WASHINGTON, D.C. — Independent Women celebrated its 2026 Awards Gala, bringing together top administration officials, media personalities, policy leaders, and cultural influencers at the Waldorf Astoria in Washington, D.C., to recognize some of the nation’s most influential women and men driving meaningful change, shaping public debate, and building real momentum for freedom and American strength.
The evening’s highest honor, the Barbara K. Olson Woman of Valor Award, was presented by Independent Women Chairman Heather R. Higgins to White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles for her decades of leadership in American politics and her steadfast commitment to advancing principled conservative leadership at the highest levels of government.
Watch the full conversation with Heather Higgins and Susie Wiles.
While Wiles was on stage accepting her award, President Donald J. Trump delivered a surprise video message praising her leadership and historic service as White House chief of staff.
Watch President Trump’s video message.
“Not only is Susie the first female chief of staff in American history, she’s also one of the best White House chiefs of staff ever in history. I say the best actually. I’m tremendously grateful for her friendship, loyalty, and support every single day,” said President Trump. “Everything we have done here in the White House has been with her help and her leadership. She’s respected by everybody.
“We owe her tremendous debt and what she’s done is just incredible for our country. Thank you to Susie, and congratulations.”
Following the tribute, Wiles joined Higgins for an on-stage conversation reflecting on her path into politics, how she began working with President Trump, and what’s ahead.
“Susie Wiles changed the course of history. She did it quietly, behind the scenes, solving problems and creating a bigger coalition than anyone ever thought possible,” said Heather Higgins. “For four decades, Susie has been a political strategist, building winning campaigns and movements. Today, she is using those skills as the first female chief of staff to occupy the West Wing, overseeing White House operations, personnel, and policy implementation. Not only did she run the campaign brilliantly, she is—hands down, in my opinion—the best chief of staff of my lifetime.”
Heather Higgins presenting Susie Wiles with the Barbara K. Olson Woman of Valor Award.
Throughout the conversation, Wiles emphasized teamwork and mission-driven leadership.
“It’s not about me,” Wiles said. “I’m not on the ballot. I just have a team, and the team is incredible.” She added: “If you make it about you, you’re taking away from what the cause is really about.”
One of the evening’s most powerful moments came when Wiles spoke openly about her recent cancer diagnosis and the example she hopes to set for those around her.
“We’ve moved forward at a pace that’s almost inconceivable, and yet we continue to do that,” Wiles said. “And I’m proud of our ability to pull everything together to get that done.”
“I got a cancer diagnosis nine weeks ago. I come to work every day, I do my job, I don’t complain, and I think that sets an example, too, for the people I work with.”
Higgins and Wiles at Independent Women’s Gala.
Past recipients of the Barbara K. Olson Woman of Valor Award include Miranda Devine, Kellyanne Conway, Nikki Haley, Betsy DeVos, Maria Bartiromo, Janice Dean, and Kimberley Strassel.
More than 350 guests joined Independent Women to honor Susie Wiles and fellow award winners. Several cabinet secretaries and members of the administration attended, including Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, Attorney General Todd Blanche, Energy Secretary Chris Wright, FBI Director Kash Patel, FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, Deputy Secretary of State Michael J. Rigas, Deputy HUD Secretary Andrew Hughes, Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence Aaron Lukas, Assistant Secretary of USDA Yvette Herrell, and Senior Director for Counterterrorism for the National Security Council, Sebastian Gorka.
ADDITIONAL AWARDS
Independent Women Ambassadors Prisha Mosley, Amie Ichikawa, Allie Coghan and Soren Aldaco were jointly honored with the Resilience Award for their extraordinary courage in telling their personal stories, and speaking out about the protection of women’s spaces and the long-term consequences of gender ideology and pediatric medical transition.
The Resilience Award recognizes individuals who exhibit bravery, courage, and inner strength while helping create stronger, more vibrant communities and encouraging more respectful dialogue and civic engagement.
Left: Kaylee McGhee White, editor in chief of IW Features, with Amie Ichikawa, Prisha Mosley, Allie Coghan, and Soren Aldaco.
Right: Amie Ichikawa speaking on behalf of Resilience Award winners.
Through deeply personal advocacy, each ambassador has shared her personal story through Independent Women’s Features (IW Features) despite immense backlash, harassment, and personal cost. Together they have become leading voices for the fight against gender ideology and protecting women’s spaces by bringing national attention to issues surrounding informed consent, medical ethics, women’s rights, and the protection of vulnerable children. Their willingness to tell the truth in the face of cultural hostility and opposition embodies the very spirit of resilience this award was created to recognize.
Accepting the award on behalf of the group, Amie Ichikawa reflected on the impact of storytelling and advocacy through Independent Women.
“It wasn’t always easy for me to tell my story,” Ichikawa said. “It wasn’t until I started my ambassadorship with Independent Women that I began to experience the healing and restoration that happens through storytelling.”
She added: “Having Independent Women’s team of women believe in me and what I am capable of doing has helped me reach a point in life where I can exist without being sorry.”
Mike Rowe on stage at Independent Women’s Gala discussing America’s hard workers and protecting their freedom and flexibility in the workforce.
Following the presentation of The Resilience Award, Mike Rowe, CEO of mikeroweWORKS Foundation, delivered remarks highlighting the work his foundation does to provide work ethic scholarships to Americans across the country. Mike Rowe was awarded the Gentleman of Distinction Award at Independent Women’s Award Gala in 2019, and has worked to amplify the stories of Independent Women’s ambassadors Amie Ichikawa and Payton McNabb on his podcast, The Way I Heard It.
Left: Diana Davis Spencer. Right: Victor Hanson delivering remarks.
The Diana Davis Spencer Lifetime Achievement Award was presented by Diana David Spencer to Victor Davis Hanson, conservative historian, writer, and commentator. The Diana Davis Spencer Lifetime Achievement Award celebrates an individual who, through talent, hard work, and dedication, has made a lasting contribution to the country and to the cause of freedom.
While Victor has been dealing with immense health struggles, he was able to call in to receive the award. Hanson delivered remarks remotely praising Independent Women for defending enduring truths and strong families during a moment of cultural uncertainty.
“In these contentious times, they have stood for tradition, and values, and ethics,” Hanson said.
INDEPENDENT WOMEN POLICY SUMMIT
Prior to the gala, Independent Women hosted a Policy Summit at the Waldorf Astoria featuring informative panels starring Independent Women policy experts and high-profile speakers discussing the most pressing policy issues facing women and families today.
Left: Gabriella Hoffman, Carrie Sheffield, and Patrice Onwuka. Right: Dr. Heidi Overton and Dr. Monique Yohanan.
Brittany Hugoboom, founder of Evie Magazine, gave opening remarks, discussing how she has built Evie into one of the leading conservative women’s magazines in the world. Last month, IW Features highlighted Hugoboom in their April profile of “Champion Women”—a monthly series that showcases the remarkable women who make up the fabric of America.
Brittany Hugoboom, founder and editor-in-chief of Evie Magazine at Independent Women’s Policy Summit.
Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard was featured as the keynote speaker at the luncheon, sharing lessons learned from her years of service in the Intelligence Community, the military, and Congress. During her remarks, she emphasized the importance of leadership, having courage, and remaining grounded. At the Independent Women’s Awards Gala in 2022, Gabbard was awarded the Resilience Award for her work to protect female sports.
Tulsi Gabbard delivering the keynote address at Independent Women’s Policy Summit.
Featuring Independent Women policy experts and special guests, the panels included:
- Making America Affordable Again
- Culture Wars and Winning Back Gen Z
- Healthier Systems, Healthier Country
- The Power of Storytelling
- Securing Western Values
Additional photos available for media use upon request.
Media inquiries contact [email protected]
###
Independent Women’s trusted experts, analysis, and data enable us to drive informed conversations to build support for better policy solutions.
Independent Women®’s unique, persuasive methods and trusted brand shape public preferences, policies, and movements to create a better future for everyone.