Nominations
The Inspire awards celebrate extraordinary women whose leadership, accomplishments and contributions make a lasting impact on our community. These women lead in different ways and bring unique perspectives and experiences, but they share a commitment to making a difference. Through their dedication, vision and determination, they inspire others and help shape a stronger Lincoln.
How the Inspire Awards Work
Each year, the public is invited to nominate deserving Lincoln-area women across 12 award categories. Following the nomination period, an Advisory Board consisting of local business and community leaders reviews the nominations and selects five finalists in each category.
The winners of all 12 categories, along with the prestigious Woman of the Year award, are revealed and celebrated at the annual Inspire: Celebrating Women’s Leadership Awards luncheon.
2027 Nominations
Nominations for the 2027 Inspire Awards will open in spring/summer 2027.
Stay tuned for the announcement of the 2027 Inspire: Celebrating Women’s Leadership Awards luncheon date, traditionally held in September.
Award Categories
The Inspire awards recognize women across 12 categories, celebrating leadership, achievement and community impact in a variety of fields.
Explore the award categories and their descriptions below to learn more about the women Inspire celebrates.
Category Descriptions
Excellence in Business (Small/ Medium – 100 employees or less)
A Lincoln-area female employee who works for a small/medium size business and makes a difference in the lives of her colleagues in the business or in her networking groups, who contributes to nonprofits, the local community or women’s/girls’ groups.
Excellence in Business (Large – 101 employees or more)
A Lincoln-area female employee who works for a large size business and makes a difference in the lives of her colleagues in the business or in her networking groups, who contributes to nonprofits, the local community or women’s/girls’ groups.
Excellence in Entrepreneurship
A Lincoln-area female business owner who excels in the business community, contributes to local organizations and nonprofits, encourages other business owners and/or her staff to develop, and shares her skills for the benefit of others.
Excellence in Government Service
A Lincoln-area female that works in federal, state or local government who contributes to the local community and nonprofits and shares her skills for the benefit of others.
Excellence in Education
A Lincoln-area female educator or administrator who has made a difference in the lives of other women or girls. She contributes to the local community and nonprofits, encourages colleagues, and shares her skills for the benefit of others.
Excellence in Philanthropy
A Lincoln-area philanthropist who has made a major difference to local charities or nonprofits through a donation of volunteer time, talent or financial contribution.
Excellence in Healthcare
A Lincoln-area female who excels in the healthcare industry. She contributes to the local community and nonprofits, helps her colleagues to develop, and shares her skills for the benefit of others.
Excellence in Nonprofit
A Lincoln-area woman who works for a nonprofit organization that helps improve the lives of others in the community. She goes above and beyond in her role at the nonprofit, and empowers her colleagues, and collaborates with other groups for the greater good.
Excellence in Women's Athletics
This award honors either female athletes, coaches, or individuals who have made significant contributions to women's athletics in the Lincoln area. It celebrates their achievements, leadership, and impact on the development and promotion of women's athletics.
Founders Award
This award will recognize a woman who has dedicated herself to leading a specific community event, project or fundraiser to benefit and improve the lives of women in the Lincoln-area. This will be focused on one project or effort rather than a compilation of work.
Young Leader’s Award
A Lincoln-area female who has contributed exceptionally in school activities, her local community and philanthropy or girls groups over the past year. She has a strong sense of self, a success-driven work ethic and great career aspirations.
Inspire Scholarship
A Lincoln-area female high school or college student who has contributed to her community, excels in the classroom, and has great career aspirations.
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