Award Categories
INDIVIDUAL AWARDS
Allyship Champion of the Year
Open to individuals of all identities who have supported and empowered women to fulfil their potential and achieve excellence within the workplace. Nominees must be able to demonstrate their impact over the past 12 months and be based in the US.
Executive Excellence Award
This award goes to the woman in a C-Suite role, in any facet of the wealth management industry, who has demonstrated exceptional leadership over the past 12 months, inspiring their organization to new levels of growth and success.
Nominees must be in a C-Suite role within an advisory network, broker-dealer, advisory firm, fund company, or service provider to advisors.
When judging this category, the following criteria will be considered:
- The female executive’s vision, leadership, engagement of workforce, commitment to the wealth management industry and their industry reputation.
- The female executive’s commitment to corporate values (e.g. ESG, innovation, customer care, knowledge and education)
- Corporate growth, achievements, recognition and performance, reflective of their leadership
- Championship of other female professionals within their organization and the industry as a whole
Female Trailblazer of the Year
This award recognizes the outstanding female trailblazer (open to all US-based women and non-binary individuals) in the wealth management and financial planning industry and is open to anyone in the industry whose astounding personal and professional achievements have earned them a place among the industry’s best.
Financial Literacy Champion
The goal of financial literacy is to empower others with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to make informed financial decisions. This award will recognize a truly exceptional financial professional (in any facet of the industry) who has demonstrated leadership and commitment to bettering the lives of individuals and families by promoting financial literacy and actively working to educate members of their community.
Nominees should be involved in a financial literacy initiative (including but not limited to classroom training, workshops, mobile app) that engages their audience and inspires them to take positive action towards their own financial well-being. This individual commits their time, financial support, and/or resources to improving the lives of others through educating adults, seniors, or children. To be eligible, nominees must be active and involved in an initiative starting January 1, 2025 onwards.
The Alexandra Armstrong Award For Lifetime Achievement in the Financial Services Industry
This award recognizes and celebrates an exceptional female financial planner with a minimum of 20 years of experience who is actively shaping the future of the financial planning profession in the United States.
The recipient will demonstrate a sustained commitment to innovation, client-centric planning, and the advancement of professional standards within the financial planning community. She will be a trailblazer—pioneering new approaches, elevating the financial planning process, influencing best practices, and driving meaningful progress in how financial advice is delivered.
This individual will have a proven record of leadership and impact, inspiring peers and the next generation of planners while consistently prioritizing the evolving needs of clients and the integrity of the profession. A strong commitment to mentorship and the advancement of women in financial planning will be a defining characteristic, with clear evidence of supporting, developing, and championing female talent within the industry.
Eligibility is open to active financial planners who have distinguished themselves through:
- Leadership within their practice or the broader profession
- Innovation in financial planning strategies, service models, or client engagement
- Measurable contributions to raising standards, diversity, or accessibility in financial planning
- A demonstrated commitment to mentoring and advancing women in the profession
- Thought leadership that influences industry direction and best practices
There is no shortlist of excellence awardees for this category. Nominations will be reviewed and the recipient selected by Alexandra Armstrong—the original recipient of this award—in collaboration with a distinguished panel of past Women to Watch and Lifetime Achievement Award honourees. The selected recipient will be contacted 3–4 weeks prior to the awards event and will be formally announced at the awards ceremony.
Portfolio Manager of the Year
This award recognizes the most outstanding female portfolio manager, based in the US, who has displayed excellence over the past 12 months.
Eligible nominees are portfolio/discretionary managers (in the advisor channel or the private discretionary division), who are working directly with investor clients / families.
Self nominations are welcomed.
When judging this category, the following criteria will be considered:
- Must be licensed as a portfolio/discretionary manager in the US
- Exemplary business development strategies to prospect and retain clients in innovative ways.
- Knowledge, understanding and communication of investment opportunities and strategies for their clients’ portfolios
- Client retention & relationship strategies & how it sets the portfolio manager apart from competition with a unique value proposition
- Examples of ways that the portfolio manager is educating the industry/clientele on investment strategies
- Approach to regulatory compliance
Rising Star Advisor of The Year
This award recognizes the outstanding female advisor who has displayed excellence in their first three years as an advisor.
To be eligible, nominees must have been accredited as an advisor on or after January 1, 2023.
Self nominations are welcomed.
When judging this category, the following criteria will be considered:
- Must be a licensed advisor that has established a book of business no earlier than Jan 1, 2023
- Knowledge, understanding and communication of investment opportunities and strategies for their clients’ portfolios
- Client retention & relationship strategies & how it sets the advisor apart from competition with a unique value proposition
- Examples of ways that the advisor has established themselves with their clients and peers in a short period of time
- Approach to regulatory compliance
Independent RIA Leader of the Year
This award recognizes a female leader who has demonstrated exceptional leadership in building, growing, or scaling an independent RIA in the U.S. over the past 12–18 months.
When judging this category, the following criteria will be considered:
- Business growth and performance
- Leadership, vision, and ability to successfully build or transition to independence
- Strength of client value proposition and overall client experience
- Development of team culture, talent, and succession planning
- Industry contribution, including mentorship, advocacy, or thought leadership
WealthTech & Innovation Leader of the Year
This award recognizes a female leader who has demonstrated excellence in driving innovation through the use or development of technology within wealth management over the past 12–18 months.
When judging this category, the following criteria will be considered:
- Innovation and originality in the use or development of technology solutions
- Impact on client experience, engagement, or advice delivery
- Measurable business outcomes, including efficiency, growth, or scalability
- Leadership in implementation, adoption, and change management
- Contribution to advancing innovation across the wealth management industry
ORGANIZATIONAL AWARDS
Employer of Choice
This award recognizes an organization’s commitment to building a workplace that recognizes excellence and supports career growth for all and can be called an employer of choice within the wealth management and financial planning industry.
Nominations by employees, partners, peers, and clients are welcome.
When judging this category, the following criteria will be considered:
- Must have over 50 employees within US and be in the wealth management industry. – Workplaces with 30-50% proportion of women in the C suite.
- Demonstrates unique employee value proposition (e.g. business development support, marketing support, education, training, philanthropy)
- Defined workplace brand & culture to foster growth for employees
- Innovative approach to employee recruitment, retention, talent management, learning & development, mitigating employer-related risks, managing changes within the business (i.e. digitalization, customer expectations, compliance)
The Thrivent Financial Award for Excellence in Philanthropy and Community Service
This award recognizes the individual or team led by women whose outstanding contribution of time, leadership and financial support over a sustained period of time, beyond normal expectations, has made significant impacts in the receiving causes or communities.
When judging this category, the following criteria will be considered:
- Open to all women and advisory teams led by women
- Demonstration of major philanthropic and community service programs or initiatives over the last 12 months that align with broader corporate goals or strategies (i.e. company culture, employee engagement etc.)
- Impact of contributions on local, national or international causes or communities
- Overall commitment to philanthropy and community service
- Testimonials from beneficiaries or partners
Fastest Growing, Female Led Advisory Team
This award recognizes the most outstanding advisory team or office (including full-time equivalents, advisors and support staff) that has displayed excellence over the past 12 months.
Advisory teams or offices may nominate themselves and the IN team will also consider input from peers, partners, and clients.
When judging this category, the following criteria will be considered:
- Employee value proposition (business development support, marketing support, education, training, philanthropy)
- Overall client service and relationship management
- Unique business plan and strategies to interact with new and existing clients
- Spirit of innovation with use of wealth technology and digital platforms/tools
- Industry reputation
- Growth of AUM, Team and / or client base in last 12 – 18 months increase in number of clients
- DE & I Efforts
SCHOOL AWARDS
Best First Nations Education Program
This award recognises the best first nations education program developed by a school in Australia in the 2025 academic year. When judging this category the following criteria will be considered:
- How the school is developing skills and attitudes that drive positive physical and mental health outcomes for Indigenous students
- Examples of constructive partnerships with parents and community members
- Training and support provided to, and by teachers, for a safe and supportive school environment for all
- Examples of how the school provides quality education in a culturally inclusive environment
- Tangible outcomes of the program, with a focus on the last two years
Best Professional Learning Program
This award recognises the most outstanding professional (staff) learning and development program or initiative implemented in an Australian school in the 2025 academic year. When judging this category the following criteria will be considered:
- Innovation and excellence in program design and delivery
- Demonstrated support for individual professional learning and links to individual and school-wide learning priorities
- Contribution to improved student learning outcomes
- Effective collaboration, reflection and feedback
PeopleBench Best School Strategic Plan
This award recognises the best strategic plan developed by a school in Australia in the 2025 academic year. The plan can apply school-wide or to a specific project. When judging this category the following criteria will be considered:
- Consultation and engagement with the school community
- Demonstrated strategic development of the plan to ensure it meets defined school needs and business objectives
- Implementation process that includes clear priorities and goals in defined timeframes
- Demonstrated results and progress, supported by both quantitative and qualitative evidence.
- Commitment to evaluating impact and reporting progress to the school community
Best Student Wellbeing Program
This award recognises the most outstanding program or initiative developed by a school in Australia in the 2025 academic year to improve student health and wellbeing. The program or initiative can apply to the entire school or a targeted group of students. When judging this award the following criteria will be considered:
- Innovation and excellence in program design and delivery
- Integration of wellbeing into students’ overall learning and education
- Contribution to improved student learning outcomes
- Effective collaboration, reflection and feedback
Australian Boarding Schools Association Boarding School of the Year
This award recognises the most oustanding boarding school in Australia in the 2025 academic year. When judging this category the following criteria will be considered:
- Consistently high standards of teaching and learning
- Academic and other achievements during the 2025 school year
- Rigorous professional learning to improve teaching and curriculum delivery
- Strong communication links with students, parents, teachers and the wider community
- Effective management of facilities, finances and human resources
- Demonstrated commitment to innovation and continuous improvement
- Provision of a supportive home environment focused on student wellbeing
This award is open to all schools providing boarding facilities in Australia.
Primary School of the Year – Government
This award recognises the most outstanding government primary school in Australia in the 2025 academic year. When judging this category, the following criteria will be considered:
- Consistently high standards of teaching and learning
- Academic and other achievements during the 2025 school year
- Rigorous professional learning to improve teaching and curriculum delivery
- Strong communication links with students, parents, teachers and the wider community
- Effective management of facilities, finances and human resources
- Demonstrated commitment to innovation and continuous improvement
This award is open to all government primary schools in Australia.
Primary School of the Year – Non-government
This award recognises the most outstanding non-government primary school in Australia in the 2025 academic year. When judging this category, the following criteria will be considered:
- Consistently high standards of teaching and learning
- Academic and other achievements during the 2025 school year
- Rigorous professional learning to improve teaching and curriculum delivery
- Strong communication links with students, parents, teachers and the wider community
- Effective management of facilities, finances and human resources
- Demonstrated commitment to innovation and continuous improvement
This award is open to all non-government primary schools in Australia.
Regional School of the Year
This award recognises the most outstanding school in a regional or rural area in Australia in the 2025 academic year. When judging this category the following criteria will be considered:
- Consistently high standards of teaching and learning
- Academic and other achievements during the 2025 school year
- Rigorous professional learning to improve teaching and curriculum delivery
- Strong communication links with students, parents, teachers and the wider community
- Effective management of facilities, finances and human resources
- Demonstrated commitment to innovation and continuous improvement
This award is open to all schools in Australia that are located outside of major capital cities (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide and Canberra).
A Team Tuition Secondary School of the Year – Government
This award recognises the most outstanding government secondary school in Australia in the 2025 academic year. When judging this category, the following criteria will be considered:
- Consistently high standards of teaching and learning
- Academic and other achievements during the 2025 school year
- Rigorous professional learning to improve teaching and curriculum delivery
- Strong communication links with students, parents, teachers and the wider community
- Effective management of facilities, finances and human resources
- Demonstrated commitment to innovation and continuous improvement
This award is open to all government secondary schools in Australia.
Secondary School of the Year – Non-government
This award recognises the most outstanding non-government secondary school in Australia in the 2025 academic year. When judging this category, the following criteria will be considered:
- Consistently high standards of teaching and learning
- Academic and other achievements during the 2025 school year
- Rigorous professional learning to improve teaching and curriculum delivery
- Strong communication links with students, parents, teachers and the wider community
- Effective management of facilities, finances and human resources
- Demonstrated commitment to innovation and continuous improvement
This award is open to all non-government secondary schools in Australia.
Special Education School of the Year
This award recognises the most outstanding school in Australia in the 2025 academic year that provides care and education to students with special needs. When judging this award the following criteria will be considered:
- Consistently high standards of teaching and learning
- Academic and other achievements during the 2025 school year
- Rigorous professional learning to improve teaching and curriculum delivery
- Strong communication links with students, parents, teachers and the wider community
- Effective management of facilities, finances and human resources
- Demonstrated commitment to innovation and continuous improvement
NATIONAL AWARDS
Australian School of the Year
This award recognises the most outstanding school in Australia. The excellence awardees in this category will comprise the winners of the following categories:
- Primary School of the Year – Government
- Primary School of the Year – Non-Government
- Secondary School of the Year – Government
- Secondary School of the Year – Non-Government
- Special Education School of the Year
When judging this category, the following criteria will be considered:
- Consistently high standards of teaching and learning
- Academic and other achievements during the 2025 school year
- Rigorous professional learning to improve teaching and curriculum delivery
- Strong communication links with students, parents, teachers and the wider -community
- Effective management of facilities, finances and human resources
- Demonstrated commitment to innovation and continuous improvement
This category is not open for nominations. Excellence awardees will be announced at the Australian Education Awards
Australian School Principal of the Year
This award recognises the most outstanding school principal in Australia. The excellence awardees in this category will comprise the winners of the following categories:
- Primary School Principal of the Year – Government
- Primary School Principal of the Year – Non-government
- School Principal of the Year – Government
- School Principal of the Year – Non-government
When judging this category, the following criteria will be considered:
- Effective leadership and motivation of staff
- Commitment to professional development (self and staff)
- Academic and other achievements during the 2025 school year
- Leadership of innovation and change within the school
- Engagement with parents and the wider school community
This category is not open for nominations. Excellence awardees will be announced at the Australian Education Awards
