The Women to KNOW State Hardcover is a once-in-a-lifetime honor and publication that features the highest caliber women from across the state. Applicants are interviewed and selected by a panel of previous honorees and members from the community.
Nominations are CLOSED for 2026!
More Than a Feature. A Lifetime Honor.
THE HONOR
The Women to KNOW in Illinois hardcover is more than a publication. It is a distinction reserved for women who are shaping the future of business, leadership, and community impact across the State. Each honoree is carefully selected by a panel of previous awardees and respected members of the community who recognize not only success, but significance.
To be named a Woman to KNOW is to join a legacy of leadership, a network of women who embody excellence, integrity, and influence.
How Honorees Are Chosen
THE PROCESS
Each year, nominations are thoughtfully reviewed by our selection committee to identify women who exemplify leadership, innovation, and service.
During the interview process, nominees share their personal and professional journeys, their impact on their communities, and their vision for the future. The committee looks for women who have achieved measurable success while uplifting others through mentorship, advocacy, or philanthropy.
Only the most exemplary candidates are chosen for this once-in-a-lifetime honor.
Criteria Overview:
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Proven professional accomplishments
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Demonstrated leadership within their industry
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Measurable community or philanthropic impact
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Commitment to supporting and empowering women
An Evening of Recognition and Legacy
THE CELEBRATION
Honorees will be formally recognized during the Women to KNOW in Illinois Gala, an evening dedicated to celebrating leadership, community, and collective impact.
The event begins with a red-carpet welcome and a cocktail reception where honorees and guests enjoy live entertainment, tasting stations, and photo opportunities. Following the reception, attendees gather for the recognition program where each Woman to KNOW is called to the stage to be honored for her achievements and presented with the official Women to KNOW in Illinois hardcover.
Our Selection Committee
MEET THE JUDGES
KAYLEANA BREWER
Account Manager | KNOW
MICHELLE MEKKY
Mekky Media
SARAH BENKEN FOUSHEE
CEO & Publisher | KNOW
BROOKE FOLEY
Jayne Agency
JENN BARRY
Aaron Wealth Advisors
SUE TINNISH
Vistage Chicago
The Women to KNOW in Illinois judging panel is composed of former honorees, business leaders, and community advocates who share a commitment to excellence and equity. Each brings a unique perspective and years of experience identifying women who are truly shaping the future of their industries and communities. Their work ensures every honoree is evaluated with integrity, purpose, and intention.
“When Successful Women Are Lifted Up For Their Hard Work And Achievements, They Inspire The Next Generation Of Female Leaders.”
– Sarah Benken Foushee, Founder + CEO of KNOW Women
A Legacy of Women Who Inspire
MEET THE HONOREES
Across the nation, Women to KNOW honorees represent the highest standard of achievement, purpose, and leadership. These women are entrepreneurs, executives, philanthropists, and innovators who redefine what it means to lead with vision and compassion.
The Women to KNOW in Illinois class joins a powerful community of hundreds of women who have been recognized through this initiative. Together, they form a collective legacy that continues to inspire the next generation of leaders. Meet the 2026 Class of Women to KNOW in Illinois, presented by Aaron Wealth Advisors.
ADRIANE ADKINS
Adkins & Williams Advisors Inc.
ALLISON CUMMINS
Blue Outcomes LLC.
ANNA ASSENMACHER
North Shore Network
ARI KRZYZEK
Chykalophia Web Agency
AURORA ABELLA AUSTRIACO
Valentine Austriaco & Bueschel, P.C.
AVA MARKOUTSAS
Ablaze Design Group
BELA GANDHI
Smart Dating Academy
BRIANNA KAYLA
LGND LIFE LIFE Financial
BROOKE FOLEY
Jayne Agency
CHRISTY FLORIANI
BUKU Branded
CHRISTY NAULT
MicroFlow
DENISE PRESS
Visa
DAHLIA FAHMY
Sports & Ortho Physical Therapy
DEANNA L. SALO
Cray, Kaiser LTD. CPA’S
DEBBIE BERKOWITZ RABISHAW
Next Step Advisory
DEE M. ROBINSON
Robinson Hill
DIANA RODRIGUEZ-ZABA
ServiceMaster by Zaba
FELLICIA FOSTER
BMO
DR. GERTRUDE LYONS
Rewrite The Mother Code
DR. JACKIE JACKSON
Kilwin’s Chicago Fatburger Chatham
JAMILA TRIMUEL
Ladies Of Virtue
JENN BARRY
Aaron Wealth Advisors
JOHANNA GRANGE
Beyond Food Freedom
KAREN B. GREENBAUM
KBG Strategic Solutions
KERRI SCHOONYOUNG
Dept.. 11 INC.
KRISTIN MARIE MALEK
CDW
LAURA FINE
Illinois State Senator, 9th District
LEORA CONWAY
Union League Boys & Girls Clubs
LINDREA REYNOLDS
LR Brand Consulting
LISA FIELDING
WBBM NewsRadio
LORI HILSON CIOROMSKI
HC Strategic Advisors
MAARIA MOZAFFAR
Principal Law Office Of Maaria Mozaffar
MARIA CASTRO
#LovePurse
MELISSA CLARK
Primera Engineers, LTD.
MELISSA HANSEN KANN
McGrath Imports
MERRY GREEN
Black Women’s Expo
MICHELLE MEKKY
Mekky Media Relations
MONIQUE MCQUAY
Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center
NANCY ECONOMOU
Watts Of Love
RACHEL WINER
Quad
DR. RUCHI GUPTA
Yobee Care
SANDY MARSICO
Sandstorm®
SHERRICA DAVIS HUNT
SIU Foundation
SHITAL DAFTARI
SNT Biotech
Susan Asiyanbi
The Olori Network
TALI KOGAN
Tel Aviv Couture
TAMEKIA STRICKLAND
Tamekia Strickland LLC
TESA ANEWISHKI
Loretto Hospital
TRACY FTACEK
Manifest + Chill®
WYNONA REDMOND
Wyn-Win Communications
THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS
The Women to KNOW in Illinois, presented by Aaron Wealth Advisors offers exclusive partnership opportunities for brands and organizations that champion women in leadership, entrepreneurship, and community impact. As a sponsor, you will align your brand with one of the most respected recognitions for women across the state while gaining meaningful visibility among influential audiences.
From event sponsorships to book placements and digital exposure, each opportunity is designed to create connection, recognition, and long-term brand equity.
Please email us at hello@theknowwomen.com to learn more about our partnership opportunities.
