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 Washington DC 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 Washington DC 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 Washington DC hardcover.
JUNE 1 | 6 – 9 PM | TOP OF THE TOWN
Our Selection Committee
MEET THE JUDGES
KAYLEANA BREWER
Account Manager | KNOW
SARAH BENKEN FOUSHEE
CEO & Publisher | KNOW
THERESA BACKES
Executive Consulant | KNOW
The Women to KNOW in Washington DC 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
Applications For Women To KNOW In Washington DC are CLOSED, but you can Nominate NOW for Maryland
NOMINATE A WOMAN TO KNOW
Do you know an extraordinary woman who is making a lasting impact in Maryland? Nominate her to be considered for the 2026 class of Women to KNOW in Maryland.
Our selection committee will review all nominations and contact selected candidates for interviews. Honorees will be recognized at the formal gala and featured in the official hardcover book distributed across the state.
Eligibility:
Applicants must have at least ten years of professional experience and meet one of the following criteria:
• You are a woman who owns or co-owns at least one-third of a business.
• You serve in a senior leadership role within your organization.
• You have made notable advances for women through community impact, activism, or philanthropy.
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 Washington DC 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 Washington DC.
ADRIENNE RAMSAY
Delphi Strategies
AMY CANALES
The SheCEO
Dr. ANGELA MARSHALL
Comprehensive Women's Health
DR. ANNA LE
Anna Health G&O
ASHLEIGH DEMI
The Ashleigh Demi Brand
BARBARA ASHE
Veteran Institute for Procurement
DR. BARBARA J. BROWN
CCCC
BETTY HINES
Women Elevating Women
BERSHAN SHAW
URAWarrior
CHER L. CASTILLO
Cher Castillo & Co.
CHERYLYN HARLEY LEBRON
Cohen Seglias Pallas Greenhall & Furman PC
CHRISONNA PALMER
Leidos
DR. COURTNEY OVERTON
Speech of Cake
DIEDRE L. WINDSOR
Windsor Group LLC
EBONY WILKINS
Aalis Management Consulting
EDIE FRASER
Entrepreneurs of Purpose (EOP)
COL (RET) EDNA W. CUMMINGS
A Solider's Life
ELIZABETH SHEA
TreeFork Strategies
ERICA DOBBS
Dobbs Defense Solutions
ERIKA BAEZ-GRIMES
Silver Tsunami Transitions
ESTHER AGUILERA
Silver Tsunami Transitions
FRANCESCA E. PREGANO
Smile Makers Dental Center
DR. GINA MERRITT
NREUV, LLC
GISELLE BONZI
Washington Capital Partners
GLORIA FONSECA
Gloria Group
HEBA K CARTER
PJI LAW
JACQUELINE LOPEZ
Premier Enterprise Solutions
JANICE "JAN" ADAMS
JMA Solutions
JANEL MERRITT
Public Sector Solutions Group
DR. JOELLE N. SIMPSON
Children's National Hospital
JULIA BULIGA
Aura Medspa
KAREN PECORA-BARBOUR
The Barbour Group
KARIMA HOLMES
AXON 911
KAY THOMPSON
The Artistry Of K Thompson
LINDSEY MASK
Department of State
LISA DYER
GPS Innovation Alliance
LAJUANNA RUSSELL
Business Management Associates
LUWANNA K CLARK
Acquisition Professionals
MARGUERITA CHENG
Blue Ocean Global Wealth
MELISSA DREW
Insite Build
NECOLE PARKER
The ELOCEN Group
RIAN HOLT
THE DRIPBaR
RONNETTE R. MEYERS
JLAN Solutions
SANDRA ARNETTE
Arnette Media Strategies
SHARRARNE MORTON
Black Door Society
TWANNA PRESTON
The Trust
DR. THELMA EZEONU
Zybs Medical Group
TINNA JACKSON
Jackson Consulting Group
TORINE CREPPY
Safe Kids Worldwide
YASMINE BONILLA
Raymond James
THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS
The Women to KNOW in Washington DC program 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.
