2024 TeamWomen WaveMaker Awards

2024 WaveMaker Nominations are now closed! THANK YOU to everyone who submitted a nomination!

Save the date for our 2024 WaveMaker Awards! Stay tuned for more information about WaveMaker nominations and event details. In the meantime, scroll below to meet our 2023 WaveMaker Award Honorees!

View all award descriptions here.

Meet our 2024 WaveMakers

WaveMakers are pioneers in their field who are respected by their employers and/or peers. They demonstrate outstanding leadership and serve to help the Minnesota business community, while helping women achieve their own goals. Help us celebrate, recognize, and support those who have made a profound impact on our community!

UNDER 40 PHENOM AWARD

The Under 40 Phenom Award recognizes women under 40 who are making waves through demonstration of an outstanding achievement, demonstration of entrepreneurial spirit and initiative or through leadership within their profession and/or the community in this early phase of their career.

UNCHARTED TERRITORY HONOREES

Recognizes women who have excelled in a typically male-dominated profession or industry. They are trailblazers; they inspire and encourage others to have a similar impact.

COMMUNITY IMPACT HONOREES

Recognizes women who make giving back to the community and/or youth a top priority in ways that promote the development of others, either through their work or through volunteer efforts.

OUTSTANDING MENTOR HONOREES

Recognizes women who consistently make a profound impact on the trajectory and advancement of other women’s careers.

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Presented to a woman who emulates all of the award categories. Her legacy inspires individuals and organizations to pave the way for future leaders.

Rachel Polson, a leader in the accounting profession for nearly 30 years, has paved the way for women in leadership. Her career began with a focus on embracing challenges and earning promotions through her drive and resilience. As a founding member of Baker Tilly’s GROW program, she championed the advancement of women in the CPA profession, where women in leadership were once scarce. Rachel’s passion for mentorship led her to be a founding board member of TeamWomen, where she has guided countless women through their personal and professional journeys. Her commitment to giving back extends to her roles on various boards, including the MN Tech Association Foundation, MNCPA Society, and the advisory board for Herberger Business School at St. Cloud State University.

EMPOWER RISING STAR AWARD

Our Empower Rising Star Award recognizes an Empower Leadership Academy attendee who has applied skills from the academy to their life, impacting their community. Honorees embody one or more of the four Empower pillars: Leadership, Confidence, Well-Being, and Resilience.

We’re thrilled to honor Kasey Turner, a senior at Monticello High School. She’s on the executive board for Unified (an affiliate of Special Olympics) and volunteers weekly through her school’s Interact/Teen Rotary Club. Kasey plans to pursue a pharmacy degree at the University of Minnesota-Duluth!