Paris will welcome approximately 200 women leaders on October 3, 2026, for the debut European iteration of the ISOUL Women Leadership Award. This marks the organization's expansion beyond North America, following ceremonies held in San Francisco in 2025 and Los Angeles in March 2026.

The gathering will convene founders, investors, board members, fund managers and cultural creators who direct organizations and nurture emerging ventures across multiple industries and geographies. Jane Milovanova, a Silicon Valley entrepreneur who established three international enterprises in technology, education and community spaces, founded ISOUL. Her background includes raising and overseeing more than $1M in capital, leading an artificial intelligence-powered educational technology firm, and operating an information technology university. She has also developed an AI-enabled networking platform and launched a business accelerator focused on women entrepreneurs.

Milovanova regularly addresses global audiences on topics central to ISOUL's foundation: artificial intelligence, innovation and scalable frameworks for female leadership. The organization characterizes its purpose as establishing an international network that empowers women "at every stage of growth," converting aspirations into tangible outcomes and amplifying their leadership visibility. The community encompasses more than 5,000 members spanning 29 nations, has facilitated over 512 gatherings, and maintains roughly 200 paying annual members.

Eight Award Categories

The Paris event will distribute honors across eight distinct categories recognizing achievement in entrepreneurship, investment, innovation, influence and social impact:

  • Global Visionary Leader
  • Innovator of the Year
  • Top Influencer
  • Rising Star
  • Investor in Women
  • Entrepreneur of the Year
  • Impact in Women's Lives
  • Fashion Icon of the Year

Previous honorees from the Los Angeles ceremony included Oksana Tsvigun, Annie Semenova, La Keisha Landrum Pierre, Kim Baituken, Anna Chernikova, Nina Svet and Fatima Nasir Bachkami, representing accomplishments in business, entrepreneurship, investment, innovation and social impact.

Curated Guest List and Event Format

Attendance remains restricted to approximately 200 carefully selected participants, including company founders and chief executives, venture and angel investors, corporate board members, investment fund leaders, business owners and content creators commanding audiences exceeding one million followers. This composition aims to facilitate international business agreements and collaborative ventures beyond ceremonial appearances.

The evening comprises four distinct segments: a red-carpet reception offering media coverage and sponsor exposure, keynote presentations and leadership discussions on the main platform, the awards presentation, and a concluding networking reception. The specific venue location has not yet been disclosed publicly.

Women leaders interested in nomination consideration for any of the eight categories may submit applications directly via ISOUL's award application portal.

Source: Startup Reporter