2026 Pillar Awards
Pillar Awards 2026 Dayla
Friday, November 20, 2026
The 2026 Brave Women Project 4th Annual Pillar Awards Dayla reimagines the traditional evening gala as
a high energy, daytime celebration of leadership, impact, and courageous advancement.
Nominations and registration for the
2026 Pillar Awards opens Monday, June 1.
Hosted at the Hyatt Regency Pittsburgh International Airport.
Our Dayla reimagines the traditional awards format by transforming the event into an immersive experience designed for connection, celebration, and inspiration. Guests will begin their morning exploring the
Connection Corridor, where carefully selected partners and organizations offer meaningful interactions,
resources, and opportunities for professional growth.
Following the networking experience, attendees will gather in the Regency Ballroom for the Dayla Awards Luncheon, where the remarkable women selected as Pillar Award recipients will be honored for the courage, leadership, and impact they bring to their industries and communities.
The new format allows for more relationship building, more visibility for partners, and more space to celebrate the women who embody the 5 Es for Life: Educate, Empower, Encourage, Engage, and Evolve. With expanded networking, curated experiences, and an elevated venue, we are creating an environment where meaningful connections can form and powerful stories of impact can be shared.
The new location at The Hyatt Regency Pittsburgh International Airport provides a polished and accessible space for guests traveling from across the region to gather for a day dedicated to honoring bravery, leadership, and the ripple effect created when women rise and support one another.
A Celebration of Bravery and Impact
The Pillar Awards were established to honor women who exemplify the 5 Es for Life: Educate, Empower, Encourage, Engage, and Evolve in four core areas: Relationships, Professional Development, Impact, and Wellness. Each nominee and award recipient has demonstrated a commitment to making a difference within their sphere of influence, inspiring others to take bold steps in their own lives. As we enter our fourth year, the significance of these awards continues to deepen, creating a ripple effect of positive change across communities. What began as a vision to highlight the brave actions of women has transformed into a movement. The Pillar Awards have expanded in scope, recognition, and attendance, attracting influential leaders, advocates, and changemakers from diverse industries. The Pillar Awards serve as more than just a recognition event; they are a call to action and a catalyst of connection. By highlighting the inspiring journeys of our nominees and award recipients, we encourage all women to embrace their own bravery, step into leadership roles, and foster inclusive, supportive environments. This event is a powerful reminder that every act of courage - big or small - creates lasting change.
BWP's 5 Es for Life
Educate – The Teacher
She helps other women grow by generously sharing her wisdom. Whether it’s through formal teaching or informal advice, she provides others with the knowledge, skills, and insights they need to succeed.
Empower – The Advocate
She guides women to reach their goals, equipping them with resources and real-world support. Through her words and actions, she helps others find their voice and claim their power.
Encourage – The Cheerleader
She lifts others up with positivity and belief. Her heartfelt motivation sparks momentum, especially when the path gets hard, reminding women of their strength and helping them push forward.
Engage – The Connector
She brings the right people together at the right time. Through meaningful introductions and intentional networking, she opens doors to partnerships, opportunities, and shared success.
Evolve – The Changemaker
She’s always growing and brings others along with her. With intention, awareness, and courage, she leads change that uplifts her community and inspires transformation in those around her.
Agenda
7:00 am | Connection Corridor set up begins. The Brave Backstage Lounge opens for Connection Corridor Hosts,
2026 Pillar Award Winners and Nominees, Sponsors, and Volunteers.
8:30 am | All Connection Corridor displays must be fully completed and event ready.
9:00 am | Guest arrival and Connection Corridor experience begins with bar service.
11:00 am | Regency Ballroom doors open for luncheon seating.
11:30 am | Dayla Awards Luncheon program begins.
11:45 am | Luncheon service commences.
12:30 pm | Awards presentation begins.
2:00 pm | Event concludes.
Hotel booking link for Thursday, November 19 and / or Friday, November 20
https://www.hyatt.com/events/en-US/group-booking/PITAP/G-BWPP
Meet our 2026 Sponsors
Silver: Signature Partners
Guiding Light
Brave Legacy
Brave Champion
Banking on Bravery
Bronze: Industry Impact
Unwrap the Moment
Bronze: Brave Essentials
Become a Sponsor
The Pillar Awards convene a purpose-driven community of women and allies who are actively engaged in leadership, growth, and impact. Attendees represent a broad spectrum of professional stages and industries, including founders, executives, nonprofit leaders, entrepreneurs, and emerging professionals. Many hold influence within their organizations and networks and are deeply invested in meaningful connection, professional development, and values-aligned leadership. While rooted in Pittsburgh, the Pillar Awards extend far beyond a single city. Through nominee engagement, digital storytelling, and year-round visibility, the event reaches audiences nationally and internationally, amplifying the voices of honorees and the organizations that support them. The Pillar Awards audience values authenticity, purpose, and long-term impact.
Sponsorship of the Pillar Awards is an opportunity to align your organization with a movement that is actively shaping the future of women’s leadership. This is more than visibility. It is a strategic investment in a community that values connection, growth, and impact. Sponsors are positioned in front of a highly engaged and influential audience, with benefits that may include curated brand exposure across digital and in-person platforms, premium event presence, recognition throughout the nomination and awards cycle, access to meaningful networking opportunities, and alignment with leadership development initiatives that extend far beyond the event itself. If your organization is committed to supporting women, strengthening workplace culture, and being part of something that drives lasting change, we invite you to connect with
Nicole Lerda or Kelli Komondor to explore a partnership that aligns with your goals.
By purchasing a ticket to our events you agree to the terms of our Refund Policy: All event registrations are non-refundable. In certain instances, registration may be transferable, except among non-members of the organization. For example, transfers may be permitted for events such as the Diamond Dinner, provided that both parties are current members in good standing with Brave Women.
All event sponsorships are non-refundable.
Photo Disclaimer: By registering for and attending a Brave Women Project (BWP) event, you acknowledge and consent to being photographed or filmed. Your image may be used in BWP's social media, website, and other promotional materials. If you prefer not to be included, please inform a BWP board member at the event.