Pink Apple Awards: How Small Businesses Are Moving New York Forward
About this Event
Pink Apple Awards 2026
Honoring Women Who Move New York Forward
Join Women Who Influence for the 2026 Pink Apple Awards, an inspiring celebration honoring women whose leadership, entrepreneurship, innovation, and service continue to shape the future of New York.
Hosted at the historic Brooklyn Borough Hall, this signature experience brings together entrepreneurs, executives, nonprofit leaders, public officials, financial institutions, media professionals, and community changemakers for a day of recognition, meaningful conversation, and powerful connections.
Your Experience Begins...
As you arrive, you’ll be welcomed with coffee, light refreshments, and an opportunity to connect with leaders from across New York while walking the Pink Carpet and visiting our Community Partner & Resource Showcase.
The program opens with special remarks from distinguished public officials and community leaders, setting the stage for a day centered on the official 2026 theme:
How Small Businesses Are Moving New York Forward
The Power Seat
At the heart of the event is The Power Seat, Women Who Influence’s signature leadership conversation.
This timely discussion brings together influential voices from government, entrepreneurship, economic development, and community leadership to explore how small businesses are strengthening New York’s economy, neighborhoods, and culture.
The conversation will address access to capital, government contracting, M/WBE opportunities, business resources, institutional relationships, visibility, sustainable growth, and the partnerships needed to help entrepreneurs move forward.
Hear directly from founders, executives, and civic leaders as they share honest perspectives on building businesses, navigating challenges, creating economic opportunities, and leading with purpose.
Featured Speakers and Participants
- Jessica Spaulding, Founder and CEO, Harlem Chocolate Factory — Event Emcee and Power Seat Host
- Delia Awusi, New York City Mom-and-Pop Business Czar
- Sherri Lane, Assistant Commissioner for Capital Access and Business Programs, NYC Department of Small Business Services
- Tammeca Rochester, Founder and CEO, Harlem Cycle
- Kawana Jefferson, Founder, Lost Borough Ice Cream
- Antonio Reynoso, Brooklyn Borough President
- Jeanny Pak, New York City Economic Development Corporation (official title to be announced)
The Pink Apple Awards Ceremony
The celebration continues with the presentation of the 2026 Pink Apple Awards and Crystal Apple Awards, recognizing an extraordinary group of women whose leadership, vision, and commitment have created lasting impact across New York and beyond.
Together, we’ll honor trailblazers who are strengthening communities, expanding economic opportunity, opening doors for others, elevating important stories, and inspiring the next generation of leaders.
2026 Honorees
- Pamela Morgan, Co-Chair, NGO Committee on the Status of Women, New York — Crystal Apple Award for Global Leadership
- Dr. Erica Ford, Founder and CEO, LIFE Camp, Inc. — Honored for her leadership in violence prevention, youth empowerment, and community transformation
- Kanchana Suggu, Senior Vice President and Chief Impact Officer, United Way of New York City — Crystal Apple Award for Community Impact and Economic Empowerment
- Monica Morales, Emmy Award-Winning Journalist, PIX11 News — Crystal Apple Award for Excellence in Journalism
- Cynthia Horner, CEO and Publisher, Right On! Digital — Honored for her leadership and lasting impact in media and culture
Community and Strategic Partners
The 2026 Pink Apple Awards is strengthened by the participation and support of organizations working to expand opportunity for New York’s entrepreneurs and communities:
- Office of Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso
- New York City Department of Small Business Services
- New York City Economic Development Corporation
- United Way of New York City
- Bronx Economic Development Corporation
- Queens Chamber of Commerce
Continue the Conversation sponsored by PNC Bank
Following the awards ceremony, enjoy our hosted reception and executive networking experience, where you’ll have the opportunity to meet speakers, honorees, public officials, business leaders, financial institutions, community organizations, and professionals committed to building a stronger New York.
Whether you’re looking to expand your network, discover business resources, create new partnerships, celebrate remarkable women, or simply leave inspired, the Pink Apple Awards offers a space where meaningful relationships begin and ideas turn into action.
Your Registration Includes
- Admission to the 2026 Pink Apple Awards
- Pink Carpet arrival experience
- Coffee and morning refreshments
- Special remarks from public officials and community leaders
- The Power Seat: How Small Businesses Are Moving New York Forward
- Pink Apple and Crystal Apple Awards Ceremony
- Hosted reception
- Executive networking experience
- Community Partner & Resource Showcase
- Media and interview opportunities
- Access to distinguished speakers, honorees, public officials, and community leaders
Attire: Business
Admission: Complimentary; registration required
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 0.00
