The National Women's History Museum honored Ruby Bridges, the U.S. Women's National Hockey Team, Laura Ricketts, Gregg Renfrew and other recipients at its 2026 Women Making History Awards Gala in Chicago.
Latest Movies!
●
Latest Movies! ●
WASHINGTON, Nov. 9, 2026, (ENTERTAINMENT INTERVIEWS) — Nonprofit museum National Women's History Museum honored leaders in civil rights, sports, business and education during its 15th annual Women Making History Awards Gala on Nov. 6 at Navy Pier in Chicago.
The 2026 honorees included civil rights leader Ruby Bridges, the U.S. Women's National Hockey Team, Chicago sports executive and philanthropist Laura Ricketts, entrepreneur Gregg Renfrew, law firm ArentFox Schiff and educators Kristen Kelly and Serene Williams.
“Tonight we celebrated people who have changed what's possible for women and girls. From Ruby Bridges, who helped change the course of American education at just six years old, to the U.S. Women's National Hockey Team, whose achievements are inspiring a new generation of athletes, our honorees remind us that history is being made every day. Our job is to make sure these stories are told, remembered and passed on,” said Frédérique Irwin, President and Chief Executive Officer of the National Women's History Museum.
Bridges received the Women Making History Award for her work in civil rights and educational equity. At age 6, she helped desegregate New Orleans public schools in 1960 and has continued working on issues involving equality and education.
The U.S. Women's National Hockey Team was honored following its gold medal victory at the 2026 Winter Olympics and for its role in expanding opportunities and visibility in women's sports.
Ricketts, Controlling Owner of Chicago Stars FC, Co-Owner of the Chicago Cubs and an investor in the Chicago Sky, was recognized for her work across sports, business and philanthropy.
Renfrew, Founder of beecee and Counter, received recognition for her work in the beauty industry, consumer safety advocacy and the creation of business opportunities for women.
ArentFox Schiff received the Evelyn Y. Davis Corporate Changemaker Award for more than three decades of pro bono legal work supporting the museum and women's history education.
Kelly and Williams, teachers at Sacred Heart Preparatory in California, received the inaugural Meryl Streep Educator Award for developing and proposing what the museum described as the nation's first standalone Advanced Placement U.S. Women's History course.
The gala also featured participants from entertainment, sports, journalism, business and philanthropy. Actress Bellamy Young introduced Irwin, while women's rights advocate and former Michelle Obama Chief of Staff Tina Tchen introduced Bridges.
Guests included actress and producer Sophia Bush, U.S. Women's National Hockey Team Captain Kendall Coyne Schofield and Chicago Stars soccer player Brianna Pinto. Actress Meryl Streep served as Honorary Chair and delivered remarks by video.
The event also marked the National Women's History Museum's 30th anniversary. The museum was founded in 1996 and develops exhibitions, educational resources and digital programming focused on women's contributions to U.S. history.
“Women have always helped shape this country, even when their contributions weren't acknowledged. As we look toward America's next 250 years, we have an opportunity — and a responsibility — to make sure future generations learn the full story,” said Irwin.
For more information, visit www.womenshistory.org.
Source: National Women's History Museum
