Brave Women Project Hosts Third Annual Pillar Awards Honoring Pittsburgh’s Boldest Women

 

Presented by Crown & Crate, the Pillar Awards recognize and elevate women whose bravery has made an impact in their relationships, careers, communities, and wellness journeys. This year’s event will bring together over 400 attendees, including business and community leaders, advocates, and changemakers, for an afternoon of inspiration, connection, and celebration.

 

“When I created the Pillar Awards, my goal was simple: to create a space where women could come as they are, support one another, and celebrate taking brave action in their lives,” said Kelli A. Komondor, Executive Director. “In just three years, this event has grown from two dozen nominees to more than 60 incredible women representing the strength, heart, and leadership that define our community. Every honoree reminds us of what bravery looks like in real life.”

 

 

In addition to recognizing 60 remarkable nominees across the five Es for Life, the event will culminate with the surprise announcement of the Bravery in Action Award. This special honor, kept secret until the moment it’s revealed from a sealed envelope on stage, celebrates one extraordinary woman chosen from among this year’s nominees whose courage, compassion, and impact exemplify the very essence of the Brave Women Project. In total, six honorees will be celebrated for their outstanding leadership, heart, and bravery in action.

 

For a full list of nominees and to register for the event, visit https://www.bwp.life/pillar-awards-2025. Registration deadline is Thursday, October 30.

 

Brave Women Project proudly recognizes the businesses and organizations whose generosity makes the Pillar Awards possible. Their partnership reflects a shared commitment to uplifting women and creating opportunities for growth, connection, and impact throughout our region. Sponsors for this year’s event include Presenting Sponsor, Crown & Crate, along with Vitalant, Assisted Living Locators, Audacy Pittsburgh, Belice Leininger Private Wealth, Balance & Bliss Therapy, cfsbank, Decorating Details, Cornerstone Wellness, Fort Pitt Capital Group, Gwen’s Girls, MaxxCole Salon & Skin Spa, Mosaic Soup Coaching & Consulting, Rosewood Tower Consulting, solutions4networks, Passport to Pittsburgh, TABLE Magazine, Vitamin C Healing, Sweetwater Décor, and Zen Freight Solutions.

 

Members of the media are invited to attend, cover, and connect with honorees, sponsors, and speakers. Limited press passes are available upon request by contacting kelli@bwp.life.

 

Brave Women Project (BWP) is a membership-based nonprofit organization dedicated to helping women move into brave action through conscious choice and intentionality within their spheres of influence. Guided by the 5 Es for Life – Educate, Empower, Encourage, Engage, and Evolve – BWP provides opportunities for personal and professional growth through its four core areas: relationships, professional development, impact, and wellness.

Since its founding, BWP has created safe and supportive spaces for women to connect, learn, and lead through programs such as CAYA: Come As You Are, a monthly members-only discussion series, Diamond Dinners, and The Brave Space – the seasonal installation at the Steel Plaza, all which foster collaboration and visibility for women across industries. Together, these initiatives form a growing movement of women who are redefining bravery and building community – one brave action at a time.

 

From its humble beginnings with 135 guests to a celebration of 300+ attendees, the Pillar Awards have quickly become one of Pittsburgh’s premier women’s leadership events. The luncheon also serves as a major fundraiser for BWP’s ongoing programming the upcoming Take the Mic Tuesdays series launching in 2026, and 2027’s Get Enriched: The Satisfaction Quotient Conference.