The Venice Area Chamber of Commerce is looking for its 2026 Empowering Woman of the Year — and the nomination could start with someone you already know.
Think about the woman who always seems to show up. The one who stays late to help. The business owner who built something from nothing. The coworker who somehow manages to encourage everyone around her. The volunteer who never seems to ask for recognition......Or maybe it's the woman who simply makes your corner of Venice a little better by being in it.
She could be the next Empowering Woman of the Year.
The Venice Area Chamber of Commerce is accepting nominations for its 2026 Empowering Woman of the Year award, and nominations are open through August 28.
The award is part of the Chamber's annual Women Empowering Women Summit, which celebrates women making an impact throughout the local business and community scene.
According to the Chamber, the award recognizes a woman who demonstrates leadership, character, integrity and a commitment to lifting up the people around her. And that leaves a pretty big door open.
Because making a difference doesn't necessarily mean having your name on a building. It could be the woman running a local business who takes the time to mentor someone just starting out.
It could be a teacher, healthcare professional, nonprofit volunteer, entrepreneur, manager or community advocate. It could even be someone whose biggest accomplishments never make the newspaper.
Sometimes the people making the biggest difference are the ones who aren't looking for a spotlight in the first place. That's what makes this nomination interesting.
You don't have to be the person being recognized
to make sure someone gets noticed.
The 2026 Empowering Woman of the Year nomination is open to women whose leadership, accomplishments and dedication have made an impact on others.
The winner will be recognized during the Women Empowering Women Summit on October 2. This year's theme is “Nothing Is Impossible, the Word Itself Says, ‘I'm Possible!’”
And honestly, there may be no better time to ask Venice one simple question:
Who is your “I'm Possible” woman? If someone immediately came to mind, don't just tell your friends about her. Nominate her.
Nominations close August 28, so there isn't much time left to get her name in.
And if you already know exactly who deserves it...
Tell us about her, too.
Because WE want to know who the women of Venice are
that you think deserve a little extra recognition.
13 Comments
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My sister runs a small business and always dedicates time to mentor others. She definitely deserves a nomination!
Kelly J.Kelly, that sounds awesome! Mentorship is such a big deal, especially from someone who’s been through it. Your sister sounds like she’s doing great things for our community.
I hope this helps inspire more women in Venice to get involved in leading and supporting the community.
Thank you for reminding us to nominate deserving women. It’s easy to forget to give credit where it’s due.
Honestly, I’ve met so many hardworking women here, but I don’t know any personally who fit the award. Anyone got recommendations?
I agree with the article, sometimes the best leaders are the quiet ones who don’t seek attention. Glad they’re getting noticed now!
Nina C.Definitely, Nina. The quiet impact is often the strongest. I’ve seen so many women in our town just doing the work without any spotlight, and it’s about time they got some recognition.
Love the summit theme too! “Nothing is impossible” is such a strong message. Can’t wait to see who wins this year.
Cool to see the chamber spotlighting local leaders beyond just business owners. Helps the whole community feel appreciated.
I’m thinking of nominating my neighbor. She’s always helping out and never asks for thanks. Perfect example of empowerment!
I wonder how they choose the winner? Seems like a tough decision with so many deserving women in Venice.
This is such a great initiative! There are so many amazing women around here who do so much quietly. Hope lots of them get nominated.
Linda M.Absolutely, Linda! I’m hoping this encourages others to step forward too. It’s amazing how many incredible women there are around us all the time.