Where Women Rise: The 2026 She Rocks Awards at NAMM

On January 23, the 2026 She Rocks Awards lit up the Hilton Anaheim, celebrating the remarkable women shaping the music industry. Co-hosting the evening were Vicki Peterson—founding member of the iconic ’80s band The Bangles and a 2015 She Rocks honoree—and Mixi Demner, frontwoman of Stitched Up Heart and a 2024 honoree. Although I wasn’t able to interview every honoree, below is the complete list, presented in alphabetical order:

1. Sophie Burrell — Educator, guitarist, and online personality. Tonesetter Award.
2. Margaret Glaspy — Guitarist and songwriter who began writing music at age 15 and emerged as a major voice in indie rock with her debut album Emotions and Math. Innovator Award.
3. Andreea Gleeson — CEO of TuneCore. Powerhouse Award.
4. Kay Hanley — Lead vocalist of Letters to Cleo. Inspire Award.
5. Judith Hill — Vocalist and songwriter, featured in the Oscar-winning documentary 20 Feet From Stardom (2014). Mad Skills Award.
6. Reina Ichihashi — Global Product Marketing Manager for Wind Instruments at Roland. Excellence Award.
7. Michelle Lewis — Songwriter and co-founder of Songwriters of North America. Inspire Award.
8. Susan Lipp — CEO of Full Compass Systems. Female Entrepreneur of the Year Award.
9. Lisa MacDonald — Director of Vertical Marketing at Yamaha Corporation of America. Groundbreaker Award.
10. Rachel Platten — Singer-songwriter best known for her anthemic 2015 hit “Fight Song.” Dreaming Out Loud Award.
11. Heather Dembert Rafter — Attorney in the audio, music technology, and digital media industries; Principal Counsel at RafterMarsh US, PC. Champion Award.
12. Rhonda Smith — Canadian-born bassist, vocalist, and songwriter; bassist for Jimmy Kimmel Live! Legend Award.
13. Carnie Wilson — Five-time Grammy-nominated artist and member of the successful group Wilson Phillips; daughter of Beach Boys founder Brian Wilson. Impact Award.
14. Lisa Worden — Senior Vice President of Rock and Alternative at iHeartMedia and Program Director of ALT 98.7 Los Angeles; host of She Is The Voice. Trailblazer Award.

I’ve been covering the She Rocks Awards on and off since 2015. Organized and produced by the Women’s International Music Network (WiMN), the event serves as a powerful hub connecting women across every facet of the music industry during the NAMM Show in Anaheim. I’m always grateful to witness and cover this inspiring celebration of women empowering women. On the red carpet, I had the opportunity to speak with several of these talented honorees and industry leaders.

Myki Angeline, 2022 She Rocks Award honoree and Sacramento-based radio host
Popbuff: What advice would you give women stepping into the male-dominated creative spaces today?
Myki: Take up space. Create your own. Build your own table. Do not wait to be asked. Make it happen. That’s how the Women’s International Music Network started cause Laura (founder) didn’t wait to be asked. She just knew it was needed and created it.
Popbuff: What excites you most about the future of women in music and technology?
Myki: We’re still kind of struggling with it on the numbers, but it’s rising. Women are being noticed in all fields. Whether it’s a singer songwriter, whether it’s a sound engineer, whether it’s a CEO of the company, like it’s getting stronger and stronger. I feel really good about 2026.

Geena Fontanella, 2026 She Rocks Performer, Punk Artist
Popbuff: How does it feel to be here at She Rocks, where women honor women?
Geena Fontanella: You know, a lot of people like to say women are always in a catfight, but I think She Rocks is proof that’s simply not true. Women support each other. And if you’re a woman out there not supporting another woman, maybe it’s time to rethink that. There are so many women uplifting one another, and She Rocks is living proof of that. Together, we really can come together and make a meaningful mark in the industry.

Laura Whitmore, Founder of the Women’s International Music Network (The WiMN) and eator of the Guitar World Magazine blog series
Popbuff: This is the 14th year of the She Rocks Awards. What do you think keeps it such a successful and meaningful event here at NAMM?
Laura Whitmore: We bring together truly incredible people. Even within the industry, these are women who are genuinely loved—women who have stepped up to support other women and create real opportunities. If we don’t do it, who will, right?
I also believe there are so many men and women who support the idea of opening doors for others. That’s what makes the She Rocks Awards so special. It’s a fun night, but it also carries a deeper meaning. All of those layers together are what make it resonate year after year.

Mixi Demner, Co-host, She Rocks Awards 2026, 2025 She Rocks Honoree
Popbuff: How does it feel to be this year’s co-host and part of the She Rocks Awards?
Mixi Demner: I think it’s the coolest thing ever. Honestly, it’s my favorite event I’ve ever been part of.
Popbuff: What advice would you give to women stepping into male-dominated creative spaces today?
Mixi Demner: At some point, it’s going to be a woman-dominated space—watch out, boys!

Sophie Burrell, Guitarist and 2026 She Rocks Honoree
Popbuff: What does it mean to you to be here—women celebrating women?
Sophie Burrell: It’s awesome to be here, and I’m so honored to be part of this event. It honestly feels surreal. I’ve never done anything like this before, so it’s really cool.
Popbuff: What advice would you give to women stepping into male-dominated creative spaces?
Sophie Burrell: I’d say take what people say to you and use it as fuel for your fire. You’re always going to hear things like, “You can’t be doing that,” or encounter people with strong opinions—but instead of letting that stop you, use it as motivation. Prove them wrong and show them that you can do it.

Rhonda Smith, Bassist and Vocalist. 2026 She Rocks Honoree
Popbuff: What’s it like being in a room filled with women celebrating each other’s success?
Rhonda Smith: It’s amazing. There are still so few events dedicated to women and to promoting women in music, so being here feels incredibly refreshing. It’s truly wonderful to be part of it—and as I mentioned, it’s my birthday, so it honestly doesn’t get any better than this.

Carnie Wilson, 2026 She Rocks Award honoree, member of the successful ’90s band Wilson Phillips
Popbuff: What advice would you give women stepping into male-dominated creative spaces today?
Carnie Wilson: I think women rule the world—that’s all I can say. How would we even be here if it weren’t for us? We’re stronger than we know. And things are changing—the world is changing. Women are stepping up. We’re not afraid. We will rise.
This isn’t about putting men down. It’s about recognizing the power we have. And it all starts right here—in your heart—and in believing in yourself.

The 2026 She Rocks Awards was more than a celebration—it was a powerful reminder of what happens when women lift each other up. From the stage to the red carpet, the message was clear: support, resilience, and community continue to shape the future of the music industry. As these remarkable women keep breaking barriers and opening doors, one thing is certain—when women support women, incredible things happen.