The 2026 Women Who SPARK Awards are now officially open for nominations, offering a prestigious opportunity to recognize outstanding women who are making a lasting impact across the utility sector. Organized by U2030, the Women Who SPARK Awards celebrate women whose leadership is defined not by titles or tenure, but by courage, authenticity, and measurable impact.
Now entering its fourth year, the awards have become a respected platform for highlighting women who are driving positive change within their organizations, supporting colleagues, strengthening communities, and helping shape the future of the utility industry.
Deadline: June 30, 2026
Professionals, colleagues, mentors, managers, and industry peers are encouraged to nominate deserving women whose leadership inspires others and creates meaningful transformation.
About the Women Who SPARK Awards
The Women Who SPARK Awards were created to recognize and celebrate women whose leadership extends beyond traditional measures of success. Rather than focusing solely on executive positions or years of experience, the awards spotlight women at every level who embody the qualities needed to move the utility sector forward.
The awards acknowledge individuals who:
- Lead with courage during challenging times.
- Inspire trust through authenticity and integrity.
- Deliver measurable results for their organizations and communities.
- Invest in the growth and success of others.
- Serve as role models for future generations of leaders.
What makes these awards particularly meaningful is that nominations come directly from those who witness the nominees’ contributions firsthand. Colleagues, peers, mentors, and leaders submit nominations, making the recognition a genuine reflection of community appreciation and professional respect.
Why the Women Who SPARK Awards Exist
The utility industry continues to evolve rapidly, requiring innovative leadership, inclusive decision-making, and resilience in the face of change.
The Women Who SPARK Awards recognize women who exemplify transformational leadership through:
1. Courage
Courageous leaders are those who:
- Take bold action.
- Challenge conventional thinking.
- Navigate uncertainty with confidence.
- Drive meaningful organizational change.
- Advocate for innovation and improvement.
These leaders are willing to step outside their comfort zones to create better outcomes for their teams, organizations, and customers.
2. Authenticity
Authentic leadership is increasingly recognized as one of the most powerful drivers of trust and engagement.
Award nominees in this category demonstrate:
- Integrity in decision-making.
- Genuine connection with colleagues.
- Transparency in leadership.
- Commitment to their values.
- The ability to bring their whole selves to work.
These women inspire confidence and loyalty by leading with honesty and purpose.
3. Impact
Impact-focused leaders create measurable and lasting results.
Their contributions may include:
- Improving organizational performance.
- Advancing innovation initiatives.
- Enhancing customer experiences.
- Strengthening workplace culture.
- Supporting community development.
- Mentoring future leaders.
Their work leaves a positive mark not only on their organizations but also on the broader communities they serve.
Who Should Be Nominated?
U2030 encourages nominations for women whose leadership demonstrates excellence in any of the award’s core pillars.
You may consider nominating:
A Colleague Who Consistently Goes Above and Beyond
Women who continuously support their teams, solve problems, and contribute beyond their formal responsibilities deserve recognition for their dedication and influence.
A Leader Who Has Driven Meaningful Change
Whether through operational improvements, innovation, organizational transformation, or strategic leadership, these women have created measurable positive outcomes.
A Mentor Who Invests in Others
Many of the industry’s most impactful leaders are those who actively help others grow, develop new skills, and achieve professional success.
Someone Who Leads with Heart While Delivering Results
The awards celebrate leaders who balance empathy, compassion, and strong performance, proving that effective leadership can be both people-centered and results-driven.
A Rising Star with Exceptional Potential
Emerging leaders who demonstrate outstanding promise, initiative, and leadership capability are also encouraged to be nominated.
What Makes the Women Who SPARK Awards Unique?
Unlike many recognition programs that focus primarily on senior executives, the Women Who SPARK Awards recognize women at every stage of their professional journey.
Key distinguishing features include:
- Recognition based on leadership qualities rather than job titles.
- Community-driven nominations.
- Celebration of diverse leadership styles.
- Focus on both organizational and community impact.
- Inclusion of emerging and established leaders.
- Emphasis on authentic and values-based leadership.
This inclusive approach helps highlight a wider range of women whose contributions may otherwise go unnoticed despite their significant influence.
Celebrating Leadership Across the Utility Industry
Over the years, the Women Who SPARK Awards have highlighted remarkable stories of resilience, innovation, and service.
Recent leadership spotlights featured by U2030 include:
- Raquel Berg, recognized for a distinguished 28-year career marked by visionary leadership, innovation, and resilience.
- Rebecca Houser of ContactPoint 360, celebrated for her transformative impact and customer-centered leadership.
- Inspirational personal leadership journeys that demonstrate the power of growth, reflection, and service.
These stories showcase the diverse paths women take to create meaningful change within the utility industry.
Benefits of Being Recognized
While the awards primarily focus on honoring leadership excellence, recipients gain significant professional recognition, including:
- Industry-wide visibility.
- Recognition from peers and leaders.
- Enhanced professional credibility.
- Opportunities to inspire future leaders.
- Increased networking and leadership exposure.
- A platform to showcase impactful work and achievements.
Award recognition can help amplify the influence of women who are shaping the future of the utility sector.
How to Submit a Nomination
Individuals wishing to nominate a deserving candidate should submit their nominations through the official Women Who SPARK Awards nomination platform provided by U2030.
Before submitting a nomination, consider highlighting:
- Specific examples of leadership.
- Evidence of measurable impact.
- Examples of courageous decision-making.
- Stories demonstrating authenticity and integrity.
- Contributions to mentoring, team development, or community service.
Strong nominations typically include concrete examples that clearly illustrate how the nominee embodies the SPARK values.
Important Deadline
Nomination Deadline: June 30, 2026
Interested nominators are encouraged to prepare and submit their nominations before the closing date to ensure deserving leaders receive recognition for their contributions.
Final Thoughts
The 2026 Women Who SPARK Awards represent more than a recognition program—they are a celebration of leadership that transforms organizations, empowers individuals, and strengthens communities across the utility sector.
By honoring women who lead with courage, authenticity, and impact, U2030 continues to spotlight the leadership qualities that will shape the future of the industry. Whether recognizing a seasoned executive, a dedicated mentor, or an emerging leader, the awards provide an opportunity to acknowledge those whose contributions inspire others and create lasting change.
For organizations and individuals committed to advancing leadership excellence, diversity, and meaningful impact, the Women Who SPARK Awards offer an important platform to celebrate women who truly spark transformation.
Learn More
- For more information about this opportunity, Click here
- More global Award opportunities for youth, visit the OFY website: Click here
