National Women's History Museum Celebrates Trailblazers in Sports, Civil Rights, Business and Education at 2026 Women Making History Awards Gala

Notable guests joined Chicago celebration honoring Ruby Bridges, the U.S. Women's National Hockey Team and other changemakers.

Gala photos available here

WASHINGTON, Nov. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- the National Women's History Museum celebrated extraordinary leaders who are changing the course of American history at its 15th annual Women Making History Awards Gala at Navy Pier in Chicago. The evening honored civil rights icon Ruby Bridges, the 2026 Olympic gold medal-winning U.S. Women's National Hockey Team, Chicago sports executive and philanthropist Laura Ricketts, entrepreneur Gregg Renfrew and others whose achievements have broken barriers and expanded opportunities for women and girls.

The celebration brought together leaders from entertainment, sports, journalism, business and philanthropy. Actress Bellamy Young introduced Museum President and CEO Frédérique Irwin, while women's rights advocate and former chief of staff to Michelle Obama, Tina Tchen, introduced Ruby Bridges. Notable guests included actress, producer and past honoree Sophia Bush; two-time Olympic gold medalist and U.S. Women's National Hockey Team captain Kendall Coyne Schofield; and Chicago Stars soccer player Brianna Pinto. Academy Award-winning actress Meryl Streep served as Honorary Chair and delivered remarks via video.

The evening marked a milestone for the Museum, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary as the nation commemorates 250 years of American independence. Together, the honorees reflected the Museum's belief that women have always made history — and that their contributions must be visible, accessible and taught.

"Tonight we celebrated people who have changed what's possible for women and girls," said Frédérique Irwin, President and CEO of the National Women's History Museum. "From Ruby Bridges, who helped change the course of American education at just six years old, to the U.S. Women's National Hockey Team, whose achievements are inspiring a new generation of athletes, our honorees remind us that history is being made every day. Our job is to make sure these stories are told, remembered and passed on."

The 2026 Women Making History Awards recognized individuals and organizations breaking barriers, expanding opportunity and inspiring future generations.

• Ruby Bridges received the Women Making History Award for her lifelong commitment to civil rights and educational equity. At just six years old, she helped desegregate New Orleans public schools in 1960 and continues to champion equality and educational opportunity.
• The U.S. Women's National Hockey Team was honored for its athletic achievements, including winning the gold medal at the 2026 Olympics, and leadership in advancing equity in women's sports, inspiring generations of girls to compete, lead and dream big.
• Laura Ricketts, controlling owner of the Chicago Stars FC, co-owner of the Chicago Cubs and investor in the Chicago Sky, was recognized for expanding opportunities for women in sports, business and philanthropy.
• Gregg Renfrew, founder of beecee and Counter, was honored for transforming the beauty industry, championing stronger consumer safety protections and creating economic opportunities for women.
• ArentFox Schiff received the Evelyn Y. Davis Corporate Changemaker Award for more than three decades of pro bono legal support advancing the Museum's mission and women's history education.
• Kristen Kelly and Serene Williams, teachers at Sacred Heart Preparatory in California, received the inaugural Meryl Streep Educator Award for developing and proposing the nation's first standalone Advanced Placement U.S. Women's History course (WAPUSH).

Celebrating 30 Years of Making Women's History Visible

The Gala also marked the Museum's 30th anniversary and celebrated its growing national reach. The event was supported by 60 corporate, individual and foundation sponsors, including History Maker sponsor Women Connect4Good and Trailblazer sponsor PwC.

Founded in 1996, the Museum has spent three decades bringing women's stories into classrooms, homes and communities across the country through exhibitions, educational resources and digital storytelling.

Chicago provided a fitting backdrop for the evening. From Jane Addams and Ida B. Wells to generations of women who have shaped the city's civic, cultural and business life, Chicago has long been home to women who challenged expectations and helped change the nation.

As America commemorates its 250th anniversary, the Museum is building on its She Is Not a Footnote campaign and Founders Not Footnotes initiative to ensure that women's contributions are recognized as an essential part of the American story.

"Women have always helped shape this country, even when their contributions weren't acknowledged," Irwin added. "As we look toward America's next 250 years, we have an opportunity — and a responsibility — to make sure future generations learn the full story."

Images from the 2026 Women Making History Awards Gala can be found here.

About the National Women's History Museum
Founded in 1996, the National Women's History Museum is the nation's leading women's history museum and the most recognized institution dedicated to uncovering, interpreting, and celebrating women's diverse contributions to society. A renowned leader in women's history education, the Museum brings to life the countless untold stories of women throughout history, and serves as a space for all to inspire, experience, collaborate, and amplify women's impact—past, present, and future. The Museum is a nonpartisan, nonprofit 501(c)3. For more information please visit http://womenshistory.org

SOURCE National Women's History Museum