Women Who Empower
Innovator Awards
Launched in 2021, the Women Who Empower Innovator Awards recognize bold, creative changemakers in Northeastern’s vast entrepreneurial ecosystem—and provide them with resources and recognition to elevate their ideas, products, businesses, and brands. In 2026, the sixth Women Who Empower Innovator Awards honor 34 individuals with one-time grants, welcoming them into a dynamic community of more than 160 lifetime recipients.
Since its inception, the Women Who Empower Innovator Awards program has invested more than $2.3 million in our Innovator Awards recipients as they develop and advance their entrepreneurial endeavors.
What truly sets the Innovator Awards apart is that the program recognizes and celebrates the innovators themselves—not just their business idea or venture. Program applicants are first evaluated by a committee to determine semifinalists, and then reviewed by a team of experienced judges on several rubrics including creativity, leadership, entrepreneurship, authenticity, community and inclusion, track record, and the overall potential impact of their idea.
In six years, the program has received more than 800 applications, with Innovator Awards bestowed upon 167 recipients representing all Northeastern schools and colleges and a wide range of industries including health, sustainability, finance, consumer goods, and technology.
Our Global Community
Innovator awardees truly embrace Northeastern’s tradition of creativity and entrepreneurship across our global network through innovation in the arts, tech, social impact, and humanities. All Northeastern alumni—including those from Mills College, Marymount Manhattan College, and the Roux Institute—and students are welcome to apply.
Where are they now?
Six years ago we began investing in in bold ideas. Here’s where six standout recipients are today—proof that early belief can grow into lasting impact.
THE AWARDS
The Women Who Empower Innovator Awards recognize individuals who are passionate about innovation and community and would benefit from financial backing to develop and advance their entrepreneurial endeavors.
We recognize Northeastern undergraduate students, graduate students, and university alumni, including those from Mills College, Marymount Manhattan College, the Roux Institute Founder Residency, and the Lab for Inclusive Entrepreneurship. Candidates can be at any stage of their venture, from exploring a promising idea to scaling an existing business.
THE PURPOSE
To encourage, support, and celebrate individuals who empower their communities and to create opportunities where all people can thrive. Winners receive a one-time financial award and join the Women Who Empower network of changemakers. All students and alumni across Northeastern’s global community are welcome to apply.
THE DUE DATE
The Innovator Awards are:
INNOVATOR AWARDS WINNERS
Questions? Contact:
All Innovator Awards candidates will be required to submit a high-resolution headshot photo as part of the application process. We recommend that applicants identify a portrait-style photo with a minimum file size of 500 kb when preparing their application materials. There is also an option to include a URL link to a personal video (up to 60 seconds). Applications with a video are often more successful.
Sample Application Questions:
- Please provide a short, personal biography, similar to a LinkedIn bio. (Up to 100 words)
- Summarize your innovation or venture in one sentence. (Up to 30 words)
- If you have a current pitch deck for your venture, please upload it to the form. (Maximum 10 MB file size)
- Why are you applying for the Women Who Empower Innovator Awards? What would this award mean for you and your innovation? (Limit 250 words)
- What is the story behind your innovation? What skills, experiences, or perspectives make you uniquely suited to support it? (Limit 200 words)
- Describe a time when you overcame a challenge in your life. How does this experience connect to your work and innovation? (Limit 200 words)
- This award seeks recipients who are highly engaged in the Women Who Empower community. It is important that, should you receive an award, you will actively participate and contribute to our shared community. Please describe how you would support and advance our community of innovators as an Innovator Awards recipient. (Limit 150 words)
- Tell us about a role model who has provided inspiration to you. (Limit 150 words)
- List two individuals who can provide a character reference.
- Is there anything else you would like the selection committee to know? (maximum 200 words)