How do you choose from among so many good choices? That’s the challenge we were fortunate to face this spring, when we crafted our 2026 class of Inspiring Women.
In choosing, the editorial team took great care to ensure a diverse mix of people, and not just ethnically—from scientists, doctors, artists and educators to political, business and community leaders, young women to righteous septuagenarians. We invited all our previous Inspiring Women from the classes of 2024 and 2025, our inaugural years, to nominate women who inspire them, giving those recommendations special weight. We also asked the public to submit names, and we received an enthusiastic 94 responses. We added this to our own internal list of names to be considered.
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The result, we think, is an outstanding class of 21 women who inspire us to use our time in this life to reach for something greater in service of others. People who inspire us to ask more, and more thoughtful, questions, the first of which being, “How can we do better?” Our Inspiring Women should be awarded doctorates in doggedness and optimism in addition to all their more conventional degrees.
Read on to meet the Columbus Monthly and Columbus CEO 2026 class of Inspiring Women and learn how they are working to make the community better.
Many thanks to the Columbus Metropolitan Library for hosting our photo shoot at the Main Library—and congratulations to CEO Lauren Hagan on her inclusion in the 2026 class of Inspiring Women.
Inspiring Women is made possible by Presenting Sponsor Oliver Law and sponsors Donaldson Plastic Surgery and Columbus Metropolitan Library. Sponsorships and selection for the honor are not related.
Melanie Barrett
The entrepreneur founded an apparel company for people who use wheelchairs in honor of her sister, who used a wheelchair.
Joyce Beatty
Beatty developed a national profile as a Congress member who fights for justice and transparency.
Lilleana Cavanaugh
As chief of the Ohio Department of Development’s Minority Business Development Division, Cavanaugh helps to support, grow and sustain minority, women and under-resourced businesses.
Tanny Crane
The longtime corporate executive activated her business and civic leadership to advocate for children and educational access—and rode a bicycle across the United States.
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Doreen DeLaney Crawley
The COO of Grange Insurance uses her passion for workforce issues to support the company’s employees and enhance engagement and philanthropy.
Kate Finley
The entrepreneur launched her PR firm on a remote model even before the pandemic, supporting work-life balance for employees while driving results for clients.
Margaret Finley
Finley, the head of culture and engagement and corporate affairs at Advanced Drainage Systems Inc., advocates for inclusive culture at her own company and through her role at the Central Ohio Belonging Consortium.
Betsy Goldstein
The consulting firm founder and CEO leverages her business development expertise and storytelling skills to help other companies grow and build their brands.
Lauren Hagan
The CEO of Columbus Metropolitan Library is broadening CML’s reach with new partnerships and expanded initiatives.
Catherine Harper Lee
Harper Lee spent years demanding that the Ohio criminal justice system recognize victims’ voices and succeeded, changing the way the business of justice is carried out in Ohio.
Francie Henry
Fifth Third Bank’s regional president has spent her career working to build new leaders while driving growth for clients and the community.
Donna James
The respected executive built a powerful corporate career, most recently transforming one of Columbus’ most recognizable corporate brands into a more inclusive company, while serving as a beloved mentor to many.
Stephanie Matthews
Matthews created a musical program that helps people heal through jazz.
Yvette McGee Brown
McGee Brown made history as the first Black woman to serve on the Ohio Supreme Court and Franklin County Common Pleas Court, consistently prioritizing the needs of families.
Inspiring Women 2025: Meet 23 Trailblazers Making a Difference
Dr. Laxmi Mehta
The director of preventative cardiology and women’s cardiovascular health at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center wants everyone to understand the unique aspects of heart disease in women.
Kimberly Lee Minor
The veteran fashion and beauty executive launched the Women of Color Retail Alliance to foster connections with other leaders.
Ellen Mosley-Thompson
The scientist pioneered the sampling of Antarctic ice cores in the search for answers about the Earth’s rapid warming.
Connie Schultz
The journalist and professor wrote a series of news features about a man who served 13 years in prison for a rape he did not commit that was so compelling, the real rapist came forward after reading them.
Kathy Starks
The longtime school counselor supported generations of Worthington children as they made their way through school, helping them champion Black History Month.
Donna Teach
The chief marketing and communication officer of Nationwide Children’s Hospital is one of its biggest boosters, whether she’s on or off the clock.
LaKesha Wyse
Wyse orchestrated a $50,000 grant from the NHL Foundation to help girls, including many girls of color, be able to play ice hockey.
Inspired yet? The first 11 of our Inspiring Women class of 2026 are featured in the May issue of Columbus Monthly. The other 10 are featured in the Summer issue of Columbus CEO, which will be available in mid-June.
In the meantime, keep asking thoughtful questions.
A version of this story appeared in the May 2026 issue of Columbus Monthly as part of the Inspiring Women feature package. Subscribe here.
This article originally appeared on Columbus Monthly: These 21 inspiring women are making a difference in Columbus
Reporting by Katy Smith and Julanne Hohbach, Columbus Monthly / Columbus Monthly
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
