The Alliance of Channel Women (ACW), a nonprofit dedicated to accelerating the growth of female leaders in the technology channel, officially announced that it has reimagined and expanded its ACW awards program, adding recognition for individual and corporate contributions.
“As ACW celebrates 15 years of advancing women’s leadership in the technology channel, we’re proud to introduce a more expansive and inclusive awards program for 2025,” said ACW president, Mayka Rosales-Peterson (VP of marketing, LAVA Technology). “Our new categories shine a light on the transformative contributions of channel women leaders, dedicated ACW members and our sponsor community in driving lasting impact for women in the channel.”
Nominations for the 2025 Awards Program are open Jan. 2-Feb. 7 for the following awards:
- ACW LEAD – ACW’s flagship award that recognizes outstanding female leaders who embody courage, creativity, collaboration, connectivity and confidence in elevating growth in the channel community.
- ACW EMPOWER – Formerly Big Impact award, it acknowledges individuals nominated by their peers for their remarkable support and commitment to empowering women in their professional endeavors.
- ACW INSPIRE – New recognition, launched in memory of ACW member Carolee Cannata, that celebrates women who inspire others through compassion, generosity, trust and courage.
. See the website for applications and nominating criteria.
ACW’s expanded awards program also includes two internal categories that recognize critical contributors from within the organization:
- ACW IMPACT – Formerly the ACW ACT Award, this 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.
- ACW Sponsor – New honors that celebrate the power of partnership and sponsors’ vital role in advancing ACW’s mission to empower channel women.
Sponsor award winners are determined by ACW board members, and include the following categories:
- ACW Diamond Legacy Sponsor – Honors sponsoring companies that have achieved elite Diamond sponsorship status and demonstrate unwavering dedication to ACW for more than a decade.
- ACW Vanguard Sponsor – Recognizes sponsors that have supported ACW since its formative years (2010-2012), providing foundational support for success and growth.
- ACW Community Champion Sponsor – Celebrates sponsor companies that actively share their expertise, inspire change and create meaningful connections.
- ACW Rising Star Sponsor – Highlights new sponsors that have embraced ACW’s mission with enthusiasm and energy, making an immediate impact on the ACW community.
“ACW’s revamped awards program celebrates a broader range of accomplishments within the ACW community,” said ACW awards committee chair, JoElla Aranda (manager, national channel program, Crown Castle). “By recognizing outstanding women, members and sponsors, we’re highlighting the people and organizations driving meaningful change for women in the channel. We look forward to seeing the incredible nominations this year.”
The 2025 ACW Awards winners will be announced during ACW’s 15th-anniversary celebration at ACWConnect Live!, ACW’s signature networking event, which brings together influential women and allies in the channel. ACWConnect Live! is set for 4-7 p.m., Mar. 24, at the Channel Partners Conference & Expo in Las Vegas.
