The Women to KNOW State Hardcover is a once-in-a-lifetime honor and publication that features the highest caliber women from across the state. Applicants are interviewed and selected by a panel of previous honorees and members from the community.
Nominations are CLOSED for 2026!
More Than a Feature. A Lifetime Honor.
THE HONOR
The Women to KNOW in Maryland hardcover is more than a publication. It is a distinction reserved for women who are shaping the future of business, leadership, and community impact across the State. Each honoree is carefully selected by a panel of previous awardees and respected members of the community who recognize not only success, but significance.
To be named a Woman to KNOW is to join a legacy of leadership, a network of women who embody excellence, integrity, and influence.
How Honorees Are Chosen
THE PROCESS
Each year, nominations are thoughtfully reviewed by our selection committee to identify women who exemplify leadership, innovation, and service.
During the interview process, nominees share their personal and professional journeys, their impact on their communities, and their vision for the future. The committee looks for women who have achieved measurable success while uplifting others through mentorship, advocacy, or philanthropy.
Only the most exemplary candidates are chosen for this once-in-a-lifetime honor.
Criteria Overview:
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Proven professional accomplishments
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Demonstrated leadership within their industry
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Measurable community or philanthropic impact
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Commitment to supporting and empowering women
An Evening of Recognition and Legacy
THE CELEBRATION
Honorees will be formally recognized during the Women to KNOW in Maryland Gala, an evening dedicated to celebrating leadership, community, and collective impact.
The event begins with a red-carpet welcome and a cocktail reception where honorees and guests enjoy live entertainment, tasting stations, and photo opportunities. Following the reception, attendees gather for the recognition program where each Woman to KNOW is called to the stage to be honored for her achievements and presented with the official Women to KNOW in Maryland hardcover.
Our Selection Committee
MEET THE JUDGES
KAYLEANA BREWER
Account Manager | KNOW
SARAH BENKEN FOUSHEE
CEO & Publisher | KNOW
BETTY HINES
Women Elevating Women
The Women to KNOW in Maryland judging panel is composed of former honorees, business leaders, and community advocates who share a commitment to excellence and equity. Each brings a unique perspective and years of experience identifying women who are truly shaping the future of their industries and communities. Their work ensures every honoree is evaluated with integrity, purpose, and intention.
“When Successful Women Are Lifted Up For Their Hard Work And Achievements, They Inspire The Next Generation Of Female Leaders.”
– Sarah Benken Foushee, Founder + CEO of KNOW Women
A Legacy of Women Who Inspire
MEET THE HONOREES
Across the nation, Women to KNOW honorees represent the highest standard of achievement, purpose, and leadership. These women are entrepreneurs, executives, philanthropists, and innovators who redefine what it means to lead with vision and compassion.
The Women to KNOW in Maryland class joins a powerful community of hundreds of women who have been recognized through this initiative. Together, they form a collective legacy that continues to inspire the next generation of leaders. Meet the 2026 Class of Women to KNOW in Maryland.
ALICE WILLIAMS
Prince Georges County
ALICIA WILSON
Johns Hopkins University
ANGELA BRADLEY
BTI Security
ANGELA FRANCO
Montgomery County
ANGIE LIENERT
Intelligenesis LLC
ANNA N’JIE KONTE
Poder Wealth Advisors
AYESHAH ABUELHIGA
Mason Dixie Foods
BARBARA BUNTING
Rohde Schwarz USA Inc.
Dr. BARBARA A. HUTCHINSON
Chesapeake Cardiac Care
BRITTANY CHANNEL WOODLAND
Rose Garden Wines
CECE COLE
Silke Endress International
DAWN R. MEDLEY
FSC FIRST
DIANA LÉON BROWN
ATL International Airport
DIEDRA HENRY-SPIRES
Hyssop Strategies
DURECIA MOORER
ABCD & Company
ERICA L. ANTHONY
Lyceum Innovative Leadership
ERIN MCCAHILL
Good Egg Media Inc
GRACELYN ASHBY MCDERMOTT
Kaiser Permanente
GWEN MUSE-EVANS
GME Enterprises
JENNIFER JONES
HCEDA
JOY SHEPPARD
Rose Garden Wines
JOYE SISTRUNK
Premier Group
JULIA GLANZ
MDOHACD
KATHIE OKUN
Okun Financial Group
KIMBERLY M. HARRIS
Harris Coaching & Consulting
KHALILAH M. HARRIS
Public Justice Center
KRISTA CRAWFORD
Vistage
LATARA T. HARRIS
Employ Prince George's
LAURA NEUMAN
The Laura Neuman Show
LYNDA M. DORMAN
Dorman Group Holdings
DR. MARCEA BURNETTE WHITAKER
IFBH&LC
DR. MARGARET W. WOOD
WOOD Federal Solutions, INC
DR. MARLENE MAHIPAT
Mediquest
MICHELLE TAYLOR
Betah Associates
MONIQUE ROSE SNEED
Monique Rose Management
NATALIE A. SOLOMON
Meraki Life & Style
NICHOLE KELLY
True North Growth Labs
NKENGE YASIN
Learning How!
DR. PATRICIA A. WATTS
WEModel USA
SALOME JOHNSON-TINKER
TSC Enterprise, LLC
SHAWN A. MILLIN
Samillin LLC
DR. TABIA POPE
Head To Speech INC.
TAMMI THOMAS
TEDCO
TARA H. JACKSON
Prince George County State Attorney
DR. THERESA A. MOSELEY
TCAOP LLC.
TAWANNA BROWNE SMITH
J.P.Morgan Private Bank
THERESA R. WILLIAMS-HARRISON
George Street Services, INC.
TIFFANY M. SETTLE
Akeso Surgery
TOMEKA G. CHURCH
TLOOTGC, LLC
TREZELL RAGAS
Ragas Consulting
THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS
The Women to KNOW in Maryland program offers exclusive partnership opportunities for brands and organizations that champion women in leadership, entrepreneurship, and community impact. As a sponsor, you will align your brand with one of the most respected recognitions for women across the state while gaining meaningful visibility among influential audiences.
From event sponsorships to book placements and digital exposure, each opportunity is designed to create connection, recognition, and long-term brand equity.
Please email us at hello@theknowwomen.com to learn more about our partnership opportunities.
