The ISOUL Women Leadership Award Paris 2026 brought together an inspiring international community of women leaders, entrepreneurs, investors, innovators, creators and changemakers for an evening dedicated to celebrating women’s leadership, achievements and impact.
The ceremony took place at the Conservatoire Russe de Paris Serge Rachmaninoff, held on 3 October. The event brought together 32 nominees and around 100 guests from across the international ISOUL community to recognise women making an impact across business, innovation, investment, culture and society.
Following previous editions in San Francisco in 2025 and Los Angeles in March 2026, the Paris ceremony marked ISOUL’s first flagship European awards event.
Recognising women shaping the future
Eight women were recognised across eight award categories, celebrating different forms of leadership, from entrepreneurship and innovation to investment and social impact.
Among the winners was Lia Yuldinawati, Program Director for University Expansion at Telkom University, who received the Innovator of the Year award. Her recognition highlights the role innovation and education can play in shaping opportunities and influencing the future.
Other winners included Lana Proskurnina, recognised as Fashion Icon of the Year; Lorraine Strauss, Investor in Women; Elvira Sharshenalieva, Entrepreneur of the Year; Eve Li, Global Visionary Leader; Olga Nikontschik, Rising Star; Olesya Turalina, Impact in Women’s Lives; and Zarina Bibergan, Top Influencer.
While the awards span a range of industries, the women recognised share a common thread: using their expertise, ideas and influence to make a difference. Their stories also reflect the many different routes women can take to leadership, whether through innovation, entrepreneurship, investment or advocacy.
Speaking about the awards, Jane Milovanova, Founder & CEO of ISOUL, said, “This award is not about winning. It is about support, about celebrating one another and being genuinely happy for each other. Our goal is not simply to win or receive an award, but to support one another. It is a great honor to be part of a space where a woman can be a home for another woman, where each of us can be a source of support and strength for one another. Without envy or competition. These are the values we carefully protect and carry with us across every city and every country, and through all generations.”
Alongside the awards ceremony, attendees took part in a panel discussion focused on women’s entrepreneurship and leadership. Speakers explored the realities of building businesses, navigating leadership challenges and creating meaningful impact, while also answering questions from the audience.
The panel included Oksana Yesina, a finance and wealth management expert, entrepreneur and investor; Alicia Fall, an award-winning filmmaker, producer and journalist; Irina Kremleva, Global RGM Director at L’Oréal Dermatological Beauty; Nathalie Dionne, Founder and CEO of Brand Creatives and Thalie Paris; and Zarina Bibergan, author, influencer and founder.
The discussion provided attendees with an opportunity to hear perspectives from accomplished women working across finance, entrepreneurship, media, beauty, innovation and creative industries, as well as to engage with the speakers directly.
