PRESS RELEASE: C2 Your Health Women's Initiative Celebrates 15 Women Nominated for 2026 Influential Women Award

 

SOUTH BEND, Indiana.July 12, 2026 - C2 Your Health Women's Initiative is celebrating an extraordinary milestone after 16 women connected through its mentoring, leadership, and entrepreneurial community were nominated for the 2026 Northwest Indiana Influential Women Awards. NWIIWA will be recognizing women whose leadership are making a lasting impact across Northern Indiana. The nominations reflect years of investment in mentoring, leadership development, education, networking, and collaboration among women throughout the Michiana region. Together, these women are helping shape the future of entrepreneurship, healthcare, nonprofit leadership, education, coaching, business, and community development. For the full list of nominees, click here. Many of the nominees have participated in programs, mentoring opportunities, workshops, networking events, and the annual Women's Entrepreneur Summit Round Tables for Success hosted by C2 Your Health Women's Initiative. Several are graduates are current or past participants in the organization's signature Women Entrepreneur Excellence™ Mentoring Program, while others have served as Summit presenters, mentors, collaborators, and community partners. As part of its mission to empower women through entrepreneurship and leadership, C2 Your Health Women's Initiative actively encourages qualified women to pursue speaking opportunities, awards, leadership roles, and professional recognition that celebrate their accomplishments while inspiring others. The women recognized this year include: Women Entrepreneur Excellence™ Graduates Janice Purnell Melissa Keusch Rachel Meredith Rashonda Gunn Stacey Oberly Black Women Entrepreneur Excellence™ Participants Ciara Ward Lynette Goodson Community Leaders, Partners & Women's Entrepreneur Summit Presenters Aja Hill Dorothy Cater Heather Ford - Women's Entrepreneur Summit Presenter Jessica Aguilar - Women's Entrepreneur Summit Presenter Katshaliam (Shay) Gosha Mia Diggins Modupe Adeoye - Women's Entrepreneur Summit Presenter Raquel Hoyt Cindy Cohen, RN, BS, BA – Founder & President, C2 Your Health Women's Initiative + Since its founding in 2018, C2 Your Health Women's Initiative has connected thousands of women through mentoring, educational workshops, networking events, leadership development, and entrepreneurial programming designed to help women thrive in business and in life. "Watching these women grow into confident leaders has been one of the greatest privileges of my career," said Cindy Cohen, Founder and President of C2 Your Health Women's Initiative. "Each nomination represents years of dedication, resilience, service, and a commitment to making a difference. We believe that when women are connected with mentors, education, encouragement, and opportunities, they don't just build successful businesses; they strengthen families, organizations, and entire communities. We are incredibly proud to celebrate each of these outstanding women." Nearly 500 women were nominated for the 2026 awards by peers, colleagues, organizations, and members of the public, reflecting the tremendous impact women continue to make across Northern Indiana through leadership, innovation, mentorship, and community service. "The nominees of this year's awards demonstrate the power of leadership, collaboration, and community impact," said Andrea Pearman, Executive Director of the Northwest Indiana Influential Women Association. "Their stories are inspiring examples of how women are driving innovation, mentoring others, and creating opportunities for the next generation of leaders." Finalists will be announced prior to the 15th Annual Northwest Indiana Influential Women Awards Banquet, scheduled for September 24 at Avalon Manor in Merrillville. Awards will be presented across 13 industries, along with honors recognizing Overall Influential Woman of the Year, Overall Up-and-Coming Influential Woman of the Year, Community Leader of the Year, and Supporter of the Year. C2 Your Health Women's Initiative extends its heartfelt congratulations to every woman nominated for this year's Influential Women Awards and celebrates the positive impact each is making throughout Northern Indiana. For more information about the awards, visit Building Indiana or the Northwest Indiana Influential Women Association,click here For more information about the 2026 Influential Women Awards and NWIIWA, please visit NWIIWA.org. To reserve your spot at the Awards Banquet click here ### About C2 Your Health Women's Initiative Inc. Founded in 2018, C2 Your Health Women's Initiative Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping women launch, grow, and thrive through entrepreneurship, mentoring, leadership development, education, and community connections. Through its signature Women Entrepreneur Excellence™ Mentoring Program, the annual Women's Entrepreneur Summit, educational workshops, and strategic community partnerships, the organization equips women with the confidence, business skills, resources, and support network needed to build successful businesses while strengthening communities throughout Northern Indiana. Cindy Cohen RN, BS BA Founder of C2 Your Health Women’s Initiative Inc. (501c3) charitable organization that offers an innovative mentorship program for high school girls, women in college and women from low-income neighborhoods who are interested in developing entrepreneurial skills with a health and wellness business mindset.  You can connect with Cindy Cohen by her personal email click here or voice mail 800-245-8917 or social media @cindycohen @cindycohenrn Facebook click here