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 New York 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 New York 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 New York hardcover.
May 29, 2026 | 6-9 PM | Midtown Loft & TerraceÂ
Our Selection Committee
MEET THE JUDGES
KAILA WATSON
Account Manager | KNOW
SARAH BENKEN FOUSHEE
CEO & Publisher | KNOW
THERESA BACKES
Executive Consultant | KNOW
The Women to KNOW in New York 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
Application For Women To KNOW In New York are CLOSED, but you can Nominate for New Jersey!
NOMINATE A WOMAN TO KNOW
Do you know an extraordinary woman who is making a lasting impact while living in New Jersey? Nominate her to be considered for the 2026 class of Women to KNOW in New Jersey.
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.
• You must live in the state of New Jersey.
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 New York 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 New York.
ALESSANDRA L. CORTINA, ESQ.
Cortina Law Group
ALICE KIM
PerfectDD
AMANDA WISS
Urban Clarity
AMRI KIBBLER
The Space Between Podcast
ANN SHOKET
TheLi.st
AVIVA SKALL RON
MMG Model
AZRA KHALFAN-KERMALI
Plaques by Azra
CATHY CSUKAS
FWD. Network
CARI GATTO
Swell Partners LLC
DR. CHRISTINE LEO
ELEV8STEM
CLOÉ LUV
C3 GLOBAL IMPACT
COCO SELLMAN
A Force for Good
DEBORAH GARRY
BBG&G Advertising
EMERSON VALENTINA
Broadway Mental Health Foundation
FRANCESCA ALBO
Puppy Sphere
ILLANA RAIA
Être
JANE VERON
The Acceleration Project (TAP)
JENNIFER JUSTICE
The Justice Dept.
JOHANNA (JOSÉ) ZEILSTRA
Gender Fair
JULIA KAPPLER
KAPPLER Group
JULIE DANZIGER
EMBARK Beyond
JUSTINE CARINO
Carino Mental Health Counseling Services
KIRSTEN WYNN
Women Presidents Organization
KRISTEN MCDERMOTT
High Tee Society
KRISTIN THOMAS
Marble Collective
KRISTINA COLEMAN
YouRmore LLC
LAURA HENSON
HVM Communications
LAUREN TETENBAUM
Millennial Menopause
MARCIA DAWOOD
Unapologetic Wealth
MARYANN PAGANO
BlackHawk Data
MELISSA KAAN
NOVA IFM
MI JONG LEE
Emmelle Design
MICHAELA GASCON
KJT
MICHELLE BUONFIGLIO
J.P. Morgan Commercial Banking
MICHELLE M. MARKS
Ideas On Purpose
NATALIE SILVERSTEIN
Simple Acts, Big Impact Podcast
NICOLE CENTENO
Splendid Spoon
H.E. DR. OMENESA ORUMA AKOMOLAFE
Still Waters Circle
PAM SHERMAN
The ShermanEDGE
RAKIA REYNOLDS
Actum
DR. RISA RYGER
93% Consulting
RONI HIRSHBERG
Generation Love
RUCHI PINNIGER
Watch Her Prosper
DR. SANDI WEBSTER
Sandi Webster
STACY IGEL
Boy Meets Girl
STEPHANIE REDLENER
Lioness
TIFFANY KELLY
Curastory
TRACY AVIN
TroopHR
VANESSA BEST
Precision HealthCare Consultants
YULIYA GIMADIEV
The Best Shades
ZIBBY OWENS
Zibby Media
THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS
The Women to KNOW in New York 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.
