Golden Women Awards gala ceremony
Winners by Year

Golden Women Awards Winners 2026

29 winners from 13 countries recognised in 2026

29Winners
13Countries
22Award Categories
2026Award Year

In 2026 the Golden Women Awards recognised 29 winners from 13 countries in 22 award categories. The most represented countries were United Arab Emirates (12), United States (6) and Bahrain (1). Records come directly from the Golden Tree Awards CRM, which administers the programme; a winner is an individual holding an official winning-category record for the stated year. 14 of the 2026 winners carry a CRM-verified description, shown on the card. Winners are listed alphabetically by name. Use the year links to move between editions from 2023 to 2026.

Nominations

Celebrate the Women Shaping Industries Worldwide

  • International recognition from an awards programme with 164 winners on record across 43 countries since 2023
  • Every winner is listed in this directory with their winning category, company and, where supplied, official website
  • The opportunity to take part in the annual Golden Women Awards gala ceremony in Dubai
NOMINATE NOW

Questions? Contact the awards team

Winners

Showing 1–29 of 29 · records last updated 19 September 2026

Best Woman in Hospitality Leadership in Greece

AGAPI KARAGIANNIDOU

Manager, Heritage Hill Hotel

  • Year2026
  • CountryGreece
  • IndustryRestaurant / F & B

Heritage Hill Hotel is a 4-star establishment situated in Athens, Greece, offering a blend of minimalist design and timeless hospitality. The hotel features a variety of accommodations, including rooms with views of the Acropolis, and a rooftop restaurant, Zale, serving modern Mediterranean cuisine with Asian influences. Located in the vibrant Koukaki neighborhood, it provides guests with easy access to historical landmarks and cultural experiences. The hotel is recognized as the winner in the Best Woman in Hospitality Leadership in Greece category at the Golden Women Awards.

Official website ↗
Best Emerging Woman Leader

Anna D'Auria

Founder, Main business Consulting stprl societa’ benefit

  • Year2026
  • CountryItaly
  • IndustryProfessional Service

Main Business Consulting, located in Italy, is a consulting firm dedicated to transforming organizational models and business processes to foster efficiency and sustainable growth. They offer a range of services including modern accounting and auditing solutions, tax and legal consulting, and support for companies transitioning to Benefit Corporations. Committed to social and environmental responsibility, they serve over 300 clients and focus on delivering tailored strategies that integrate sustainability into business practices. The organization is recognized as the winner in the Best Emerging Woman Leader category at the Golden Women Awards.

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Best Business Development Manager - Fragrance-Perfumes in Europe

Anu Ruohosto

CEO, Scentsophy

  • Year2026
  • CountryFinland
  • IndustryFragrance / Perfumes
Official website ↗
Best Woman in Corporate Leadership

Ashley

Media and Production Coordinator, The WellBiz

  • Year2026
  • CountryUnited States
  • IndustryProfessional Service

The WellBiz, led by CEO Sheena Eizmendiz, is a woman- and minority-owned professional service firm in the United States. The company focuses on unlocking human potential through customized leadership development, workforce wellbeing, and team effectiveness strategies. With a commitment to evidence-based practices, The WellBiz partners with organizations to create healthier workplaces and prepare teams for future challenges. The organization is recognized as the winner in the Best Woman in Corporate Leadership category at the Golden Women Awards.

Official website ↗
Best Woman Entrepreneur in United Arab Emirates

Caroline Bilen

CEO, The Compass Health Consulatncy

  • Year2026
  • CountryUnited Arab Emirates
  • IndustryHealth Care

The Compass Health Consultancy, founded in 2019, is a healthcare consultancy located in the United Arab Emirates. The firm specializes in providing strategic consulting, accredited training, and professional coaching tailored for healthcare professionals and organizations across the Middle East and Africa. With a mission to empower healthcare entities, it focuses on enhancing patient safety, optimizing healthcare delivery, and fostering sustainable practices. The organization is celebrated as the winner in the Best Woman Entrepreneur in United Arab Emirates category at the Golden Women Awards.

Official website ↗
Best Woman in Business Excellence in Thailand

Claudia Scheffler-Perrone

CEO, Killer Press

  • Year2026
  • CountryThailand
  • IndustryEducation & Training

Killer Press, led by Claudia Scheffler-Perrone, is a coaching and consulting firm located in Thailand that focuses on personal branding, strategic communication, and leadership development. With over 25 years of experience, Claudia helps leaders adapt to the evolving digital landscape, emphasizing the importance of visibility and authority. The firm offers tailored coaching and training services aimed at enhancing executive presence and market positioning, particularly between Europe and Asia. Killer Press has been acknowledged as the winner in the Best Woman in Business Excellence in Thailand category at the Golden Women Awards.

Official website ↗
Best Woman Achiever of the Year

Diana Ramos-Santiago Carter

CEO/Founder, Arykas Studio Originals

  • Year2026
  • CountryUnited States
  • IndustryEntertainment & Sports
Official website ↗
Best Woman in Technology & AI

Fatma Saeed Salim Al Ali

Head of AI ADOPTION AND BUSINESS ENABLEMENT FOR TRANSFORMATION, First Abu Dhabi Bank

  • Year2026
  • CountryUnited Arab Emirates
  • IndustryTechnology

First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), located in the United Arab Emirates, is the largest bank in the country and one of the world's safest financial institutions. FAB offers a comprehensive suite of banking solutions, including personal and corporate banking services, and is committed to advancing technology and innovation in the financial sector. The bank actively supports sustainability initiatives and fosters local talent through various Emiratisation programs. FAB is proud to be recognized as the winner in the Best Woman in Technology & AI category at the Golden Women Awards.

Official website ↗
Best Emerging Entrepreneur in Tanzania

Gisela Kimario

Director, VISHERS' GROUP COMPANY LTD

  • Year2026
  • CountryTanzania
  • IndustryProfessional Service

VISHERS' GROUP COMPANY LTD is a laboratory supply company located in Tanzania, dedicated to providing high-quality laboratory materials, chemicals, and scientific equipment to educational institutions, research facilities, and communities. With a focus on supporting scientific education, VISHERS offers a wide range of products including analytical grade chemicals, laboratory glassware, and advanced scientific instruments. The company also provides technical support, training programs, and nationwide delivery services, ensuring accessibility and quality for its clients. VISHERS is recognized as the winner in the Best Emerging Entrepreneur in Tanzania category at the Golden Women Awards.

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Best Innovative Woman Leader - Education & Training

Hibah Shata

CEO, Maharat Learning Center

  • Year2026
  • CountryUnited Arab Emirates
  • IndustryEducation & Training
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Excellence in Human Resources Leadership

Huda Alqemzi

officer, Dubai police

  • Year2026
  • CountryUnited Arab Emirates
  • IndustryEducation & Training
Official website ↗
Best Woman in Education

Inas Yaqoobq

Director, Baby Clay Media & Production

  • Year2026
  • CountryBahrain
  • IndustryEntertainment & Sports
Official website ↗
Best Emerging Woman Leader in United Arab Emirates

Jade Morris

Director, Jade & Co Real Estate

  • Year2026
  • CountryUnited Arab Emirates
  • IndustryReal Estate / Construction
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Best Woman in Leadership Excellence in United States

Jaye Connolly

Chairman and CEO, RippleNami Inc.

  • Year2026
  • CountryUnited States
  • IndustryTechnology

RippleNami Inc. is a technology company located in the United States, focused on delivering innovative solutions that empower governments, businesses, and individuals through real-time data access. Their offerings include scalable web and mobile applications that utilize blockchain technology for data traceability and transparency. The company’s mission is to connect unconnected people and facilitate positive change via accessible information. RippleNami is honored to be recognized as the winner in the Best Woman in Leadership Excellence category at the Golden Women Awards.

Official website ↗
Best Woman in Leadership Excellence in Ireland

Jessie Coyle

Global Capability Manager, PepsiCo

  • Year2026
  • CountryIreland
  • IndustryRestaurant / F & B

PepsiCo is a prominent food and beverage corporation with a commitment to sustainability and positive impact, headquartered in Ireland. The company offers a diverse portfolio of beloved snacks and beverages, focusing on high-quality ingredients and consumer satisfaction. PepsiCo is dedicated to driving positive change through its PepsiCo Positive (pep+) initiative, which emphasizes sustainability and community engagement. The organisation is recognized as the winner in the Best Woman in Leadership Excellence category at the Golden Women Awards.

Official website ↗
Best Emerging Woman Leader

Kathleen Gemma

Strategic Planning and Development Manager, Carl M. Freeman Companies

  • Year2026
  • CountryUnited States
  • IndustryReal Estate / Construction
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Best Woman in Leadership Excellence

Kawther Haciane

Partner Lead Digital Risk, EY

  • Year2026
  • CountryUnited Arab Emirates
  • IndustryProfessional Service
Official website ↗
Best Woman CEO

Kelseigh Palmer-Smeaton

CEO, Bramhope Beauty Group

  • Year2026
  • CountryUnited Kingdom
  • IndustryBeauty & Cosmetics
Official website ↗
Best Woman in AI Innovation in United Arab Emirates

Khadija

Head of AI Academy, e& enterprise

  • Year2026
  • CountryUnited Arab Emirates
  • IndustryTechnology

e& enterprise, located in the United Arab Emirates, is a leading technology group focused on driving digital transformation and AI innovation. With a presence in 38 countries, e& empowers businesses and governments through advanced technology solutions, including AI-powered products and services. The company recently launched initiatives such as the AI Laptop and Business Pro AI plans, enhancing productivity for enterprises. e& is recognized as the winner in the Best Woman in AI Innovation category at the Golden Women Awards.

Official website ↗
Best Woman Entrepreneur in United Arab Emirates

Kristina Marjanski

CEO & Founder, IUSTITIA TECHNICAL SERVICES L.L.C

  • Year2026
  • CountryUnited Arab Emirates
  • IndustryStartups

Iustitia Technical Services L.L.C is a technical services company located in the United Arab Emirates, focusing on HVAC solutions, building maintenance, and home repair services. The company emphasizes a commitment to integrity and excellence, offering a range of services including AC repair, plumbing, electrical work, and carpentry. Iustitia promotes a collaborative work environment and invests in the continuous development of its team. The organization has been recognized as the winner in the Best Woman Entrepreneur in United Arab Emirates category at the Golden Women Awards.

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Best Woman in Marketing Excellence

Lailayan Almasri

Chief Marketing Officer, FundingPips

  • Year2026
  • CountryUnited Arab Emirates
  • IndustryTraders
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Best Woman Entrepreneur

lea inzani

owner of nursery and preschool, miles of smiles

  • Year2026
  • CountryUnited Arab Emirates
  • IndustryEducation & Training

Miles of Smiles, founded by Lea Inzani in 2022, operates multilingual nurseries and preschools across the UAE, including Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah. The institution follows the EYFS curriculum, integrating English, French, and Arabic to foster creativity and independence in children. With a commitment to sustainability and personalized learning experiences, Miles of Smiles provides a nurturing environment for early childhood development. The organization is recognized as the winner in the Best Woman Entrepreneur category at the Golden Women Awards.

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Best Emerging Woman Leader

Nakisa Harmes

Global Head of Medical Devies, SGS

  • Year2026
  • CountrySweden
  • IndustryHealth Care
Best Woman in Marketing Excellence in United Arab Emirates

Nisheta Sachdev

Marketing Lead, Ryder

  • Year2026
  • CountryUnited Arab Emirates
  • IndustryMarketing & Advertising
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Best Woman Entrepreneur

Radina Krasteva

CEO, Aadhira

  • Year2026
  • CountryBulgaria
  • IndustryBeauty & Cosmetics
Best Woman Entrepreneur in United States

Rita Hernandez

Founder/CEO, Inspiration 4 Life

  • Year2026
  • CountryUnited States
  • IndustryMarketing & Advertising
Official website ↗
Best Woman Entrepreneur

Svitlana Dedova

OWN, Dedova Svitlana Agency

  • Year2026
  • CountryGermany
  • IndustryTravel & Tourism

Dedova Svitlana Agency, founded by Svitlana Dedova, is a travel and tourism agency operating in Germany. The agency specializes in event planning and personalized lifestyle services, offering tailored travel management, chauffeur services, private jet travel, yacht rentals, and luxury hotel bookings. With a commitment to genuine care and attention to detail, the agency serves clients across Europe, Asia, and beyond. Svitlana's passion for creative coordination and her dedication to client satisfaction have established her as a prominent figure in the industry. The agency is recognized as the winner in the Best Woman Entrepreneur category at the Golden Women Awards.

Official website ↗
Best Woman CEO

Tatiana Novikova-Yamshchikova

CEO &Founder, Xiongmao Digital

  • Year2026
  • CountryUnited Arab Emirates
  • IndustryMarketing & Advertising

Xiongmao Digital is a Dubai-based digital marketing agency that specializes in connecting premium brands with Chinese-speaking audiences across the MENA region. Founded by Tatiana Yamshchikova, the agency offers tailored strategies that include PR, content systems, and AI-driven market intelligence. With over 200 projects completed, Xiongmao Digital focuses on enhancing brand visibility and trust through platforms such as WeChat, Douyin, and Baidu. The agency's innovative approach to digital marketing has earned it recognition as the winner in the Best Woman CEO category at the Golden Women Awards.

Official website ↗
Nominations

Celebrate the Women Shaping Industries Worldwide

  • International recognition from an awards programme with 164 winners on record across 43 countries since 2023
  • Every winner is listed in this directory with their winning category, company and, where supplied, official website
  • The opportunity to take part in the annual Golden Women Awards gala ceremony in Dubai
NOMINATE NOW

Questions? Contact the awards team

Golden Women Awards

Ready to Be Recognised?

Nominations for the Golden Women Awards are open to women leaders, entrepreneurs, chief executives, founders and innovators worldwide.