Nominees are evaluated on the following criteria:

Emerging Professional (For-Profit or Nonprofit Sector) – The nominee must illustrate that she is making significant progress toward personal and professional growth, has continually accepted additional responsibilities and has made significant contributions to her work environment. Criteria to be evaluated includes upward career mobility, leadership skills and a promising future. The nominee must be in their first profession or transitioned careers and have been there for less than 10 years.

Excellence in Business (For-Profit or Nonprofit Sector) – The nominee, who must own at least 50 percent of a business that is at least five years old, will be evaluated on her experience and management of resources to solve problems and survive business and economic cycles. Her use of human and financial resources will be evaluated in relation to overall success of her business.

Excellence in Business Development (For-Profit or Nonprofit Sector) – The nominee must demonstrate a proven track record as evidenced by management recognition, company awards and consistently exceeding sales or marketing, fundraising and business development performance goals. The nominee’s overall success and approach will also be evaluated.

Excellence in Management (For-Profit or Nonprofit Sector) – The nominee must demonstrate steady growth and continued development of management and leadership skills. Criteria to be evaluated include the nominee’s initiative and willingness to take risks, her ability to implement creative solutions to overcome challenges and her ability to seize opportunities created for herself or her employees.

Excellence in the Professions (For-Profit or Nonprofit Sector) – The nominee may be an employee of an existing for-profit or non-profit organization or company or a self-employed professional. She must demonstrate leadership and a willingness to teach and mentor others in her profession and consistently uphold the standards and ethics that govern her field. A professional license is not required for this category.

Distinguished Career (For-Profit or Nonprofit Sector) – The nominee must have at least 25 years of experience and demonstrate a lifetime of exemplary contribution to her field and the community. Willingness to teach and mentor others in her profession and consistently uphold the standards and ethics that govern her field.