This year's touchstone is to INSPIRE and others will follow.
Rally those around you to support your vision. Be a mentor, a guide, and a role model – one who learns from what she teaches. Help those around you achieve their full potential with a helping hand that paves the way for future leaders. Be dynamic and strong, and you will inspire others to embrace your vision as the one they want to be part of, and the one they choose to follow.
Date:
Thursday, 10/15/2026
Time:
6:00 p.m. | Cocktail Hour
7:00 p.m. | Award Ceremony
Location:
The Carlyle Venue
1919 Piedmont Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30324
Award Categories
Be Fearless Award
The Be Fearless Award for Allyship celebrates an individual in the media, entertainment, and technology industry who has consistently championed diversity, allyship, and advocacy for others. This award is presented to a nominee at any level in their career.
Rising Star Award
The Rising Star Award for Emerging Leaders acknowledges a woman who shows potential to be an influential leader in the media, entertainment, and technology industry. This award is presented to an individual who has established competency and success in their area of expertise and is moving into formal or informal leadership roles within their organization. This award is presented to a nominee who holds the title ranging from Individual Contributor to Director level.
Mentor Award
The Mentor Award honors an individual who has a history of investing in the personal and professional development of individuals in the telecommunications, media, entertainment, or technology industry. This award can also be presented to someone who has championed developmental issues in the workplace, advanced mentoring initiatives, and consistently supported company or industry mentoring programs. This award is presented to a nominee at the Senior Manager level or above.
Catalyst Award
The Catalyst Award for Women in Technology recognizes a woman who has made a significant impact in the category of science, technology, engineering, mathematics, innovation, analytics, or related fields in the media, entertainment, and technology industries. This award is presented to a woman who has broken traditional barriers, demonstrates a commitment to innovation, and has made a significant impact through creative thinking and problem-solving. This award is presented to a nominee at the Director level or above.
Horizon Award
The Horizon Award for Woman to Watch recognizes a woman with a consistent record of professional success and job excellence in the telecommunications, media, entertainment, or technology industry. They are a strong strategic leader, a role model, and significant contributor to the growth of their organization. This award is presented to a nominee who has been in the industry for at least five years and is a Senior Executive (e.g. VP level or equivalent).
Inspiration Award
The Inspiration Award for Woman of the Year acknowledges the achievements of one woman who has had a milestone year and has contributed to the evolution of the media, entertainment, and technology industry throughout their career. They are a visionary leader who is highly regarded by employees, clients, and peers for career achievement, dedication to excellence, and quality work-life integration. This honor is typically awarded to a woman at the Senior Executive or C-suite level.
22nd Annual Inspire Awards Recap (2025)
2025 Winners
2025 Photo Gallery
Nomination Criteria
Nominations are currently closed.
All nominees must:
- Be an active member of The WICT Network: Southeast
- Meet the requirements for the category they are nominated for (please pay close attention to the job title for the category)
- Exemplify the touchstone of communicate with passion and poise, in writing and in-person
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Nominate?
By nominating a woman or an ally, you are telling them and the world that they are an extraordinary and courageous individual who is inspiring others and making an impact on the lives of others. A nomination shows honor to the nominee for their accomplishments, provides an opportunity to build a legacy, validates their hard work, dedication, and contribution in the workplace, elevates their personal and professional profile, and provides an opportunity to be recognized locally, nationally, and globally.
Who can nominate someone?
Anyone can nominate an honoree for any category and individuals can self-nominate.
I want to be nominated for an award. Where should I start?
Ask for the nomination. The best individuals to ask are leaders, mentors, mentees, peers, HR, etc.
Can someone be nominated again if they were nominated in the past?
Yes, we encourage those who have been nominated in the past to submit a nomination again. The only exception is the nominee cannot have won in the category they are being nominated for again.
For example, Last year, Jane Doe was nominated for and won the Allyship Award. Two years later, Jane Doe was nominated for Woman of the Year.
Can someone be nominated for more than one category?
Yes, an individual can be nominated for more than one category. Please note that a separate application must be submitted for each nomination. If they are selected in one category, they will be exempt from being selected in another category.
Does the nominee have to be a member of The WICT Network or The WICT Network: Southeast?
Yes, the nominee needs to be a member of the WICT Network: Southeast Chapter. Their membership dues must be paid at the time of their nomination. To join, please use this link.
Do I need to get permission from anyone to nominate an applicant?
No, permission is not required to nominate an individual. We do submit the nominees’ names to their organization to confirm that they are in good standing with their organization. The name of the nominee's leader and HR partner is also required as we will share the selected honoree for each category with their respective employer. The application requires that the nominator acknowledges that the nominee is in good standing.
Is there a fee to submit a nomination?
There is no fee to submit a nomination.
How is judging conducted?
A panel of judges with diverse backgrounds across various companies thoroughly read the nominations and evaluate each honoree. The judges then meet to discuss the nominations and a vote is held for the final selection for the honoree in each category.
Do I need to answer all the questions?
Yes, all questions in the application need to be answered. Please note that a lack of details in the responses can cause a nominee to receive a low rating in their category.
Are there awards for individuals who are early in their career journey?
Yes, we recently added the Be Fearless Award for Allyship which is open to individuals at any level in their career. We also have the Rising Star Award for Emerging Leaders that is open to individuals who are directors or below.
Can men be nominated?
Yes, men can be nominated for the Be Fearless Award for Allyship and the Mentor Award.
Nomination Best Practices
- Interview the nominee, their coworkers, and others who can provide valuable information about the nominee.
- Emphasize any involvement with The WICT Network.
- Elaborate on how the nominee has made a significant contribution to their organization, community, and industry.
- Elaborate on how the nominee demonstrated outstanding commitment and professionalism.
- Elaborate on how the nominee is considered by colleagues to be an excellent role model in their organization, community, and industry.
- Demonstrate a significant contribution to the success of the organization, community, and industry.
- Provide as many details as possible. Remember that the nominator and nominee are not in the room and the judges might not know anything about the nominee. The application needs to share as much information as possible.