Silicon Valley Outstanding Women in Business / Women Who Mean Business

Overview

Silicon Valley Business Journal’s women-focused honor—historically branded in some markets as Women Who Mean Business or Women in Business—recognizes high‑achieving women executives, entrepreneurs, and community leaders who are driving business and civic impact in the Silicon Valley region. It is run editorially by the Silicon Valley Business Journal (part of the American City Business Journals network) and is based on nominations reviewed by the publication’s editors. Companies pursue it for regional visibility, networking, and employer‑branding value, as honorees are featured in print/online coverage and at a recognition event. The program carries moderate editorial credibility as a long‑running regional business‑journal franchise rather than a pay‑to‑play list.

Eligibility Requirements

• Nominee must identify as a woman (or nonbinary individual, if specified by the 2026 criteria) in a senior leadership, founder, or other influential role in business, nonprofits, or the community in the Silicon Valley region
• Nominee must work in the greater Silicon Valley/San Jose area covered by the Silicon Valley Business Journal
• Self-nominations or third‑party nominations must be submitted via the Silicon Valley Business Journal’s online form by the stated 2026 deadline; previous honorees are generally ineligible to be honored again in the same franchise