Alliance of Channel Women (ACW), a nonprofit dedicated to accelerating female technology channel leadership growth, announced the winners of its 2024 LEAD, INSPIRE and EMPOWER Awards. Six women in tech were honored at a ceremony during the ACWConnect Live! Event, part of the Channel Partners Conference & Expo and MSP Summit.
ACW expanded its awards program in 2025, increasing recognition for individual and corporate contributions to advancing women in the technology channel, including the following individual awards:
ACW LEAD Award
ACW’s flagship award recognizes outstanding female leaders who embody courage, creativity, collaboration, connectivity and confidence in elevating growth in the channel community. 2024 LEAD winners include Melanie Calabretti (senior regional channel manager, RingCentral), Susan Leveritt (channel chief and VP of sales, Sangoma) and Jaclyn Smith (director of partner enablement, Sangoma).
ACW EMPOWER Award
Formerly the ACW Big Impact award, EMPOWER acknowledges individuals nominated by their peers for their commitment to empowering and supporting other women in their professional endeavors. 2024 recipients include Kim Daniels (senior account manager, channel manager, Informa Tech) and Meg Thompson (founder, Salt Peak Consulting).
ACW INSPIRE Award
The inaugural INSPIRE Award, in memory of ACW member Carolee Cannata, celebrates one woman each year who inspires others through compassion, generosity, trust and courage. The 2024 winner is Melinda Ann O’Neill (director, strategic accounts, Island and ACW Michigan local chapter moderator).
ACW IMPACT Award
Formerly the ACT Award, this distinction recognizes the contributions of ACW member volunteers who have demonstrated exceptional commitment and enthusiasm during their tenure with ACW. Winners are nominated and selected by ACW board members and committee chairs. 2024 winners include: Susanne McHugh (director of channel sales, CCI Network Services), Jennifer Redmond (director of channel operations at Fusion Connect) and Meg Thompson (founder, Salt Peak Consulting).
ACW Sponsor Awards
New in 2025, the ACW Sponsor Awards celebrate the power of partnership and sponsors’ vital role in advancing ACW’s mission to empower channel women. The sponsor award winners are determined by ACW Board Members.
- Diamond Legacy Sponsor Award – RapidScale/Cox Business.
- Vanguard Sponsor Award – Intelisys and Telarus.
- ACW Community Champion Sponsor Award – RingCentral.
- ACW Rising Star – Ostra.
Winners were selected by the ACW awards committee, from nominations received via an online application, Jan. 2-Feb. 7. Nominations came from third parties or candidates themselves. All applicants were required to demonstrate leadership and innovation in the channel as well as support advocacy and mentorship of women in the channel.
Visit ACW at Channel Partners booth #1263.
