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Rising Star
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Awards

Women in Hospitality
​Rising Star Award

Early Career | Less than 3 Years of career-focused experience in Industry
Up to (3) individuals will be selected annually

​

The Women in Hospitality Rising Star Award recognizes emerging talent early in their hospitality journey.  Presented by the Wisconsin Restaurant Association, this award honors individuals in the early stages of their career—specifically within their first three years of focused, career-building experience in the industry. They’re gaining traction quickly, showing strong potential, and committed to growing in hospitality long-term.
Start a Nomination
Women in Hospitality Conference
Sponsored by:
Society Insurance
Eligibility Criteria
Nominees must:
  • Have less than three (3) years of career experience and are currently working in the hospitality industry 
  • Be employed by a business operating within the state of Wisconsin. This award recognizes women across all areas of hospitality that do business in Wisconsin, including but not limited to:
    • Restaurants, bars & catering
    • Hotels & lodging
    • Event venues & tourism
    • Suppliers, educators & service providers
  • Be actively working within the industry in any job role capacity including but not limited to:
    • Hostess or server
    • Bartender
    • Culinary
    • Operations
    • Housekeeping & support roles 
    • Sales & customer service
  • Demonstrate strong work ethic, initiative, and a commitment to learning 
  • Show early signs of leadership, influence, and growth potential and has a long-term career path intention within the industry
  • Be nominated by someone who is currently working in the hospitality industry
Woman Posing for Photo
What Judges Are Looking For
  • Initiative and willingness to go above and beyond 
  • Positive attitude and contribution to team culture 
  • Ability to learn quickly and take on new responsibilities 
  • Early leadership behaviors (even without a formal title) 
  • Passion for the hospitality industry 
How to Submit a Standout Nomination
A panel of judges that serve on the Women in Hospitality Advisory Group score nominations based only on what is written in your submission — so the more clearly you tell her story, the stronger her chances.
​

Up to three Rising Star Award recipients will be selected each year.
View judging criteria

    Rising Star Nomination Form​ - Deadline June 30


    1. Early Impact
    What has this nominee accomplished in her first years in the industry?
    Share specific examples of how she’s contributed to their team or workplace.

    2. Initiative & Work Ethic
    How has this nominee gone above and beyond in their role?
    Provide examples of her attitude, reliability, or willingness to step up.

    3. Growth & Potential
    What makes this nominee someone to watch as she grows in her career?
    How has she developed, and what potential do you see in her?

    4. Passion for Hospitality
    What excites this nominee about working in hospitality?
    How does she demonstrate commitment to the industry?

    5. What Makes Her a “Rising Star”
    What makes her stand out and what’s next for her?
    (500 word limit) 

    Max file size: 20MB
    By providing a telephone number and submitting the form you are consenting to be contacted by SMS text message (our message frequency may vary). Message & data rates may apply. Reply STOP to opt-out of further messaging. Reply HELP for more information. See our Privacy Policy.
    Max file size: 20MB
    Judges only score what is written—strong, detailed answers make a big difference.
Submit
September 28, 2026  |  Monona Terrace, Madison
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  • Membership
    • Member Login
    • Smart Savings Network >
      • Business Insurance
      • Training
      • Revenue & Margin Optimization
      • Health Solutions
      • Entertainment
      • Rebate/Group Purchasing
      • Financial
      • Technology
      • Other Products & Services
    • Restaurants
    • Suppliers >
      • Members Only Login
      • Supplier Member Benefits
      • Interested in Joining
      • Live Events
      • Sponsorships
      • Advertise
      • Donate
      • Get Involved
      • Partner Discovery Form >
        • Credit Card Discovery Form
    • Easy Renew
    • Referral Program
    • Join
  • Resources
    • Members Only
    • Business Support >
      • AskWRA
      • Supplier's Directory
      • National Restaurant Association
      • Laws & Regulations
      • Cost Analysis
      • Publications
      • Materials to Purchase
      • Popular Topics
    • For Diners >
      • Dining Guide
    • Solutions on Staffing
    • Careers in Hospitality
    • Industry Insights >
      • The Pulse
      • Front Burner
    • Tariff Refund Help
    • Tax Credits
    • News & Alerts
  • Advocacy
  • Events & Training
    • Calendar
    • Events >
      • Southern Shootout
      • ProStart Golf Classic
      • Women in Hospitality Conference
      • Restaurant Resource & Products Roadshow
      • Cheers to Hospitality
      • Wisconsin Food & Hospitality Expo
      • Dine for ProStart
    • ServSafe
  • ServSafe
  • Foundation
    • ProStart
    • Scholarships
    • Get Involved >
      • Volunteer
    • Endowment Fund
    • Board of Directors
    • Donate
  • About
    • Our Team >
      • Staff
      • Board of Directors
      • Careers
    • Our Mission
    • Contact Us & Hours
    • Local Connections
    • Awards >
      • WIHC Top 20 Women in Hospitality 2025
    • Press Releases