Tulsa has just unveiled its slate of powerhouse women who are set to receive the 2026 Pinnacle Awards. In partnership with the YWCA Tulsa, the city will honor these leaders and visionaries in a grand celebration slated for March next year. Details of the awards were shared in a press release distributed by the City of Tulsa, which included the names of the distinguished women alongside their notable achievements in various fields that contribute to the vitality of the Tulsa community. This storied recognition, dating back to its inception in 1987, adds another chapter by lauding more than 250 women over nearly four decades for their strides in leadership, service, and impact.
The upcoming Pinnacle Awards gathering is set for March 27, 2026, at the Marriott Tulsa Hotel Southern Hills, where the city will officially honor this year's recipients. Among the honorees, as detailed in the press release, is Maybelle Wallace, who will receive the Anna C. Roth Legacy Award. Wallace's life's work in safeguarding and promoting the rich African American cultural heritage of Tulsa, through events and productions with Theatre North, immortalizes the enduring spirit of Greenwood's history. "These outstanding women are driving real progress in Tulsa through their leadership, dedication, and service," Mayor Nichols said in a statement obtained by the City of Tulsa.
Other notable recognitions include the Corporate Champion award going to the Girl Scouts of Eastern Oklahoma, which has set a sterling example of women's leadership in empowering girls and young women. Amanda Swope will be honored for Community Service, commended for her extensive involvement in nonprofit leadership, tribal governance, and shaping civic policies. Lewana Dailey earned accolades in the Corporate Business category, Dr. Leigh Goodson in Education, and Kimberly Hill-Crowell for her impact on Health & Wellness, each leading transformative initiatives in their respective arenas and serving as pillars for the progress and prosperity of Tulsa.
A name to watch, as noted in the press release, is that of the Rising Star awardee, Justice Jones, whose commitment to supporting housing stability and higher education for young adults demonstrates the power of advocacy and leadership in the service of community wellbeing. By intertwining research and policy, Jones stands as a beacon for others in the ongoing effort to uplift the marginalized voices. The Pinnacle Awards, in the throes of their historic recognition of women's leadership, embody the partnership and shared vision of both the City of Tulsa and YWCA Tulsa that began in 2015, working shoulder to shoulder to eliminate racism, empower women, and propel social justice forward. For more information on the Pinnacle Awards and the YWCA Tulsa, visit YWCA Tulsa.
