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Powerhouse Women of Promo List - 2026

  • Writer: Bill Petrie
    Bill Petrie
  • 18 hours ago
  • 2 min read

The annual list recognizing the amazing contributions of women in the promotional products industry.


Last week, I recorded what has turned into my favorite podcast of the year: the annual Powerhouse Women of Promo list, which you can watch or listen to here. Created nine years ago alongside my former podcast partner, Kirby Hasseman, what started out as a simple way to recognize some of the great work done by women in the branded merchandise space has become something that matters. Honestly, the knowledge that this list is now something people look forward to every year gives me an insane amount of pride.


This list has truly become important to me. While women make up over 50% of the workforce in the promotional products industry, they remain underrepresented in executive and leadership roles. Throughout my career, I’ve had many women leaders help shape who I am today: bosses, mentors, and people I respect. So, for me, this list is an opportunity to acknowledge the fantastic contributions women have made (and continue to make) in the promotional products industry.


It’s so critically important that we collectively and intentionally pause to do all we can to advance women because when we celebrate their successes and recognize their work, we help pave the path for future leaders. By making women’s contributions visible, we not only provide role models but also open tangible opportunities such as mentorship connections, access to influential networks, and even consideration for board seats or key project leadership. This recognition encourages organizations to invest in women’s development, making it more likely that tomorrow’s talent will have advocates and door-openers as they advance.


I’m fortunate that I have a platform to produce this list annually, and I’m equally fortunate that someone like Kirby has been willing to do it nine years in a row. It’s an honor to build and reveal this list every year.


As always:

  1. If we missed someone, please let me know.

  2. If you know these truly fabulous ladies, continue to lift and support them.

  3. For the ones you don’t know, introduce yourself to them, or at least follow them.


Distributor Women to Watch


Supplier Women to Watch


Service Provider Women to Watch


Women on the Rise


Janelle Nevins Memorial Women Trailblazers


Tee Hamilton Memorial Creative Women


Charity Gibson Social Media Women of Distinction


Women You’d Hire to Run Your Company

 
 
 
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