102 nominations from 34 nationalities highlight the global strength of women in publishing
PublisHer has unveiled the shortlisted candidates for the PublisHer Excellence Awards 2026, laying a key milestone in its global campaign to recognize and advance women’s leadership in publishing.
This year’s PublisHer Excellence Awards drew 102 nominations spanning 34 nationalities, reflecting the diversity and international influence of women shaping the publishing ecosystem today.
The nominations by category included:
- Lifetime Achievement Award: 26 nominations
- Innovation Award: 53 nominations
- Emerging Leader Award: 23 nominations
Founded to celebrate women’s professional achievements, champion diversity, equity and inclusion, and promote professional development, the PublisHer Excellence Awards spotlight women whose work is transforming publishing across markets, languages and formats.
SHORTLISTS
- Lifetime Achievement Award
Recognizing trailblazing women publishers whose careers have made a significant and lasting impact through decades of leadership, institution-building and advocacy.
Ana María Cabanellas, President and Publisher, Grupo Claridad (Argentina)
Orietta Fatucci, Publisher and CEO, Edizioni EL (Italy)
María Esperanza Espinosa Barragán (Peggy Espinosa), Director and Publisher, Petra Ediciones (Mexico)
- Innovation Award
For important, forward-thinking contributions to the publishing industry, these shortlisted leaders exemplify innovation in publishing models, infrastructure, digital transformation, access initiatives and AI-driven systems.
Monique Leite, Founder and Director, PlenaVoz (Brazil)
Adibah Binti Omar CEO, Perbadanan Kota Buku Malaysia (Malaysia)
Kinga Jentetics, CEO and Co-founder, PublishDrive (USA)
- Emerging Leader Award
Celebrating rising publishing leaders demonstrating real impact and forward vision, these nominees represent the future of industry leadership through entrepreneurship, accessibility advocacy, digital strategy, education and cross-border collaboration.
Ana María Bermúdez, Penguin Random House (Mexico)
Tara Khandelwal, Founder and Managing Director, Bound (India)
Ovueroghene Shalom Shaba, Managing Editor, Krafted (Nigeria)
An international jury
The Awards are evaluated by a highly accomplished international jury, bringing international expertise and insight into traditional and future-facing publishing models.
Alicia Liu, Founder and CEO, Singing Grass Communications
Maureen Masamba, Publishing Manager, Dzuka Publishing Company Ltd.
Mitia Osman, CEO and Publisher, Mayurpankhi
Searsha Sadek, Founder and Chief Product Officer, Shimmr AI
Sevani Matos, General Director, VR Editora SA
Winners to be Announced at Bologna Children’s Book Fair 2026
The winners of the PublisHer Excellence Awards 2026 will be officially announced in April 2026 at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair, one of the publishing industry’s most influential global gatherings.
PublisHer Founder, Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi, said: ‘This year’s shortlist reflects the staggering breadth of women’s leadership in publishing, from infrastructure reform and technological innovation to cultural preservation and emerging entrepreneurial vision. What these nominees have in common is excellence with impact. They’re building institutions, increasing access, strengthening ecosystems and ensuring that publishing remains inclusive, sustainable and forward-looking. We’re proud to recognize their achievements and to amplify their work on a global stage.’
As the Awards move toward the final ceremony in Bologna, PublisHer continues to advance its mission to ensure women’s leadership in publishing is visible, celebrated and supported worldwide.