From groundbreaking research to technological advancements, women in STEMM are transforming industries, solving critical challenges, and making a lasting impact on our world. The STEMMy Awards were created to honor and celebrate the achievements of those driving progress in Science, Technology, Engineering, Math, and Medicine right here in Kansas City. These leaders are not only shaping the future of their fields but also inspiring the next generation of innovators.
Join us for the 13th Annual STEMMy Awards as we recognize the 2026 honorees. This celebration is more than an award ceremony; it’s a tribute to the women whose work strengthens our communities, advances discovery, and creates a brighter future for us all.
From groundbreaking research to technological advancements, women in STEMM are transforming industries, solving critical challenges, and making a lasting impact on our world. The STEMMy Awards were created to honor and celebrate the achievements of those driving progress in Science, Technology, Engineering, Math, and Medicine right here in Kansas City. These leaders are not only shaping the future of their fields but also inspiring the next generation of innovators.
Join us for the 13th Annual STEMMy Awards as we recognize the 2026 honorees. This celebration is more than an award ceremony; it’s a tribute to the women whose work strengthens our communities, advances discovery, and creates a brighter future for us all.
Nominate an Outstanding
Woman or Company
On October 29, 2026, Central Exchange will proudly present the 13th Annual STEMMy Awards Gala Luncheon at Fiorella’s Event Space in Overland Park.
Your nomination helps us recognize Kansas City business and civic leaders, students and educators, and entrepreneurs and advocates who work together to increase gender diversity and who excel in the STEMM field.
Download the full list of nomination questions here.
Self-Nominations are available! Click here to learn more.
Nominate an Outstanding
Woman or Company
On October 29, 2026, Central Exchange will proudly present the 13th Annual STEMMy Awards Gala Luncheon at Fiorella’s Event Space in Overland Park.
Your nomination helps us recognize Kansas City business and civic leaders, students and educators, and entrepreneurs and advocates who work together to increase gender diversity and who excel in the STEMM field.
Download the full list of nomination questions here.
Self-Nominations are available! Click here to learn more.
Student Achiever
The Student Achiever STEMMy Award recognizes a female college student currently enrolled in a Kansas or Missouri college or university who has professional aspirations in a STEMM field. The student has demonstrated academic achievements, shows exemplary student involvement in campus/community organizations, and is a leader amongst her peers at her college or university. This award can be given to an undergrad or graduate degree student.
WiSTEMM Educator
The WiSTEMM Educator STEMMy Award recognizes a full-time STEMM faculty member at any high school or college level. Based on student or fellow faculty evaluations and community accolades, her institution or community acknowledges her as an outstanding educator.
Enterprising Innovator
The Enterprising Innovator STEMMy Award recognizes a woman business owner in a STEMM-focused company who demonstrates exemplary leadership in her business by establishing a strong vision and achieving great success. She also demonstrates industry excellence by influencing others in her STEMM field and is viewed as a key contributor in her industry.
Corporate HERO
The Corporate/Organization HERO STEMMy Award recognizes a company, whether large or small, that promotes women in STEMM within their organization. This company actively engages in KC Metro STEMM-related activities and supports community organizations. It is highly supportive of women in their STEMM fields and provides benefits and support in the form of education, growth opportunities, flexibility, and camaraderie through initiatives such as ERGs.
WiSTEMM Community Spotlight
The WiSTEMM Community Spotlight Award recognizes a non-profit, professional organization, or community initiative that promotes STEMM within our region. The Spotlight recipient creates a pipeline of STEMM talent within the community, promotes STEMM initiatives, and raises awareness of STEMM in the community.
Rising Trendsetter
The Rising Trendsetter Award recognizes a woman with 10 Years or Less of professional experience in her STEMM field and who has demonstrated significant achievement early in her career. She is an Influencer of women in STEMM, showing peer recognition and peer support. She is an emerging leader for women in STEMM and is involved in STEMM activities in her company and/or the community.
Groundbreaking Leadership
The Groundbreaking Leadership Award honors a woman in STEMM who has made significant contributions to the STEMM community throughout her over 10-year professional career in her field. She advocates for women in STEMM by promoting gender equity in leadership roles, supporting women entering or advancing in STEMM careers, and celebrating the achievements of women in this area. She is a comprehensive leader who casts a vision, sets and achieves goals, learns from other leaders, mentors others, influences peers, and drives innovation and change.
WiSTEMM Champion
The WiSTEMM Champion Award recognizes a leader, regardless of gender, working in or associated with a STEMM field or organization. These individuals are bridge builders who envision gender equality and take action to realize that vision. They advocate for women in STEMM, empowering them to achieve their full potential. They offer support as women enter or advance in their STEMM careers and actively promote them within their workplaces and communities. They are true champions for others.
STEMMy Award Categories
Student Achiever
The Student Achiever STEMMy Award recognizes a female college student currently enrolled in a Kansas or Missouri college or university who has professional aspirations in a STEMM field. The student has demonstrated academic achievements, shows exemplary student involvement in campus/community organizations, and is a leader amongst her peers at her college or university. This award can be given to an undergrad or graduate degree student.
WiSTEMM Educator
The WiSTEMM Educator STEMMy Award recognizes a full-time STEMM faculty member at any high school or college level. Based on student or fellow faculty evaluations and community accolades, her institution or community acknowledges her as an outstanding educator.
Enterprising Innovator
The Enterprising Innovator STEMMy Award recognizes a woman business owner in a STEMM-focused company who demonstrates exemplary leadership in her business by establishing a strong vision and achieving great success. She also demonstrates industry excellence by influencing others in her STEMM field and is viewed as a key contributor in her industry.
Corporate HERO
The Corporate/Organization HERO STEMMy Award recognizes a company, whether large or small, that promotes women in STEMM within their organization. This company actively engages in KC Metro STEMM-related activities and supports community organizations. It is highly supportive of women in their STEMM fields and provides benefits and support in the form of education, growth opportunities, flexibility, and camaraderie through initiatives such as ERGs.
WiSTEMM Community Spotlight
The WiSTEMM Community Spotlight Award recognizes a non-profit, professional organization, or community initiative that promotes STEMM within our region. The Spotlight recipient creates a pipeline of STEMM talent within the community, promotes STEMM initiatives, and raises awareness of STEMM in the community.
Rising Trendsetter
The Rising Trendsetter Award recognizes a woman with 10 Years or Less of professional experience in her STEMM field and who has demonstrated significant achievement early in her career. She is an Influencer of women in STEMM, showing peer recognition and peer support. She is an emerging leader for women in STEMM and is involved in STEMM activities in her company and/or the community.
Groundbreaking Leadership
The Groundbreaking Leadership Award honors a woman in STEMM who has made significant contributions to the STEMM community throughout her over 10-year professional career in her field. She advocates for women in STEMM by promoting gender equity in leadership roles, supporting women entering or advancing in STEMM careers, and celebrating the achievements of women in this area. She is a comprehensive leader who casts a vision, sets and achieves goals, learns from other leaders, mentors others, influences peers, and drives innovation and change.
WiSTEMM Champion
The WiSTEMM Champion Award recognizes a leader, regardless of gender, working in or associated with a STEMM field or organization. These individuals are bridge builders who envision gender equality and take action to realize that vision. They advocate for women in STEMM, empowering them to achieve their full potential. They offer support as women enter or advance in their STEMM careers and actively promote them within their workplaces and communities. They are true champions for others.
Join Us at the 2026 STEMMy Celebrations on May 19 and October 29
Join Us at the 2026 STEMMy Celebrations on May 19 and October 29
Sponsorship Opportunities
Join STEMM companies honoring women.
Surprisingly, women make up only 31% of the workforce in STEMM fields.
To change this staggering statistic, we need businesses to get involved in shifting the future landscape.
Help us raise awareness of the innovation, leadership, and success women bring to STEMM by becoming
a sponsor of the 13th Annual STEMMys Awards, and position your company as a champion
cultivating and accelerating STEMM leaders in our community.
Your organization will benefit not only as a sponsor,
but as a beacon and patron of women in STEMM careers.
Secure your sponsorship by May 12, 2026 for maximum marketing exposure
and email Kerry Gentry Hartnett with any questions.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Join STEMM companies honoring women.
Surprisingly, women make up only 31% of the workforce in STEMM fields.
To change this staggering statistic, we need businesses to get involved in shifting the future landscape.
Help us raise awareness of the innovation, leadership, and success women bring to STEMM by becoming a sponsor of the 13th Annual STEMMys Awards, and position your company as a champion cultivating and accelerating STEMM leaders in our community.
Your organization will benefit not only as a sponsor, but as a beacon and patron of women in STEMM careers.
Secure your sponsorship by May 12, 2026 for maximum marketing exposure and email Kerry Gentry Hartnett with any questions.
Platinum Sponsor | $15,000
40 Tickets to the Benefactor’s Roundtable Discussion + Happy Hour.
40 In-Person Tickets to the STEMMy Awards Ceremony + Gala Luncheon.
Company logo on the front cover of the Awards Gala Luncheon program.
Opportunity to provide comments from the stage at the Awards Gala Luncheon.
Receive a Full-Page Advertisement in the program provided at the luncheon.
Recognized as the Platinum Sponsor in all Digital Marketing prior to the celebrations.
Recognized as the Platinum Sponsor in all marketing materials at both celebration events.
Gold Sponsors | $10,000
30 Tickets to the Benefactor’s Roundtable Discussion + Happy Hour.
30 In-Person Tickets to the STEMMy Awards Ceremony + Gala Luncheon.
Receive a Full-Page Advertisement in the program provided at the luncheon.
Recognized as a Gold Sponsor in all Digital Marketing prior to the celebrations.
Recognized as a Gold Sponsor in all marketing materials at both celebration events.
Silver Sponsors
$5,500
20 Tickets to the Benefactor’s Roundtable Discussion + Happy Hour.
20 In-Person Tickets to the STEMMy Awards Ceremony + Gala Luncheon.
Receive a Half-Page Advertisement in the program provided at the luncheon.
Recognized as a Silver Sponsor in all Digital Marketing prior to the celebrations.
Recognized as a Silver Sponsor in all marketing materials at both celebration events.
Bronze Sponsors
$3,500
15 Tickets to the Benefactor’s Roundtable Discussion + Happy Hour.
15 In-Person Tickets to the STEMMy Awards Ceremony + Gala Luncheon.
Recognized as a Bronze Sponsor in all Digital Marketing prior to the celebrations.
Recognized as a Bronze Sponsor in all marketing materials at both celebration events.