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2026 Leading Light Awards and Scholarship Gala
Thank You for a Brilliant Night!
On October 1, more than 550 guests filled the Indiana Roof Ballroom for the 2026 Leading Light Awards & Scholarship Gala, Connected Brilliance. Together we celebrated more than 125 scholarship applicants and award nominees, along with the diverse women of excellence (and one outstanding male ally) driving Indiana’s STEM community forward.
Over the evening, emceed by Lindsay Gramlich, President and CEO of Girls Inc. of Greater Indianapolis, Women & Hi Tech awarded more than $60,000 in scholarships and grants to women and girls at every stage of their STEM journey and recognized 9 Leading Light Award recipients.
“Every award presented and scholarship granted represents more than an achievement. It represents possibility.”
— Heidi Melton, President, Women & Hi Tech
Congratulations to the 2026 Leading Light Award Winners
- Mentor Me! Award: Molly Harrison, Rolls-Royce North America
- Leadership Award: Teresa Conroy-Roth, Huron
- Risk Taker Award: Rosana Serikawa, Corteva Agriscience
- Rising Star Award: Erin Hancock, Corteva Agriscience
- You Inspire Us! Award: Marta Piñeiro-Núñez, Eli Lilly and Company
- Outstanding Educator in STEM Award: Dr. Crystal Morton, Girls STEM Institute
- Outstanding Achievement in STEM Award: Jennifer Hamilton, Corteva Agriscience
- OperationALL Male Ally Award: Reza Rasoulpour, Corteva Agriscience
- Change the Landscape Award: Kristen Cooper, The Startup Ladies
We’re also proud to congratulate our 21 scholarship and grant recipients, from high school seniors to graduate students and working professionals, who are just getting started.
[Read the Full Press Release →]
Relive the Night
The official photo gallery from the gala is now available! Find yourself, your table, and your favorite moments, then share them with #WomenAndHiTech.
[View the Photo Gallery →]
Thank You to Our Sponsors
The night would not have been possible without our sponsors. Special thanks to our Platinum Sponsor and Leading Light Awards Signature Sponsor, Eli Lilly and Company, and to all of our event, scholarship, and grant sponsors, partners, and community connections who support our mission year-round.
Here’s to building a future where every girl and woman can see herself belonging, leading, and thriving in STEM.
With gratitude,
Women & Hi Tech
We are privileged to share the list of 2026 Leading Light Award nominees and scholarship applicants!
See the full list of nominees and applicants here.
About the Leading Light Awards & Scholarship Gala
The Leading Light Awards & Scholarship Gala (LLA) is a biennial celebration honoring women of achievement in STEM and the allies who champion them. For over two decades, this prestigious event has recognized those who exemplify innovation, leadership, mentorship, service, and professional excellence across science, technology, engineering, and math.
LLA shines a spotlight on women who are pioneers in their fields, role models for the next generation, and catalysts for positive change in the STEM landscape. In addition, the event honors allies who support equity and inclusion, demonstrating that advancing women in STEM is a shared mission. LLA is also a cornerstone for scholarships and professional development grants, presented to high school students, undergraduates, graduate students, and STEM professionals.
By combining recognition, mentorship, and financial support, the Leading Light Awards foster a connected network of STEM leaders, ensuring that every achievement strengthens the community and inspires the next generation.
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