Twenty-one Australian women-led businesses have been named finalists in the 2026 Stevie Awards for Women in Business, collectively earning 70 finalist nominations—roughly one in every 14 of the more than 1,500 entries received from 56 nations and territories. The scale of this achievement underscores the rising influence of Australian women in global business and the increasing recognition of their contributions across diverse sectors.
The finalists include Raquel Manning of Blue Diamond Property Group, who 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. Their nominations span categories from Most Resilient Women-Owned Business to Social Change Maker of the Year.
Annette Densham, an award strategist and founder of Award Writing Services, which itself was recognized in six categories including Best New Product or Service for its Breadcrumb Method, said, "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."
The Stevie Awards for Women in Business honor the achievements of women executives, entrepreneurs, employees, and the organizations 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 a ceremony in New York City on 16 November, with more than 400 women and their guests expected to attend. The event will be broadcast live.
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 implications of this strong Australian showing are significant. It signals that women-led businesses from Australia are not only competing but excelling on a global stage, challenging traditional business norms and inspiring others. The recognition can open doors to new opportunities, partnerships, and investment, further accelerating their growth. Moreover, the diverse range of industries represented—from property and media to health and social change—demonstrates the breadth of female leadership across the economy.
Details about the Stevie Awards for Women in Business and the full list of finalists are available at Women.StevieAwards.com. Entries for the 2027 awards open in May. More information about the Stevie Awards can be found at www.StevieAwards.com.
