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Top 20 Women in Hospitality to Watch
Award Criteria & Judging Process

​The Wisconsin Restaurant Association’s Top 20 Women in Hospitality to Watch program recognizes women who are making a meaningful impact across Wisconsin’s hospitality industry.
​
This page outlines who is eligible, what judges are looking for, and how selections are made.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered, nominees must:
  • Be a woman actively working in the hospitality industry in Wisconsin, representing any role or setting across the field—including front of house, back of house, culinary, operations, housekeeping, events, education, tourism, or service/support partners (such as suppliers or industry partners). 
  • Be employed by a business or organization operating within the state of Wisconsin.
  • Demonstrate career growth within their organization or the industry, such as promotions, expanded leadership responsibilities, or measurable professional advancement. 
  • Show a commitment to professional growth, leadership potential, and industry impact, whether through mentoring others, leading initiatives, driving change, contributing to workplace culture, or overcoming challenges. 
What Judges Are Looking For
Strong nominees will stand out in the following areas:
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Leadership & Influence
  • Inspires and motivates others 
  • Leads by example and earns the respect of peers and colleagues 
  • Positively impacts team culture or workplace environment 
Career Growth & Initiative
  • Demonstrates upward mobility or expanded responsibilities 
  • Takes initiative to improve operations, programs, or outcomes 
  • Seeks out learning and professional development opportunities 
Industry Impact
  • Contributes beyond their immediate role or organization 
  • Supports the broader hospitality community in Wisconsin 
  • Acts as a role model for others in the industry or community
Resilience & Determination
  • Navigates challenges with professionalism and perseverance 
  • Shows adaptability in a fast-paced, ever-changing industry 
  • Demonstrates a strong work ethic and commitment to excellence
What Makes a Strong Nomination
Nominations are most effective when they:
  • Provide specific examples (not just general praise) 
  • Highlight measurable impact or results where possible 
  • Include personal stories or moments that demonstrate leadership or influence 
  • Clearly explain why this individual stands out among her peers

​👉 Tip: The more detailed and specific the nomination, the stronger it will be in the judging process.
Judging Process
  • All nominations are reviewed by a panel of industry professionals representing a cross-section of Wisconsin’s hospitality community. 
  • Each nomination is evaluated based on the criteria outlined above, with consideration given to: 
    • Overall Impact 
    • Leadership & Influence 
    • Career Growth & Advancement 
    • Impact & Contributions to the Industry and/or Community
    • Resilience & Character
  • Judges score nominations independently, and top-scoring candidates are selected as the Top 20 Women in Hospitality to Watch. 
  • Each nomination is reviewed by three different individuals that serve on the Women in Hospitality Advisory Group and an average is used from those three scores.
  • To ensure impartiality, judges will not review or score any nomination in which they have a direct involvement, including nominations they submitted, self-nominations, or nominations in which they are the candidate.
  • Judges will recuse themselves from any application if there is potential conflict of interest.
Why Nominate
Being named a Top 20 Woman in Hospitality to Watch is more than an award—it’s recognition as a leader shaping the future of Wisconsin’s hospitality industry.
 
Selected honorees will be recognized through:
  • Recognition by the Wisconsin Restaurant Association as an industry leader
  • Statewide visibility through social media promotion and press outreach
  • Featured recognition on the WRA website
  • Complimentary registration to the Women in Hospitality Conference
  • On-stage recognition and acknowledgment during the conference luncheon
  • A trophy to remember the achievement
  • Proudly acknowledged as part of an inspiring group of industry leaders
  • And lifelong bragging rights as a Top 20 Woman in Hospitality to Watch

Women in Hospitality 
Rising Star Award
Judging Criteria
Nominations will be evaluated based on the following:
1. Early Impact
  • Demonstrates meaningful contributions within a short time in the industry 
  • Positively impacts team, operations, or guest experience 
2. Initiative & Work Ethic
  • Consistently goes above and beyond expectations 
  • Shows reliability, accountability, and a strong work ethic 
3. Growth & Potential
  • Displays rapid learning and development 
  • Takes on new responsibilities or challenges 
  • Shows clear potential for future leadership ​
4. Attitude & Passion for Hospitality
  • Brings energy, enthusiasm, and a positive presence to their role 
  • Demonstrates a genuine interest in building a career in hospitality
Judging Process
  • All nominations are reviewed by a panel of industry professionals representing a cross-section of Wisconsin’s hospitality community. 
  • Each nomination is evaluated based on the criteria outlined above
  • Each nomination is independently reviewed by three different individuals who serve on the Women in Hospitality Advisory Group.  An average is used from those three scores with the top three scoring candidates selected as our Rising Star awardees.
  • To ensure impartiality, judges will not review or score any nomination in which they have a direct involvement, including nominations they submitted or nominations of people that they work with.
  • Judges will recuse themselves from any application if there is potential conflict of interest.
What Makes a Strong Nomination
Nominations are most effective when they:
  • Provide specific examples (not just general praise) 
  • Highlight measurable impact or results where possible 
  • Include personal stories or moments that demonstrate leadership or influence 
  • Clearly explain why this individual stands out among her peers
👉 Tip: The more detailed and specific the nomination, the stronger it will be in the judging process.
Why Nominate
Being named a Women in Hospitality Rising Star is more than an award—it’s recognition as emerging talent making an impact and shaping the future of Wisconsin’s hospitality industry.
Selected honorees will receive:
  • Recognition by the Wisconsin Restaurant Association as a rising star in our industry
  • Statewide visibility through social media promotion and press outreach
  • Featured recognition on the WRA website
  • Complimentary registration to the Women in Hospitality Conference
  • A call out during the conference’s opening remarks
  • A trophy to remember the achievement
  • Personalized mentoring time with experienced hospitality leaders, tailored to the recipient’s career goals and interests

​Women in Hospitality 
Student Achievement Award
Judging Criteria
Nominations for the Wisconsin Restaurant Association’s Women in Hospitality Student Achievement Award will be evaluated based on the following:
1. Commitment to Learning
  • Demonstrates strong effort and engagement in her academic program 
  • Shows curiosity and a desire to grow her knowledge and skills 
2. Initiative Beyond the Classroom
  • Participates in internships, jobs, student organizations, or projects 
  • Seeks out real-world experiences related to hospitality 
3. Professionalism & Work Ethic
  • Demonstrates responsibility, reliability, and a strong attitude 
  • Shows readiness to enter and succeed in the workforce 
4. Passion & Career Intent
  • Expresses clear interest in pursuing a career in hospitality 
  • Demonstrates enthusiasm for the industry and its opportunities​
Judging Process
  • All nominations are reviewed by a panel of industry professionals representing a cross-section of Wisconsin’s hospitality community. 
  • Each nomination is evaluated based on the criteria outlined above
  • Each nomination is independently reviewed by three different individuals who serve on the Women in Hospitality Advisory Group. An average is used from those three scores with the top scoring candidate selected as our Student Achievement awardee.
  • Judges will recuse themselves from any application if there is potential conflict of interest.
What Makes a Strong Nomination
Nominations are most effective when they:
  • Provide specific examples (not just general praise) 
  • Highlight measurable impact or results where possible 
  • Include personal stories or moments
  • Clearly explain why this individual stands out among her peers
👉 Tip: The more detailed and specific the nomination, the stronger it will be in the judging process.
Why Nominate
Being given the Women in Hospitality Student Achievement honor is more than an award—it’s recognition of a student who is going above and beyond in their studies and building a strong foundation for a future in Wisconsin’s hospitality industry.
Selected honorees will receive:
  • Recognition by the Wisconsin Restaurant Association as a rising star in our industry
  • Statewide visibility through social media promotion and press outreach
  • Featured recognition on the WRA website
  • Complimentary registration to the Women in Hospitality Conference
  • A call out during the conference’s opening remarks
  • A trophy to remember the achievement
  • Personalized mentoring time with experienced hospitality leaders, tailored to the recipient’s career goals and interests
September 28, 2026  |  Monona Terrace, Madison
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