ANAB-Accredited Bodies Eligible for IAAC Women Leader Award in Conformity Assessment

The Inter-American Accreditation Cooperation (IAAC) has launched the IAAC Women Leader Award in Conformity Assessment, recognizing outstanding female leadership at accredited conformity assessment bodies (CABs) across the Americas and Caribbean. As a full IAAC member, the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) is the submission pathway for eligible U.S.-based CABs and nominations must be submitted through ANAB.

The award honors women leaders at accredited CABs who have demonstrated impact in strategic management, technical competence, innovation, and initiatives that support women's advancement in the profession.

Eligibility Requirements

• CAB must hold valid ANAB accreditation with active IAAC MLA/MRA recognition
• CAB must have at least 5 years of legal incorporation
• The organization must have been led by a woman (director, president, manager, or equivalent) for at least the past 2 years

How to Submit Your Nomination Through ANAB

Nominations must be submitted to ANAB — not directly to IAAC. ANAB may forward up to three nominations. To be considered, CABs must send the following to [email protected] no later than April 18, 2026:

• Motivation letter signed by the CAB director
• Legal registration documentation and valid ANAB accreditation certificate
• Video (max. 3 minutes) describing the nominee's leadership and its results or impacts
• Documentary Evidence Form (Annex 1) with supporting evidence across four criteria: promoting trust and technical competence, fostering innovation, initiatives to support women, and promoting the use of conformity assessment

ANAB will complete the official nomination form, attach a cover letter, and forward qualifying nominations to IAAC by the deadline.

The winner will be announced on June 11, 2026, in conjunction with World Accreditation Day, and formally recognized at the IAAC General Assembly in Lima, Peru, on September 18, 2026. The prize includes a fully sponsored trip to Lima, a presentation slot at the General Assembly, and a one-year IAAC Stakeholder Membership.

For full contest rules and the Annex 1 Documentary Evidence Form, visit the IAAC Women Leader Award page.