This unique annual program was the first national effort of its kind, launched to recognize the significant contributions of women to both mortgage banking and real estate. HousingWire is honored to have led the way.
The Women of Influence program recognizes the outstanding efforts of women who are driving the housing economy forward.
The honor is given to individuals who are making notable contributions to both their businesses and to the industry at large — with a specific focus on contributions made in the most recent 12 months. These women’s energy, ideas, achievements and commitment to excellence and progress give us a look at the future of the industry.
If you know a woman making such an impact — and it could even be you! — please submit your nomination.
Honorees will receive a free year subscription to HousingWire.
Program Details
Nomination period
May 1 – May 30, 2026
Nomination fee
$795
Winners announced
Online July 1, 2026
Eligibility & Criteria
The Women of Influence award recognizes senior and executive-level women who are driving meaningful change and innovation across the housing economy. These leaders are not only shaping the strategic direction of their organizations but also making a lasting impact on the industry at large.
Nominees should demonstrate standout achievements within the past year, though we also consider the broader scope of their career accomplishments. This award is not solely about lifetime recognition — it’s about influence, leadership, and forward momentum.
Eligible nominees must work full-time in housing — spanning residential mortgage lending, servicing, investments, or real estate.
Note: All submissions are final, non-refundable, and non-transferable.
Past Winners
Frequently Asked Questions
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1. What are the submission questions this year?
- What’s your elevator pitch? Provide us with an elevator pitch on why this nominee should be considered as a Woman of Influence (2-3 sentences recommended).
- Professional excellence and leadership. Provide examples on your nominee’s professional excellence and leadership within her organization, focusing particularly on the last 12 months as applicable. You may also include any volunteer work or trade organizations she is a part of (2-3 paragraphs recommended).
- Contribution to your organization. Provide the reasons this person is so valuable to your organization, using metrics and specific examples (2-3 paragraphs recommended).
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2. How can I nominate someone?
Nominations must be submitted online, see above link.
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3. Why is there a nomination fee?
The nomination fee ensures award winner integrity by only allowing serious candidates to be nominated, and covers editorial time. It takes a significant amount of time and resources for HousingWire’s editorial team members to organize and successfully determine who will be named to this year’s list.
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4. Can I just call you or send you an email with the name of the person I’d like to nominate?
No. We need to have the form filled out, including contact information for the person you are nominating.
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5. I want to nominate my boss, but would it be better if someone higher up nominated instead? Can I nominate a family member?
You can nominate yourself, a client, a family member, your boss, an employee, or an acquaintance. The most important thing is that you state a clear, business-oriented reason for the nomination.
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6. How does the selection process work?
After the nomination period closes, the HousingWire selection committee begins an extensive process of reviewing all nominations, evaluating accomplishments and applying industry knowledge to determine the impact each nominee has on their organization and the industry. Following review, the editorial selection committee holds a series of meetings to determine which candidates will be chosen. We strive to select the most impressive and impactful leaders leveraging the nomination information and industry knowledge of organizations, accomplishments and trajectory. The process takes a significant amount of time over a compressed schedule.
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7. Can I contact you to see how my nominee is doing in the judging process?
Due to the volume of submissions we receive, we cannot provide status updates. If we need any further information about your nomination, we will contact you.
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8. I want to be selected for the Women of Influence program. Will it help to hire a public relations firm?
No. Publicists often submit candidates, but they do not influence the judging.
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9. My nominee was not selected for this year’s class of HousingWire’s Women of Influence. Can you tell me why?
With hundreds of candidates and only a few spots available, many nominees will not be chosen. We often are unable to provide individual feedback to each nominee who is not selected due to the sheer volume of nominations we receive.
Please contact Lesley Collins with any questions about this program.
Award Materials, Licensing, Permissions, and Reprints
For additional award materials, please visit our online store here.
For award logos, permissions, and reprints, please reach out to Lesley Collins. All winners will now be provided the award logo to use as they wish to promote their win.
