San Diego Magazine’s Annual Celebrating Women Awards are back, new, and improved! It’s time to celebrate San Diegans who are guiding the community towards a brighter future. Our awards look a little different this year, so here’s the scoop!
We will now be honoring one Pioneer and one Rising Star in 14 categories that represent the diverse span of industries that make up our beautiful city. The 14 categories are:
Art + Design
Education
Finance
Fitness + Wellness
Food + Beverage
Healthcare
Law + Legal
Military + Public Service
Non-Profit
Real Estate
Sports + Entertainment
STEM
Tourism + Hospitality
Trade + Craft
See below for the industries that may fall under each category
A panel of 4-5, unbiased, San Diego Magazine-affiliated female judges will review all entries and determine the top three Pioneers and top three Rising Stars in each of the 14 categories. Those 84 individuals will then move into round two (new this year), which is the People’s Choice! All 84 nominations will be featured on our website for the public to vote on who they think should be selected as the Pioneer and Rising Star in each category.
We will also select a San Diego Magazine Pioneer of the Year and Rising Star of the Year from the full pool of nominations to be named at our Celebrating Women Summit on November 2, 2023 held at UC San Diego’s Park & Market and presented by Copia Wealth Management & Insurance Services.
The San Diego Magazine Pioneer of the Year and Rising Star of the Year will be chosen from the full pool of nominations and will not be featured in the top 84 people’s choice finalists. Please scroll down to the bottom of the page for the nomination entry form.
Pioneer vs. Rising Star
Pioneer
An individual that has and continues to carve a path to a brighter future. This is someone who is regarded as an expert in their industry and may be seen as a mentor.
Rising Star
An individual that is regarded as an up-and-comer in their industry. Someone who is actively trailblazing their way to a brighter future and setting the stage for those to follow.
Finding the Perfect Category
Art + Design
Artist, Architect, Fashion Designer, Interior Designer, Graphic Designer, Photographer, Videographer, Florist, Hair Stylist, Makeup Artist, etc.
Education
Teacher, Principal, School Board Member, Professor, Program Director, Counselor, Librarian, Superintendent, Tutor, Academic Development, etc.
Finance
Accountant, Financial Advisor, Banker, Lender/Loan Officer, Actuary, Analyst, Auditor, Insurance Provider, Tax Examiner/Collector, etc.
Fitness + Wellness
Personal Trainer, Gym Associate, Nutritionist/Dietician, Life Coach, Natural Healing, Class Instructor, Employee Health Services, Mental Wellness, Physical Wellness, etc.
Food + Beverage
Waiter/Waitress, Chef, Sous-Chef, Busser, Bartender, Barista, Mixologist, Sommelier, Beverage Director, Restaurant/Bar/Business Owner, Baker, Brewer, Winemaker, Distiller, Distributor, Importer, Agriculture, etc.
Healthcare
Doctor, Therapist/Psychiatrist, Dentist, Orthodontist, Surgeon, Nurse, Hospital Personnel, Field Assistant/Technician, Pharmacist/Pharmaceuticals, Doula/Midwife, etc.
Law + Legal
Lawyer, Attorney, Paralegal, Judge, Hearing Officer, Arbitration/Mediation, Court Reporter/Captioner, Firm Associate, Criminal Justice, etc.
Military + Public Service
Military Personnel, Veteran, Emergency Services, Social Worker, Law Enforcement, Firefighter, Public Health, Government/Private Sector, etc.
Non-Profit
Volunteer, Grant Writer, Administrator, Chief Officer, Director, Manager, Priest/Pastor, etc.
Real Estate
Realtor/Real Estate Agent, Loan Officer, Appraiser, Property Manager/Company, Broker, Consultant, Escrow Office, Home Inspector, Leasing Agent, Compliance Officer, etc.
Sports + Entertainment
Athlete, Musician, Producer, Director, Composer, Actor/Actress, Talent Director, Dancer/Choreographer, Singer, Couches/Scouts, Referee, etc.
STEM
Engineer, Scientist, Researcher/Developer, Analyst, Mathematician, Geologist, Astronomer, Astronaut, Chemist, Computer Programmer, Technician, etc.
Tourism + Hospitality
Hotel/Lodging, Travel Agent, Booking Agent, Tour Guide, Concierge, Transportation, Flight Attendant, Housekeeper, Recreation Worker, etc.
Trade + Craft
Specialty Services, Construction, Electrician, Plumber, Auto, Landscaper, Carpenter, Painter, Mechanic, etc.
We look forward to receiving your nomination(s) and wish your nominee(s) the best of luck!