Brave Women Project Announces 60 Nominees for 2025 Pillar Awards

Now in its third year, the Pillar Awards luncheon honors women across the region who are living out BWP’s 5 Es for Life: Educate, Empower, Encourage, Engage, and Evolve. These values serve as the foundation of the Brave Women Project and its mission to move women into brave action through intentional growth in Relationships, Professional Development, Impact, and Wellness.

What began in 2023 with 27 nominees and 135 attendees has grown into one of Pittsburgh’s most meaningful celebrations of women’s leadership and bravery. In 2024, the event honored 44 nominees and welcomed over 300 attendees. This year, 60 women will be recognized for their contributions to their communities, organizations, and each other – each one nominated by someone who saw her as a light, a leader, or a lifeline.

“Each nominee is a living, breathing example of bravery in action,” said Kelli Komondor, Executive Director of Brave Women Project and creator of the Pillar Awards. “This is not just another recognition luncheon. It’s a ripple effect. These women are making change, modeling courage, and building stronger communities – not for applause, but because it’s who they are.”

Kelly Moore, Business and Community Development Officer at cfsbank and the 2024 Encourage Pillar honoree, reflected on her experience: 

“Being named the Encourage Pillar Award honoree last year was a powerful reminder that showing up, speaking up, and lifting others truly matters. To encourage is to remind someone of their strength when they’ve forgotten – and Brave Women Project is a sisterhood that continues to ignite that kind of courage, connection, and purpose in my life and the lives of so many others.”

Sponsorships are now available at a variety of levels, offering organizations the opportunity to align with a fast-growing, deeply impactful women’s initiative. Registration for the event will open the first week of September.

To learn more about Brave Women Project, receive the full list of 2025 nominees, or inquire about sponsorship opportunities, please contact kelli@bwp.life or nmlerda8@gmail.com.

About Brave Women Project
Brave Women Project is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. BWP exists to provide women with the confidence, courage, and community to take brave action in their personal and professional lives. Our programs and events are built on the 5 Es for Life – Educate, Empower, Encourage, Engage, and Evolve – and focus on growth in four core areas: Relationships, Professional Development, Impact, and Wellness. Visit bwp.life for more information.