Global Women Asia Annual Award Gala
The GWA Groundbreakers Award celebrates leaders whose vision and achievements make a meaningful difference in their industries and communities.
The annual gala brings together entrepreneurs, innovators, and changemakers to celebrate achievement, build connections, and advance women's leadership worldwide.
Held in the historic and distinguished Harvard Club of Boston, the evening begins with a wine and hors d’oeuvres reception, followed by a seated dinner and award ceremony.
Date: November 13, 2026
Dinner & Award Ceremony: 6:00 - 8:30 PM
Location: Harvard Club of Boston
374 Commonwealth Ave, Boston, MA 02115
Announcing Global Women Asia’s 2026 Groundbreakers Award Honorees in New Manufacturing Innovation
Ambassador Katherine Tai
Ambassador Katherine Tai is a trade lawyer and public servant who served as the 19th United States Trade Representative from 2021 to 2025. She is the founder of the Coalition for New Trade and has been a leading voice on worker-centered trade policy, resilient supply chains, and the role of trade in strengthening U.S. competitiveness and international partnerships.
Leadership Award
Kamal Ahmad
Kamal Ahmad founded the Asian University for Women (AUW), an institution in Chittagong, Bangladesh, dedicated to educating talented women from across Asia and the Middle East, especially those from underserved and conflict-affected communities. Through AUW, he has built a transformational platform that equips women with the education, leadership skills, and global networks to create lasting change in their communities and beyond.
Impact Award
Come celebrate these individuals and organizations whose accomplishments and impact transcend borders and inspire the global community!
Lora Ho is the former Chief Financial Officer of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) and a longtime senior leader whose career has spanned finance, strategy, human resources, and corporate sustainability. As Chairperson of TSMC’s ESG Committee, she has helped advance the company’s global culture, sustainability agenda, and leadership pipeline while supporting Taiwan’s central role in the global semiconductor ecosystem.
Trailblazer AwardLora Ho
Jodi Shelton
Jodi Shelton is the co-founder and CEO of the Global Semiconductor Alliance (GSA), the leading global industry organization representing companies across the semiconductor value chain. Since founding GSA in 1994, she helped build a platform for international collaboration and innovation while advancing women’s leadership through the semiconductor industry’s first Women’s Leadership Initiative and Council. Jodi hosts one of the most influential podcasts in tech, A Bit Personal, where she has interviewed some of the world’s most prominent CEOs.
Community AwardBe there to celebrate this year’s honorees and connect with leaders shaping what comes next
Sponsor a Table
Support the next generation of global women leaders. Sponsor a table for $15,000 and join us in celebrating the women shaping the future of manufacturing.
Interested in sponsoring? Email us to learn more.
Celebrating Women Who Make an Impact
The GWA Groundbreakers Award shines a light on women who are driving progress, breaking barriers, and creating opportunities for others. Their accomplishments demonstrate the power of visionary leadership and the importance of bringing diverse perspectives to the challenges shaping our world.
An Evening of Connection and Impact
More than an awards ceremony, the GWA Groundbreakers Award Gala is a global business leaders’ networking event that brings together people who believe in the power of leadership, collaboration, and shared purpose.
Guests have the opportunity to celebrate remarkable achievements, exchange perspectives across industries and borders, and build relationships that can lead to future collaboration.
Past Groundbreakers Award Galas
Look back at past GWA Groundbreakers Award Galas and celebrate the inspiring honorees, memorable moments, and connections that bring our community of global leaders together.
