Ad Age Leading Women awards are back! For more than 25 years, the program—formerly known as Women to Watch—has honored female leaders who push boundaries and drive transformation within the industry.

This year we're also excited to announce the return of our Leading Women Rising Star awards with our partner Ally. As we acknowledge women who are leading the charge and blazing new trails through Leading Women, we also want to create opportunity for those just getting their start in the industry. Our Rising Star program will once again celebrate and shine a light on up-and-comers who exhibit the promise and potential of great leadership.

Submissions opened Feb. 1 and the final deadline for all entries is Tuesday, March 28 at 5 p.m. ET.

What are the Ad Age Leading Women awards?

The awards recognize and honor trailblazing women in media, marketing, tech and advertising. We're looking for those who are driving change—empowering their companies, building resilient businesses, advocating for progress and illustrating the importance of marketing and advertising. They are, in short, catalysts for change.

What are the Ad Age Leading Women Rising Star awards?

Introduced in 2022, the Rising Star awards are designed to celebrate those who are just making their mark on the marketing and advertising industry. We're looking for up-and-comers who have demonstrated substantial growth, creativity and initiative in non-managerial roles.

Who is eligible?

We look for meaningful or measurable accomplishments within the past 12 months. Nominees for Leading Women or Rising Star can reside and work anywhere in the world, but entries must be made in English.

No team entries will be accepted; if you have more than one candidate, please submit them as separate entries.

What kind of companies should nominees work at?

The Leading Women and Rising Star awards honor standout women across all sectors, including, but not limited to, brands, agencies, technology providers and media platforms.

Leading Women nominees do not need to be C-suite; seniority is less relevant to selection than the ability to empower colleagues, forge relationships, drive business results, advocate for diversity and inclusion, take risks and drive business results.

Rising Star nominees must have only been with their current company for one to three years in a non-managerial role and their position must impact marketing or advertising in some way. They do not manage teams nor are they in a leadership position that makes decisions for the overall business.

When is the final deadline?

The final deadline to enter Leading Women or Rising Star is Tuesday, March 28 at 5 p.m. ET.

How much does it cost to enter?

Pricing for the Leading Women Awards will be two-tiered: Regular pricing of $275 per entry will be available until Feb. 27, 2023, at 11:59 p.m. ET. Afterward, pricing will be $300 per entry until the final deadline of March 28, 2023, at 5 p.m. ET.

Rising Star is free to enter.

How do I enter?

Instructions, criteria, eligibility and tips for entering can all be found at AdAge.com/LeadingWomenAwards. All entries must be submitted online via this site.

What does the entry form require?

We ask that you submit a compelling 350-word summary in English explaining why the nominee should be selected for the Leading Women or Rising Star honor. We also ask that you submit a headshot.

Note: This is not a lifetime achievement award; specifically, we look for meaningful or measurable accomplishments within the past 12 months.

Can someone be honored more than once?

Unfortunately, no. Ad Age considers Leading Women (and Women to Watch) and Rising Star a one-time honor.

Does the nominee's role have to be global?

Not at all. Although we accept nominations for any industry executive, regardless of where they work and reside, each nominee does not need to currently work in a position that’s global in scope.

When are the honorees notified?

The 2023 class of Leading Women will be notified in late April; Rising Stars will be notified in early May. Both will be celebrated at our annual Leading Women event in early August in New York.