Spirit of the Midwest Nominations

The WICT Network: Midwest accepts nominations from members and non-members.

All award recipients must be current chapter members. If a nominee’s membership has lapsed or they have not yet registered, the Director of Membership will contact them to assist with renewing or completing their membership before the voting process begins.

To ensure a fair and equitable voting process, individuals should refrain from submitting multiple award nominations for the same nominee. If a nominee could qualify for multiple awards, select the category that most strongly aligns with their achievements and impact.

The Board of Directors reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to review all submissions and disqualify duplicate, excessive, or otherwise inappropriate nominations that may compromise the integrity of the awards process. All decisions of the Board are final.

Nominations close on August 21, 2026.

Your Name *

Your title & company *

Your email address *

Your phone number *

Nominee name *

Nominee title & company *

Nominee email address *

Future of the Midwest Award Requirements

This award recognizes an outstanding student member of The WICT Network: Midwest who embodies the promise, innovation and leadership potential that will shape the future of the media, technology and entertainment industries. This award celebrates a student who demonstrates curiosity, initiative and a commitment to personal and professional growth.

Eligibility

• Must be a current student member of The WICT Network: Midwest
• Must exhibit the Touchstones of Leadership – Know Yourself, Communicate, Listen, Be a Catalyst, Be Fearless and Inspire.
• Demonstrates engagement with The WICT Network: Midwest through participation in events, programs or volunteer opportunities (level of involvement may vary based on student availability).
• Shows clear interest in or academic pursuit related to the media, technology, communications or entertainment industries.
• Demonstrates leadership potential through academic performance, community involvement, teamwork, innovation or campus/industry initiatives.
• No minimum industry experience required.

Rising Leader Award Requirements

This award recognizes an industry woman who has demonstrated her own personal leadership style. She shows tremendous potential in her career and champions The WICT Network’s mission to develop women leaders who transform the industry.

Eligibility:
• Must exhibit the Touchstones of Leadership – Know Yourself, Communicate, Listen, Be a Catalyst, Be Fearless, and Inspire.
• Recipient will have been in the industry for two years or more.
• Must have at least 2 years people leader experience, but does not need to currently be a people leader.
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Spirit of the Midwest Award Requirements

This award recognizes an industry woman who has made significant contributions to the media, technology and entertainment industry throughout her career, serves as a mentor and role model for others, exhibits leadership qualities that have made a difference in her organization, is a risk taker and a groundbreaker, and inspires others. This woman is highly regarded by her peers and teammates for career accomplishments and quality of work-life balance.

Eligibility:
• Must exhibit the Touchstones of Leadership – Know Yourself, Communicate, Listen, Be a Catalyst, Be Fearless, and Inspire.
• Recipient will have been in the media, technology and entertainment industry for at least seven years.
• Holds a management/leadership position within her organization.

Woman in Technology Award Requirements

This award recognizes an industry woman serving in a technical position who has contributed significantly to her organization as well as in the media, technology and entertainment industry. In addition to her technical expertise, she is a valued team member who is committed to supporting and motivating others.

Eligibility:
• Recipient will have been in the industry for at least five years.
• Holds a management/leadership position within her organization.
• Must exhibit the Touchstones of Leadership – Know Yourself, Communicate, Listen, Be a Catalyst, Be Fearless, and Inspire.

Chapter Advocate of the Year Award Requirements

This award recognizes an individual who has been an exemplary advocate for The WICT Network: Midwest. They’ve done this through the mentorship program, as a volunteer or by making room for female technologists at the table. The Advocate should show dedication to the Midwest Chapter and inspire others in the community.

Woman to Watch Award Requirements

This award recognizes an industry woman, considered a newcomer to the industry, who has become accomplished in both her job and in her working knowledge of the media, technology and entertainment industry.

Eligibility:
• Must exhibit the Touchstones of Leadership – Know Yourself, Communicate, Listen, Be a Catalyst, Be Fearless, and Inspire.
• May be in either an individual contributor or leadership position.
And meet one of the following:
• Recipient will have been in the industry for less than five years.
-OR-
• Changed career paths/business fields within the past two years (e.g. from marketing to operations).

The nominee meets the criteria for this award. *Yes

Review all award criteria here:

Award Criteria

How does the nominee exhibit the WICT Touchstones of Leadership? (Know Yourself. Communicate. Listen. Be a Catalyst. Be Fearless. Inspire.) *0 / 1500

Please provide details on how the nominee has made a meaningful contribution to the media, technology and entertainment industry. *0 / 1500

Why do you believe the nominee has earned the award you are nominating them for? *0 / 1500