MoCo Government

Montgomery County Announces 2026 Women Making History Honorees

The Montgomery County Commission for Women, in partnership with Montgomery Women, announced the recipients of the 2026 Women Making History Award, recognizing women who have made significant contributions to their professions and communities in Montgomery County. The annual award honors women who demonstrate leadership, civic engagement and advocacy while working to advance equity and opportunity.

A total of 31 honorees who live or work in Montgomery County were selected after being nominated by their peers. County Executive Marc Elrich said the recipients exemplify leadership, service and advocacy that help strengthen the community. The award recipients will be featured throughout March on the Commission for Women and Montgomery Women social media channels in recognition of Women’s History Month.

“The 2026 Women Making History honorees are:

  • Mindy Badin
  • Stephanie Berk
  • Ana Bonilla
  • Adrienne Clancy
  • Nyah Imani Collier
  • Kathleen Coates
  • Beth Cooler
  • Kristy Daphnis
  • Cecilia Emmanuel
  • Milagro Flores
  • Sheryl Freedman
  • Teresa Gasaway-Gleaton
  • Latrice Gasaway-Johnson
  • Kimberly Glassman
  • Adama Moussa Harouna
  • Sheri L. Hamersley
  • Anabelle Anulika Harry
  • Amy Javaid
  • Anna Jhon
  • Tracy-Ann Kingcade
  • Lili Khozeimeh
  • Mariela León
  • Oorja Munot
  • Kelsey Nicole Nelson
  • Nicole Andrea Porcaro
  • Arianna Ross
  • Deborah Sahlin
  • Tiffany Ward
  • Michelle Whittaker
  • Charlotte Williams
  • Chelsea Zhu

“The women being recognized with the 2026 Women Making History Award exemplify the strength, talent, and vision that make Montgomery County exceptional,” said Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich. “Their achievements in leadership, advocacy, and service inspire all of us to continue building a community that is inclusive, equitable, and supportive of every woman’s potential. As we celebrate Women’s History Month, let us honor their contributions and recommit to creating opportunities for women to thrive.”

To learn more about this year’s honorees and view their photos, visit the Montgomery County Commission for Women website.

Winners will also be featured on the Commission’s and Montgomery Women’s social media channels, including XFacebook and Instagram, with one honoree highlighted each day throughout March.”