Applause Award

The WBENC Applause Award recognizes exceptional accomplishments that expand opportunities for Women’s Business Enterprises (WBEs) on a national or international level while breaking down the barriers that impede the progress and growth of businesses owned and operated by women.

Award recipients are selected based on their impact on the growth of WBEs; creation of policies, procedures or initiatives that increase opportunities for WBEs; and innovative and inspirational leadership on behalf of women business owners and their companies.

Most Recent Recipients

  • Susan Rittscher, President & CEO of the Center for Women & Enterprise
  • Nancy Cruziger, ManpowerGroup
  • Larry Phelan, CPO of EY
  • Barbara Carbone, Partner of KPMG LLP
Past Recipients
2018
  • Reginald Humphrey
  • Amy Criss
2016
  • Jessica Narvaez
2015
  • Shari Francis
  • Kathy Mazon
  • Beverly Jennings
  • Frantz Tiffeau
2014
  • Eyvon Austin
  • Larry Caldwell
2013
  • Tara Abraham
  • Barbara Kubicki-Hicks
  • Ruby McCleary
2012
  • Pamela Prince-Eason
  • Candace Waterman
  • LaKesha White
  • Susan Cates
  • Benita Fortner
  • Cheryl Stevens
  • Nancy Conner
  • Laura Taylor
  • Cyndi Hopkins
  • Debra Stewart
  • Debbie Hurst
  • Michelle Richards
  • Susan Rittscher
  • Blanca Robinson
  • Geri Swift
  • Diane McClelland
  • Roz Lewis
  • Rea Waldon
  • Carol Dougal
  • Nancy Allen
  • Susan Repka
  • Pamela Williamson, Ph.D.
  • Sandra Eberhard
  • Marsha Firestone, Ph.D.
2011
  • Lynn Scott
  • Debra Jennings-Johnson
  • Nancy Conner
  • Lynthia Romney
2010
  • Theresa Harrison
  • E. Denise Stovell
  • Nancy Williams
2009
  • Virginia Littlejohn
  • Elizabeth A. Vazquez
2008
  • Michelle Richards
  • Roz Lewis
  • Diane McClelland
  • Linda Paugh
  • Debbie Hurst
  • Geri Swift
  • Carol Dougal
  • Marsha Firestone, Ph.D.
  • Nancy Allen
  • Susan Repka
  • Blanca Robinson
  • Donna Mullen Good
  • Liz Cullen
2007
  • Rebecca Congleton Boenigk
  • Joan N. Kerr
  • Heather Herndon Wright
2006
  • Kate Chrisman
  • Sandra Rand
  • Women Impacting Public Policy (WIPP), Terry Neese & Barbara Kasoff
2005
  • William J. Alcorn
  • Sharon Avent
  • Ginger Conrad
  • William Kirk
2004
  • The Honorable Elaine L. Chao
  • Alta Baker
  • Dr. Renaldo Jensen
  • Lillie Knox
2003
  • Donna Fujimoto Cole
  • Dr. Sharon Hadary
  • Bruce Nelson
  • IBM Corporation
  • U.S. Small Business Administration
2002
  • Susan Phillips Bari
  • Marsha Firestone, Ph.D.
  • Jerry Martin
  • WE Enterprise Magazine, Don McKneely
  • Durie N. White
2001
  • Billie Bryant
  • Mirinda Jackson
  • Fred Kahl
  • Glen Mayer
  • Hugh L. McColl
  • Cheryl Stevens
  • The Honorable Nydia M. Velazquez
2000
  • Carole Davis
  • Carol Dougal & Hedy Ratner
  • Elizabeth Lisboa-Farrow
  • Carol Martin
  • Anthony J. DeLuca
Selection Process

An internal screening and research process is conducted to select all Applause Award recipients. A panel of judges is led by the WBENC President & CEO. Selected WBE and corporate representatives, who participate anonymously in the judging process, may assist in deciding the Applause Award recipients.

Candidates are reviewed and selected for awards to be presented at the WBENC National Conference & Business Fair each June.

Award Criteria

Unlike other awards, this is not a “Corporation of the Year” or “Supplier of the Year” award. Nor are individuals or organizations considered if their contribution is regional in nature. Each candidate will be assessed in the following areas:

  1. Significant and measurable impact on the growth of Women’s Business Enterprises.
  2. Creation of policies, procedures or programmatic initiatives that increased opportunities for women’s business enterprises. Innovative and inspirational leadership on behalf of women business owners and their companies.