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42nd Woman of the Year Gala

Join Us for the 2026 Woman of the Year Gala

The Professional Women’s Network Monterey proudly invites you to our most anticipated celebration of the year, the 2026 Woman of the Year Gala, honoring one extraordinary woman, visionary leadership, and the unstoppable power of community.

This is more than a gala it’s a 42-year legacy of women helping women.

Each year, we gather with business professionals, community leaders, family and friends from the Monterey Bay area and beyond to honor a woman who embodies exceptional heart, courage, and purpose.

This year, we’re proud to celebrate Julianne Wutke, our 2026 Woman of the Year, a shining example of what’s possible when passion meets purpose.

A Night That Gives Back

The Gala is not only a night of celebration, it’s our main fundraiser supporting five incredible nonprofit organizations that help women, men, and families rise and thrive:

Holding on to Hope Family Justice Center Monterey
YWCA Monterey County
Girls Inc. of the Central Coast
Community Human Services Monterey
The Light House Recovery Center, Fresno CA

Funds are raised through our In-person /online Silent Auction and the Annual Sponsorships that sustain this vital work year-round.

Get Your Tickets Today!

Our Story

The Professional Women’s Network (PWN) was founded in 1983, when five visionary women came together to create a supportive network for women in business. What began on a dark and stormy night, with the expectation that only a few might attend, turned into a powerful beginning—the room was standing-room only. That moment of connection sparked a movement that has continued to grow for more than four decades.

Each year, PWN proudly celebrates outstanding women whose leadership, generosity, and service uplift our community. Our prestigious Woman of the Year Award is presented during our Annual Holiday Gala, honoring those who embody the spirit of empowerment and collaboration.

Since our founding, PWN has awarded thousands of dollars in scholarships to support women in business and the nonprofit organizations that champion them.

What began as a simple gathering has become a vibrant, multigenerational community—a network of women dedicated to helping one another rise, lead, and thrive.

WHO IS PWN?

PWN is a fun interactive professional networking group of enthusiastic women and a few men supporting & honoring each other for their personal fulfillment and business success.

Men, if your business primarily serves women then we want to support you. We exist to create an environment of empowerment in which we all come together in a spirit of collaboration providing opportunities to build lasting relationships, professional development, and business connections.

Sign up for our Newsletter!

Reach out to your Board of Directors for support and information.

You can find them listed in our

Members Directory

Thank you Diego Quevedo for being the PWN November Sponsor!

Professional Women's Network Gathers for

Morning, Lunch & Evening Events

Our event calendar is alway full of in-person and virtual networking opportunities.

Professional Women's Network Monterey Lunch Networking

Success isn’t just about knowledge. It’s about taking action even when you are, behind, worried, doubting, tired, scared... Join us, expand your network and Show Up Authentically.

Professional Women's Network Monterey Lunch Networking

Professional Women's Network Monterey Evening Networking

Members: Share your up-coming events in the Facebook Group - let’s support one another!

What is PWN?

We are a National Professional Women's Organization based on the Monterey Peninsula since 1983. Members locally and Nationally have networking opportunities Online and in person throughout Monterey & Santa Cruz County. PWN is the legacy organization for professional women (and a few outstanding businessmen) in Monterey County.

Our membership is a diverse group, comprised of entrepreneurs, professionals, and employees.

Professional Women’s Network has been uplifting and supporting women and a few men both in personal fulfillment and business success. Since the network’s inception in 1983, PWN has awarded thousands of dollars in scholarships to help women in business and the non-profit organizations they support.

Every year PWN honors one special woman whose life and work has impacted the members of our network and community. The “Woman of the Year Award” is proudly presented during our Annual Holiday Gala which is our annual fundraising event.