Women & Hi Tech will host its biennial Leading Light Awards & Scholarship Gala on Thursday, October 1, at the Indiana Roof Ballroom in Indianapolis. The event recognizes women making an impact across science, technology, engineering and math, along with allies who support and advance women in STEM.

This year’s theme, “Connected Brilliance,” celebrates the network of mentors, innovators and leaders helping shape Indiana’s STEM community. The evening will include networking, dinner, scholarship and professional development grant presentations and the Leading Light Awards ceremony.

The Leading Light Awards have recognized achievement, leadership, mentorship, service and innovation in Indiana’s STEM community for more than two decades. The 2026 awards include categories such as the Leadership Award, Rising Star Award, Outstanding Achievement in STEM Award, Mentor Me! Award and OperationALL™ Male Ally Award.

Women & Hi Tech will also award scholarships and professional development grants to students and professionals pursuing STEM education and career advancement. At the 2024 gala, the organization awarded more than $60,000 in scholarships and grants.

TechPoint is a grant sponsor for this event and will be presenting two professional development grants awarded to Indiana-based women pursuing professional development to build or advance careers in technology, with a focus on gaining skills that support long-term growth and opportunity in the tech workforce.

Event Details

2026 Leading Light Awards & Scholarship Gala
Thursday, October 1
5:30–10 pm
Indiana Roof Ballroom
140 W. Washington St., Indianapolis

Individual tickets are $150, and tables of 10 are $1,500.

Learn more about the Leading Light Awards:
https://womenandhitech.org/lla

Register for the 2026 gala:
https://2026llagala.my-trs.com/