MADISON, Wis., August 26, 2026 — The Wisconsin Restaurant Association (WRA) is proud to announce the recipients of the 2026 Women in Hospitality Awards, sponsored by Society Insurance. The awards recognize an extraordinary group of professionals whose leadership, innovation, dedication, and service are helping shape the future of hospitality in Wisconsin.
This year marks the third year of the Top 20 Women in Hospitality to Watch program and the inaugural year for the Rising Star and Student Achievement awards. Together, the three award categories celebrate excellence across Wisconsin’s hospitality industry, honoring established leaders, emerging professionals, and future industry talent.
This year’s honorees reside across all regions of Wisconsin and represent a wide range of restaurants, hotels, tourism, education, supplier partners, and more. Selected through a competitive nomination and judging process, they are being recognized for the meaningful impact they make within their organizations, their communities, and the industry as a whole.
“One of the greatest strengths of our industry is the incredible women who show up every day to lead teams, create opportunities, solve challenges, and serve others,” said Kristine Hillmer, President & CEO of the Wisconsin Restaurant Association. “Hospitality has long been a place where women lead, innovate, and build successful careers. Today, women hold nearly half of all restaurant management positions and own or co-own nearly 41% of restaurant businesses nationwide. These honorees represent the very best of that tradition, and we are proud to celebrate their achievements.
According to the National Restaurant Association, women hold 47% of restaurant management positions and 41% of restaurant businesses are majority-owned or co-owned by women, making hospitality one of the strongest industries for female leadership and entrepreneurship. The Women in Hospitality Awards were created to recognize and celebrate those contributions while inspiring the next generation of industry leaders.
Nominations were evaluated by the Women in Hospitality Conference Advisory Panel, a diverse group of hospitality professionals representing multiple industry sectors. Each nomination was independently reviewed and scored by multiple judges using a standardized evaluation process designed to ensure fairness, consistency, and integrity throughout the selection process.
Honorees will be formally recognized during the Women in Hospitality Conference on September 28, 2026, at Monona Terrace in Madison, where hospitality professionals from across Wisconsin will gather for a day of learning, connection, inspiration, and celebration.
Top 20 Women in Hospitality to WATCH
Leading this year’s recognition program is the Top 20 Women in Hospitality to WATCH, an award honoring Women Achieving Trailblazing Careers in Hospitality. Honorees were selected based on their leadership and influence, career growth, industry impact, resilience, and potential to continue making significant contributions to Wisconsin hospitality. We are pleased to recognize the following recipients:
| Top 20 Women in Hospitality to WATCH | ||
| Recipient | Business | City |
| Kathryn Alioto | Atira Hotels | Wauwatosa |
| Kaelyn Cervero | 41Fork Hospitality | New Berlin |
| Loreen Glaman | Vino Latte | Wausau |
| Gesa Hegeman | Marcus Investments | Milwaukee |
| Dana Johnson | Saint Kate the Arts Hotel | Milwaukee |
| Kristi Kramp | Cousins Subs | Menomonee Falls |
| Robin Kraszka | Hampton Inn and Suites Madison Downtown | Madison |
| Adra Kusnirova | Alaska Fresh Seafood | Butler |
| Stephanie LaBella | Burwell Enterprises/The Madison Concourse Hotel & Governor’s Club | Madison |
| Rachel Larson | Bowe Business Group – Culver’s | Eau Claire |
| Jamie Lutz | Badger High School | Lake Geneva |
| Amanda Newble | Eddie Martini Enterprises | Wauwatosa |
| Jill Ruffing | 600 EAST Café & Business Center | Milwaukee |
| Anne Sayers | Wisconsin Department of Tourism | Madison |
| Megan Scott | Boelter | Glendale |
| Krissy Sigmund | Chula Vista Resort | Wisconsin Dells |
| Amanda Stefl | Timber Hill Winery | Milton and Madison |
| Sheri Straka | NCG Hospitality | Middleton |
| Erin Vranas | Parthenon Gyros | Madison |
| Song Xiong-Buck | Milwaukee Community Crossroads | Milwaukee |
Rising Star
The Rising Star Award recognizes women with fewer than three years of hospitality experience who demonstrate initiative, exceptional work ethic, early career impact, growth potential, and a passion for the industry. Three awards are given in this category. We are proud to recognize the following recipients:
| Rising Stars | ||
| Recipient | Business | City |
| Edna Noll | Brew 52 | Mukwonago |
| Keely Liska | AC Hotel | Madison |
| Naomi Schmidt | AmericInn by Wyndham | Chippewa Falls |
Student Achievement Award
The Student Achievement Award honors hospitality students who have demonstrated academic commitment, initiative beyond the classroom, professionalism, industry passion, and strong potential as future hospitality leaders. Only one award is given in this category. We are delighted to celebrate the following individual:
| Student Achievement | ||
| Recipient | Business | City |
| Aubrey Frazier | Madison College | Madison |
The Women in Hospitality Conference is open to hospitality professionals at all career stages. Learn more and register at: Women in Hospitality Conference – Wisconsin Restaurant Association.
Biographical information about each recipient can be found on the Women in Hospitality awards webpage: WIHC Winners 2026 – Wisconsin Restaurant Association
To download award recipients’ headshots, Wisconsin Restaurant Association and Women in Hospitality logos, and additional media resources, please visit: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1WvTiTBLrDW-lhZgKaSAGH59REz1c26KB?usp=sharing
About Wisconsin Restaurant Association (WRA)
The Wisconsin Restaurant Association (WRA) is the voice of Wisconsin’s essential restaurant and hospitality sector. We represent over 7,000 restaurant locations statewide, from seasonal drive-ins, supper clubs and neighborhood bars to fine-dining and large resorts.
Key Facts for Wisconsin’s Workforce & Economy:
- Major Employer: Restaurants employ 9 percent of Wisconsin’s workforce, making our industry vital to the state’s economic health.
- Independent Core: Over 75% of our members are independent restaurants and restaurant groups, underscoring our commitment to local small business owners. Twenty percent of our members are locally owned franchisees of major hospitality brands.
- Community Cornerstones: Beyond jobs and hospitality, restaurants are the cornerstones of their neighborhoods. They actively support local schools, teams, charities, and churches through regular fundraising and donations, providing safe, vital meeting places for every community need.
