ABWA Names Class of 2027 Top Ten Business Women Ahead of National Women's Leadership Conference

One of ten honorees will be crowned the 2027 American Business Woman of the Year on October 1 in Sugar Land, Texas

LEAWOOD, Kan., Aug. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Business Women's Association (ABWA) has announced its Top Ten Business Women, Class of 2027, recognizing ten members nationwide for excellence in career achievement, education, leadership, and community involvement.

One of the ten honorees will be named the 2027 American Business Woman of ABWA at the Top Ten Business Women's Award Luncheon on October 1, held during ABWA's signature event, the 2026 National Women's Leadership Conference (NWLC) in Sugar Land, Texas.

Each fall, hundreds of ABWA members gather at NWLC to celebrate member achievements, explore timely business topics, hear from nationally recognized industry leaders, and strengthen the professional connections that support women throughout their careers.

The Top Ten Business Women of ABWA, Class of 2027, are:

• Ardis Bazyn — California, Pathfinder Chapter. President, Bazyn Communications
• Wendy Bowser — Texas, Fort Bend County Chapter. CEO/Benefits Adviser, Bowser Insurance Services
• Beverly Eddy — Maryland, Oxon Hill Charter Chapter. Owner/Executive Director, Mighty Minds Enrichment Center
• Anita Eno — Alabama, Alabama Leading Ladies Chapter. CEO, Prayers Are Answered Inc.; Owner, ENO Associates Inc.
• Shenice Hall — South Carolina, Women Connecting Women Chapter. Owner/CEO, The Peace Pantry
• Leslie Koetters — Illinois, Quincy Charter Chapter. Registered Nurse, Quincy Medical Group; Owner, The Sugared Apron
• Dawn Lunt — Florida, Orange Park Charter Chapter. President/CEO, Dawn A. Lunt, Inc.
• Tracey Pirozzi — Florida, Imperial River Chapter. CEO/Founder/Lead Facilitator, Pirozzi Organization Development Solutions
• Holly Pritchard — Texas, Leading Women Express Network. Owner/Licensed Insurance Broker, HAP Insurance Agency LLC
• Karen Taylor-Moody — Georgia, Airport Charter Chapter. Emergency Management Program Specialist, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

Together, the honorees represent ABWA chapters and Express Networks across Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, South Carolina, and Texas. Each was selected for her professional accomplishments, community involvement, and contributions to ABWA. The Business Woman of the Year Award is the highest honor the Association awards to a member.

The 2026 American Business Woman, J Franco, MBA, MCM, CEO and Founder of Franco Innovative Media & Marketing, was selected from last year's Top Ten class and has spent the past year serving as a national ambassador for the Association. Her successor from this year's class of ten will be announced live at the Top Ten Luncheon during the National Conference.

Beyond the Top Ten recognition, NWLC is ABWA's largest national gathering each year – bringing members together for professional development sessions led by speakers and educators across industries, along with the mentorship and connections that turn fellow members into lifelong friends. The conference is also where ABWA members elect the incoming Board of Directors and National President, and where the Association celebrates its members nationally, from educational program achievements to membership milestones.

This year's NWLC keynote speaker is Julia Landauer, a champion racecar driver, Stanford University graduate, and member of NASCAR's Strategy team. A Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree and former contestant on CBS's Survivor, Landauer is a nationally recognized advocate for STEM education and women's empowerment and hosts the podcast If I'm Honest with Julia Landauer. She will address attendees during the conference's ABWA Recognition & Keynote session on October 1, immediately preceding the Top Ten Luncheon.

"Hearing the inspiring speeches of our Top Ten Women at NWLC is one of the highlights of the week. These women have accomplished so much in the business world, yet continue to strive to do more for themselves and, more importantly, for others," said Elizabeth Johnson, CAE, Executive Director of ABWA.

Founded in Kansas City in 1949, ABWA brings together businesswomen of diverse occupations and provides opportunities to grow personally and professionally through leadership, education, networking support, and national recognition. The Association welcomes women at every stage of their professional journey – from rising managers to entrepreneurs – through a nationwide network of local chapters and Express Networks.

For more information on NWLC 2026, visit www.abwa.org/national-womens-leadership-conference. Members of the press interested in interviewing any of the Top Ten honorees or covering the Award Luncheon should contact Elizabeth Johnson, below.

SOURCE American Business Women's Association