The 2026 Global Ascension Leadership Awards (GALA - formerly Woman of the Year (WOTY) event) will take place at the Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Center on Friday, 24 April, attracting an in-person gathering of over 1,500 industry executives.
Co-chair Responsibilities:
- Serve as event ambassadors on social media, including recording videos through HBA’s Gather Voices platform and sharing and reposting HBA’s posts about the event.
- Develop activities that facilitate meaningful and engaging connections for the networking receptions held during GALA.
- Develop a welcome letter for the digital program.
- Attend the GALA event on 24 April in San Diego. Please note: all travel expenses related to attending the event are the co-chair's responsibility and cannot be reimbursed by HBA.
Benefits and Opportunities:
- VIP seating at the 2026 Global Ascension Leadership Awards.
- Attend on-site rehearsals with honorees on 23-24 April.
- Acknowledgement from the main stage by HBA CEO, Mary Stutts.
- Recognition on social media and HBA website.
- Welcome letter included in digital program.
- Develop valuable connections with industry leaders, sponsors, and stakeholders.
Requirements:
- Must be an HBA member who has attended at least one in-person GALA (formerly: Woman of the Year) event.
- Must have served in at least one HBA volunteer role.
- Must commit to 1-hour, bi-weekly meetings from February to April.
- Must attend onsite meetings, rehearsals, and events from 23-24 April.
Desired Capabilities:
- Communication – excellent communication skills for liaising with team members, vendors, sponsors, and attendees, and an openness to teamwork and collaboration.
- Innovation – bring your creativity, inspired vision, and a design-thinking mentality to help create a memorable event experience.
- People Management – must have strong leadership and team management experience and know how to foster a positive and motivated team environment.
- Networking – enthusiasm for leveraging your robust professional network. The ability to engage sponsors and partners that enhance the event’s impact and reach are essential.
Please submit your completed application by January . Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.
Volunteer Acknowledgement
As a volunteer leader, you may at times handle sensitive information. Prior to applying for this role, we ask that you please review the HBA volunteer acknowledgement policy. By submitting an application for this opportunity, you agree to be bound by this policy.