2026 Leading Light Awards and Scholarship Gala

Announcing Award Nominees and Scholarship Applicants

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Indianapolis, IN(August 23, 2026)

Women & Hi Tech is thrilled to share the list of 2026 Leading Light Award nominees and scholarship applicants! See the list of nominees and applicants here.

On October 1st, 2026 Women & Hi Tech will host its signature biennial event, the Leading Light Awards and Scholarship Gala (LLAs) at the Indiana Roof Ballroom in Indianapolis, IN. During this gala, at least $60,000 in scholarships and grants will be awarded to female-identifying students pursuing Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math (STEM) degrees at Indiana colleges and universities. Additionally, 9 outstanding STEM professionals will be recognized across a diverse array of award categories. 

"The strength of this year's nominees and scholarship applicants is a direct reflection of the work our community is doing to open doors for women in STEM,” said Kayci Spandau, Signature Events Director. “From high school students taking their first steps into the field to seasoned professionals reshaping their industries, every name on this list represents someone who chose to lead, mentor, or simply show up for the next generation. We're honored to celebrate all of them at this year's Leading Light Awards and Scholarship Gala."

Award and scholarship recipients will be announced live the evening of the gala. Organizations and individuals interested in attending will be able to purchase tables or individual tickets starting Tuesday, August 24. Learn more about the event and how to attend or get involved as a sponsor at https://womenandhitech.org/LLA

Women & Hi Tech would like to express gratitude to all of the annual sponsors as well as the Leading Light Awards, Scholarship and Grant Sponsors. We would like to thank our Platinum Sponsor and the Leading Light Awards Signature Sponsor Eli Lilly & Company  as well as all of our community partners who provide incredible continued support of Women & Hi Tech’s mission and make our gala possible.

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About Women & Hi Tech
Women & Hi Tech exists to change the landscape of women represented in STEM to be equally inclusive to all. To achieve our goal, we work to connect female STEM professionals with each other and our community in Indiana. Our members and sponsors represent a wide array of STEM fields, including life sciences, accounting, engineering, psychology, statistics, and information technology. They work as engineers, analysts, scientists, business developers, marketers, educators, and more.

Women & Hi Tech
133 West Market Street, #220
Indianapolis, IN 46204-2801
WHTInfo@womenandhitech.org