The Healthcare Businesswomen's Association (HBA) Opens Nominations for its 2026 Global Ascension Awards

The Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association (HBA) today opened nominations for its prestigious 2026 Global Ascension Awards, an expanded recognition program honoring leaders and organizations that are transforming the future of healthcare. 

For decades, the HBA has celebrated the leaders and changemakers shaping healthcare through its hallmark awards: Woman of the Year, Honorable Mentor, STAR, Rising Stars, and Luminaries. In 2026, that legacy grows even stronger. Alongside these five legacy honors, the HBA will debut its Global Impact Award: a first-of-its-kind HBA recognition celebrating an organization driving meaningful change across the global healthcare ecosystem. 

“By expanding the HBA’s awards program to include the new Global Impact Award, we are not only celebrating extraordinary individuals but also recognizing the organizations that are reshaping the global healthcare ecosystem,” said Mary Stutts, CEO of the Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association. “Together, these honors embody the HBA’s mission to accelerate leadership, strengthen the global talent pipeline, and partner with businesses to drive sustainable growth across the industry.” 

Award Nominations Now Open 

The HBA is currently accepting nominations for three of its most distinguished honors: 

• 2026 Woman of the Year (WOTY): Honors an extraordinary female executive whose leadership has advanced patient outcomes, fostered workforce development, and shaped the future of healthcare. Nominations open 26 August and close 22 October.
• 2026 Honorable Mentor: Recognizes an extraordinary male  executive who is an industry leader committed to mentorship, advocacy, and the professional growth of colleagues—championing leadership acceleration across healthcare. Nominations open 26 August and close 22 October.
• 2026 Strategic Transformation Achievement Recognition (STAR): Celebrates a long-standing HBA Member Leader whose contributions have elevated the growth, reach, and impact of the HBA’s United Force for Change. Nominations open 26 August and close 22 October.  

Additional Award Nominations to Open in Fall 2025 

Additional awards will open for nominations in the months ahead, offering more opportunities to celebrate excellence across the healthcare ecosystem: 

• Rising Stars and Luminaries: Nominated by their HBA Corporate Partner companies, HBA Rising Stars and Luminaries represent both emerging leaders and experienced professionals who exemplify dedication, leadership, and the potential to drive healthcare forward. Nominations for both Rising Star and Luminary recognitions open 12 November.
• NEW – HBA Global Impact Award: A first-of-its-kind HBA recognition honoring companies that are advancing innovation and impact across the global healthcare ecosystem. This new award will recognize companies that demonstrate sustained commitment to exemplifying leadership, innovation, and business impact that drives meaningful contributions to healthcare’s future. Nomination details to be announced later this year. 

Be Part of the Legacy  

Beyond celebrating individuals, the HBA Global Ascension Awards shine a spotlight on the organizations and communities supporting their success. In 2025, the HBA welcomed more than 1,500 in-person attendees and nearly 200 virtual participants to its signature spring awards program, representing 111 companies across 24 countries. 

In 2026, the HBA is elevating the experience in San Diego on 24 April with a larger venue, broader access, and an even brighter global platform to showcase honorees and their organizations. 

Now is your moment to help recognize the visionaries, mentors, and changemakers shaping the healthcare industry. Submit your nomination today for the 2026 Woman of the Year, Honorable Mentor, and STAR awards and play a role in honoring those who are redefining leadership and impact on a global stage.