour the achievements of women executives, entrepreneurs, employees and the organisations they run worldwide. Named after the Greek word for crowned, the Stevie has been hailed as the world's premier business award. Gold, Silver, Bronze and Grand Stevie placements will be announced at the November ceremony.
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 recognition of these Australian women-led businesses highlights the growing impact of female entrepreneurs and executives on the global stage. For the finalists, a Stevie Award can bring increased visibility, credibility, and opportunities for growth. Details about the Stevie Awards for Women in Business and the full list of winners are available at Women.StevieAwards.com. Entries for the 2027 awards open in May. More information about the Stevie Awards is available at www.StevieAwards.com.
