2026 Women to Watch

This year’s cohort celebrates women leading with purpose, making bold moves and shaping our city.

What makes a Woman to Watch? Simply put, it’s a woman with concrete, actionable plans for the coming year that benefits our community at large. These aren’t women who are looking for public accolades or congratulations. They toil quietly behind the scenes, embodying grit, determination and optimism — and relentlessly push for change.

By Laura Anne Bird, Shayna Mace, Marybeth Matzek, Hywania Thompson, Katie Vaughn, Amanda Wegner And Candice Wagener

Photography By Hillary Schave | Shot on Location at The Edgewater

Carla Williams
Nicole Budeau
Patti Rashke
Geralyn Vaval
Felicia Raye Diny
Karin Krause
Rhonda Adams
Amy Crowe
Sarah Branch
Stephanie Johnson
Christine Kolehmainen