NLBWA-IE Announces 2026 LEILA Awards Ceremony

Latinas Leading Forward: Building Our Legacy

Apr. 8, 2026 at 10:48pm

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A photorealistic studio still life featuring a polished metal trophy with an elegant, abstract base in muted tones, symbolizing the recognition and achievement of Latina business leaders.A prestigious award honors the resilience, vision, and community impact of Latina entrepreneurs in the Inland Empire.Ontario Today

The National Latina Business Women Association of the Inland Empire Institute (NLBWA-IE) has announced the return of its signature celebration, the 2026 LEILA™ Awards Ceremony (Latina Entrepreneur in Leadership Awards™). This distinguished gala honors exceptional Latina entrepreneurs, executives, and innovators whose leadership is driving economic growth and creating generational impact across the Inland Empire and beyond.

Why it matters

The LEILA Awards recognize the vital role Latina entrepreneurs play in strengthening the regional economy and expanding opportunities for future generations. By honoring Latina leaders, the event highlights their resilience, vision, and commitment to community, which are shaping the future while honoring the foundations laid by those who came before them.

The details

The 2026 LEILA™ theme, 'Latinas Leading Forward: Building Our Legacy,' centers on recognizing women whose vision, resilience, and commitment to community are shaping the future. This year's ceremony will spotlight 'Honoring Her Steps,' a special recognition of the journeys Latina leaders have taken—the barriers they have broken and the legacies they continue to build through entrepreneurship, mentorship, and meaningful community impact.

  • The 2026 LEILA™ Awards Ceremony will take place on April 8, 2026.

The players

Martha Robles

CFO for I-CAM, PRESIDENT for RRG.

Anne Muchiri

Supplier Diversity Project Manager within the Supply Chain Management/Supplier Diversity Department at SoCalGas, Co-chair 2026 LEILA Awards.

Ruth Lopez Novodor

President, National Latina Business Women Association, Inland Empire President, On Cue Consulting.

Lesley Marin

CBS news anchor who will emcee the 2026 LEILA Awards Ceremony.

Maria Molina Solano

Executive Director of NLBWA-IE.

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What they’re saying

“Honoring Latina entrepreneurs is honoring resilience, vision, and unshakable determination—together, we rise and redefine the future for generations to come.”

— Martha Robles, CFO for I-CAM, PRESIDENT for RRG

“NBLWA-IE is more than a network; it is a catalyst for economic and social transformation. The women we honor today are not only creating successful enterprises—they are expanding opportunity, mentoring future leaders, and strengthening the very fabric of our neighborhoods.”

— Anne Muchiri, Supplier Diversity Project Manager within the Supply Chain Management/Supplier Diversity Department at SoCalGas, Co-chair 2026 LEILA Awards

“At NLBWA-IE, we witness this powerful legacy unfolding every single day throughout the Inland Empire and far beyond. Bold Latinas are not just leading; they are charting new paths, launching visionary businesses, offering mentorship from their wealth of experience, and cultivating opportunities with intention and heartfelt passion.”

— Ruth Lopez Novodor, President, National Latina Business Women Association, Inland Empire President, On Cue Consulting

What’s next

The 2026 LEILA Awards Ceremony will take place on April 8, 2026 in Ontario, California. The event will bring together elected officials, legislative representatives, corporate executives, supplier diversity leaders, and community stakeholders to celebrate Latina entrepreneurship and leadership.

The takeaway

The NLBWA-IE's LEILA Awards Ceremony highlights the vital role Latina entrepreneurs play in driving economic growth, expanding opportunities, and strengthening communities in the Inland Empire region. By honoring their resilience, vision, and commitment to mentorship, the event celebrates the powerful legacy of Latina leadership and its transformative impact.