Women's Leadership and Policy Summit 2026
October 10, 2026 - 9:30 am (registration opens at 8:45 am)
San Jose State University - Student Union
1 Washington Sq, San Jose, CA 95192
Nominations Are Now Open
Help us recognize the leaders, advocates, and community champions who are making a difference in Santa Clara County.
The 2026 Women’s Leadership & Policy Summit Awards celebrate individuals whose leadership, courage, service, and collaboration are creating meaningful change in our community.
Nomination Deadline: Monday, September 14, 2026, at midnight
2026 Award Categories
Luminary Award
Honoring a lifetime of achievement of those who have illuminated a path to positive change, advanced women’s rights, and benefited all in our community.
Ideal nominees have made significant and lasting contributions through leadership, service, advocacy, expertise, innovation, or community involvement. Their work may include opening doors for others, influencing meaningful decisions, advancing knowledge, mentoring future leaders, or dedicating their time and expertise to strengthen the community. Nominees should demonstrate a lasting impact over time and a legacy that has helped create positive change in Santa Clara County and beyond.
Courage to Act Award
Celebrating those who are meeting the moment and expanding access, promoting equity, building belonging, or cultivating compassionate communities.
Ideal nominees have taken meaningful action during the past two years in response to emerging challenges or community needs. Their work may include advocacy, volunteerism, direct service, organizing, leadership, or creating new programs and opportunities. Nominees may have helped remove barriers, expand access to resources, support historically excluded communities, promote well-being, or inspire others to take action.
Unsung (S)hero Award
Recognizing the (S)heroes whose invisible labor is the true engine of our progress.
Ideal nominees are those whose persistence, dedication, service, and advocacy help move communities forward, often without receiving public recognition. Their contributions may include organizing, mentoring, caregiving, supporting community programs, helping others behind the scenes, or consistently showing up where they are needed. Their work advances the common good and has a meaningful impact, even when their name is not in the spotlight.
Collaborative Spirit Award
Recognizing individuals, organizations, or groups of people who help build bridges and advance the common good.
Ideal nominees have worked across organizations, communities, or different perspectives to achieve shared goals and create positive results in Santa Clara County, especially during the past two years. Their collaboration may demonstrate strong relationship-building, open communication, inclusion of diverse voices, shared leadership, cooperation, creativity, or innovative problem-solving. This award recognizes partnerships where working together has created greater impact than working alone.
Women’s Champion Award
Highlighting those who have championed women’s rights, diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, belonging, and justice.
Ideal nominees have demonstrated strong leadership, advocacy, or service that empowers women and helps create a more equitable and inclusive community. Their work may include removing barriers, expanding opportunities, elevating women’s voices, advancing policies or programs, mentoring others, improving access to resources, or advocating for the rights and well-being of women. Nominees should demonstrate a meaningful and sustained commitment to creating positive change.
Celebrate Women in Our Valley
This year’s Summit theme, Women Leading Change: Power in Action — Every Strength. Every Role. Everyone., reminds us that leadership takes many forms.
If you know someone whose work, service, or leadership deserves to be recognized, we invite you to submit a nomination.
For questions or additional supporting materials about a nominee, please contact:
The Women's Leadership & Policy Summit is a joint event of Santa Clara County Supervisor Betty Duong and Valley Health Foundation. VHF is an independent, community-driven 501(c)3 nonprofit organization working to support quality health and healthcare for all in Santa Clara County (Tax ID 77-0187890).
