Women Making History Awards

When: Friday, November 6th, 2026. Reception at 6pm, dinner and awards program at 7pm
Where: Aon Grant Ballroom, Navy Pier
Attire: Black-tie optional
Tickets:Linked here

The National Women’s History Museum (NWHM) brings its 15th annual Women Making History Awards to Chicago’s Navy Pier. The gala honors and celebrates individuals dedicated to the advancement of women’s history achievements and education.
For the past 30 years NWHM has worked to ensure the women who shaped America’s past are seen and recognized. Now, it is the nation’s leading organization dedicated to uncovering, elevating and expanding access to women’s history. Chicago, a city at the center of many of the country’s most transformative movements will serve as a powerful backdrop for the event.

This year’s gala honors women who have fought to create change and empower current and next generations. This year’s honorees include civil rights icon Ruby Bridges, owner and women sports champion Laura Ricketts, entrepreneur Gregg Renfrew, the U.S. Women’s National Hockey Team, 2026 Olympic gold medalists. Educators Serene Williams and Kristen Kelly will receive the inaugural Meryl Streep Educator Award and ArentFox Schiff will receive the Evelyn Y. Davis Corporate Changemaker Award. Together, these honorees span industries including sports, education, activism, business and more.
Join NWHM on November 6th for an evening celebrating trailblazing women whose innovation, leadership and advocacy continue to shape history and inspire the future.