We praise you
We applaud you
We are inspired by you!
From an incredibly strong pool of nominations, we are thrilled to announce the winners of AdvantageClub.ai's 100 Most Admired Women 2026 — women who are redefining the world of work, one breakthrough at a time.
Meet the women making waves across all four categories:
- Leaders
- Pioneers
- Champions
- Achievers
MAW Awards 2026
The AdvantageClub.ai Most Admired Women Awards 2026 (formerly EWA) is our global salute to the women redefining the world of People and Culture.
We are on a mission to honor the HR visionaries who don't just manage teams—they inspire them. From the unsung heroes building inclusive workplaces to the strategic leaders driving organizational change, we celebrate the courage, innovation, and heart you bring to the profession every day.
The Essence of MAW 2026: Powering the People Who Power the World ?
The AdvantageClub.ai Most Admired Women Awards 2026 is our premier global recognition for the women redefining the world of People and Culture.
In the dynamic HR landscape, women are more than just professionals; they are the architects of belonging. They bring a unique alchemy of strategic innovation and human-centric empathy that transforms workplaces into communities and colleagues into teams. From the unsung heroes building inclusive cultures to the visionary leaders driving global change, we celebrate the courage and heart you bring to the profession every day.
This is a tribute to the women making "extraordinary" look easy in HR. Join us in shining a spotlight on the leaders leaving an indelible mark on their people and the future of work.
Why MAW 2026?
We don’t just hand out awards; we ignite a movement. MAW 2026 exists to turn the "behind-the-scenes" triumphs of HR leaders into global legacies.
Our mission is to:
- Spark Innovation: Fueling the spirit of the industry’s boldest change-makers.
- Amplify Impact: Using storytelling to prove that when women lead, the world moves forward.
- Redefine Leadership: Celebrating those who transform human capital into a force for good.
One story can inspire an entire industry. Let’s tell hers.
MAW 2026 - Award Categories
“The Leader - For the Visionaries at the Helm “
This award honors visionary women HR professionals who lead with purpose and demonstrate an unwavering commitment to people-first leadership. It is for those who strategically navigate business challenges while shaping the future of HR.
- For whom: CHROs, Heads of HR, or leaders of major departments/functions.
- The Impact: Shaping overall HR strategy, influencing company culture, and impacting wide-scale decisions.
“The Pioneer - For the Architects of Innovation “
Recognizing women who don't just embrace change but actively drive it through technological advancements or revolutionized strategies. This category celebrates unmatched creativity, resilience, and leadership in driving HR transformation.
- For whom: Heads of sub-departments such as Total Rewards, Talent Acquisition, L&D, or Employee Engagement.
- The Impact: Leading groundbreaking changes and innovative initiatives that shape the direction of HR strategy.
“The Champion - For the Subject Matter Authorities“
This category recognizes women experts in specific HR domains. It honors those who raise the bar for excellence through groundbreaking policies, transformative initiatives, or innovative practices.
- For whom: Domain experts (including individual contributors) in areas like Comp & Benefits, HR Analytics, Employee Relations, or Talent Management.
- The Impact: Setting new standards and making a significant impact through deep functional knowledge.
“The Achiever - For the Rising Stars & Multi-Taskers“
This award acknowledges women who exceed expectations and consistently deliver outstanding results. It is designed for those who demonstrate high leadership potential and contribute significantly to organizational success.
- For whom: Early-career women HR professionals or those managing multiple HR functions (e.g., recruitment, payroll, engagement) without a single specialization.
- The Impact: Driving positive outcomes as a key team player while rapidly developing leadership skills.
The Jury 2026
