Vital Voices to Host 2026 Global Leadership Awards at the Perelman Performing Arts Center

The annual event will honor extraordinary women leaders transforming industries and advancing progress worldwide.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Vital Voices Global Partnership announced that its 2026 Global Leadership Awards will take place on April 23, 2026, at the Perelman Performing Arts Center (PAC NYC). The event will convene global leaders, philanthropists, and changemakers to celebrate women whose leadership is driving impact across various sectors. The ceremony will be hosted by Bozoma Saint John and feature a special appearance by former U.S. Secretary of State and Vital Voices co-founder Hillary Rodham Clinton.

Why it matters

The Global Leadership Awards is Vital Voices' premier annual fundraising event, supporting its mission to identify, invest in, and amplify women leaders tackling the world's greatest challenges. The awards showcase the transformative impact of women's leadership across industries and geographies, inspiring others to follow in their footsteps.

The details

The 2026 honorees include Dame Donna Langley, recipient of the Trailblazer Award; Susie Wolff, recipient of the Icon Award; Tracy Chou and Seyi Akiwowo, recipients of the inaugural Susan Wojcicki Tech for Impact Award; Shirin Musa, recipient of the Global Leadership Award; and Farwiza Farhan, also recipient of the Global Leadership Award.

  • The Global Leadership Awards will take place on April 23, 2026.

The players

Vital Voices Global Partnership

A nonprofit organization that has been investing in women leaders solving the world's greatest challenges for more than 28 years.

Bozoma Saint John

An acclaimed marketing executive and entrepreneur who will host the 2026 Global Leadership Awards ceremony.

Hillary Rodham Clinton

Former U.S. Secretary of State and co-founder of Vital Voices, who will make a special appearance at the event.

Dame Donna Langley

Recipient of the Trailblazer Award, honored for her transformative leadership in global entertainment.

Susie Wolff

Recipient of the Icon Award, honored for her groundbreaking career in motorsport and leadership in expanding opportunities for women in racing.

Tracy Chou

Recipient of the Inaugural Susan Wojcicki Tech for Impact Award, recognized for her leadership advancing accountability and transparency in the tech industry.

Seyi Akiwowo

Recipient of the Inaugural Susan Wojcicki Tech for Impact Award, honored for her pioneering work combating online abuse and advocating for inclusive, rights-based digital policy.

Shirin Musa

Recipient of the Global Leadership Award, recognized for her courageous advocacy to end forced and honor-based violence and protect the rights of women and girls.

Farwiza Farhan

Recipient of the Global Leadership Award, honored for her environmental leadership protecting the Leuser Ecosystem and advancing community-led conservation in Indonesia.

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What they’re saying

“For more than 28 years, Vital Voices has invested in women leaders who are shaping a more equitable and prosperous world. This year's honorees embody bold leadership — challenging systems, expanding opportunity, and creating lasting change.”

— Alyse Nelson, President and CEO of Vital Voices Global Partnership (Vital Voices)

“At a time when the world feels increasingly complex and divided, the leadership of women like this year's honorees reminds us what is possible. From boardrooms to racetracks, from technology platforms to grassroots movements and fragile ecosystems, they are reshaping systems and expanding opportunity for others. We are proud to celebrate not only their achievements, but the ripple effects of their leadership across generations.”

— Alyse Nelson, President and CEO of Vital Voices Global Partnership (Vital Voices)

What’s next

The Global Leadership Awards is Vital Voices' premier annual fundraising event, and tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available on their website.

The takeaway

The 2026 Global Leadership Awards showcase the transformative impact of women's leadership across diverse industries and geographies, inspiring others to follow in their footsteps and work towards a more equitable and prosperous world.