Submissions open for 2026 Remarkable Women Contest

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Do you know an inspiring woman making a difference in Central Virginia? You can nominate them for the chance to be honored as a 2026 Remarkable Woman.

Submissions are now open for the 2026 Remarkable Woman Contest, held by Nexstar Media Group, the parent company of WRIC ABC 8News. They will close on Dec. 19.

From across the country, 125 extraordinary women will be selected as local market finalists for their self-achievement and community impact.

These women will be celebrated in Nashville, Tenn., where they’ll have the experience of a lifetime, including the following:

• Round-trip airfare, hotel accommodations, and ground transportation.
• Special events with fellow Remarkable Women.
• National and local media recognition across Nexstar stations, digital, and social platforms.
• Potential inclusion in a nationally televised primetime special on The CW Network, NewsNation, and on Nexstar television stations in 116 U.S. television markets.

Nexstar Media Group will make donations to support their community causes, including:

• All 125 local market finalists will receive $1,000 donation made directly to the 501(c)(3) non-profit of their choice.
• Five (5) Regional Finalists will each receive an additional $5,000 donation made directly to their selected 501(c)(3), plus a $125,000 media package to promote that non-profit organization.
• One (1) Remarkable Woman of the Year will be awarded a $25,000 donation made directly to the 501(c)(3) closest to her heart, plus an additional media package valued at $125,000 (for a total of $250,000).

All 125 local market finalists will be honored at a star-studded awards dinner and ceremony in Nashville, where one woman will be named Nexstar’s Remarkable Woman of the Year.

If you nominated someone last year, you’re welcome to share her story again this year and give her another chance to be recognized. 

To view the official contest rules and submit your nomination, click here.