Create & Cultivate Reveals 2026 C&C 100 Honorees

Create & Cultivate, One of the world's leading media and events platforms focused on women in business, has announces the return of its long awaited C&C 100 List on 16th June 2026. The annual recognition pays tribute to 100 women making a difference for 10 years in such areas as business, technology, media, entertainment, fashion/beauty, sports and wellness.

The C&C 100 List has since honored over 700 pioneering women whose work is helping to define the future of culture and commerce, since its inception in 2017. From emerging entrepreneurs to industry leaders, this year's inductees span a wide range of founders, executives, creators, athletes, innovators and disruptors.

Marina Middleton, the CEO of Create & Cultivate, said “the C&C 100 is all about identifying women not only taking part in culture, but leading the way. This year's class is a testament to the wide range of women in leadership in industry, platform, and community”.

The mission of the organization has not changed since 2017, which is “to shine a light on women who are building businesses, leading organizations, influencing conversations and making meaningful impact at scale,” Middleton said. The categories, which evolve in tandem with the changing industry landscape, are still rooted in the principles of achievement, innovation and influence.

Key Highlights

• Honors 100 women driving innovation across major industries.
• Features founders, creators, executives, athletes, and cultural leaders.
• Celebrates women redefining leadership, influence, and business success.

The selection process is not based on popularity and is much more challenging than most people think, according to Middleton. The Create & Cultivate team analyzes 100 of submissions in various categories, including technology, finances, beauty, sports, wellness, culinary arts and entrepreneurship. Its mission is to discover women that are making quantifiable change, whether big or small, whether or not they are household names.

She explained that many of this year’s honorees stand out because of their authenticity and willingness to challenge conventional expectations. Middleton highlighted examples such as Brittany Snow and Golloria George, noting that their success stems from embracing their unique voices rather than conforming to industry norms.

The 2026 list also signals a shift in leadership as a whole. “Titles don't define influence anymore," Middleton said. Modern leaders frequently are involved with more than one position, such as a founder, creator, executive, investor, and brand builder. She shared success stories like Nara Smith, Tini, Amber Venz Box and Angel Reese, who have managed to be successful in ways outside the traditional career pathway.

One thing that stood out among this year's winners is a definite action focus. Middleton referenced entrepreneurs like Emma Grede, Allison Ellsworth and Sara Foster who are able to make quick decisions without waiting for the perfect time to do so.

The categories in the 2026 C&C 100 list are divided into 10 sections: Beauty, Fashion, Money, Entertainment, Culinary, Sports & Wellness, Content Creators, Tech, Rising Stars, and All Stars. Others have also been honored, such as Paris Hilton, Emma Grede, Angel Reese, Hayley Williams, Saweetie, Elaine Welteroth, Lucy Guo, Olivia Culpo, Lili Reinhart, and Bobbi Althoff.

Founders, executives, creators, tastemakers and industry leaders will converge to recognize and honor the women behind the innovative and disruptive business and cultural landscape of 2026.