At Alloy 26, we are proud to have partnered with Pittsburgh Magazine to host the 2025 Women & Business Networking Awards, an unforgettable evening dedicated to celebrating the incredible achievements of women in our community. On Thursday, February 13, the spotlight was on four outstanding honorees, each inspiring others through their leadership and commitment to business excellence.

This event, presented by S&T Bank, offered a perfect blend of networking, insightful presentations, and engaging conversations, all set against the backdrop of our stunning space at Nova Place. We couldn’t have asked for a better setting to bring together Pittsburgh’s top businesswomen, leaders, and professionals.

Honoring Remarkable Women in Business

The evening began with a networking session, where attendees had the chance to connect with like-minded professionals and share their experiences. The true highlight of the event, however, was the recognition of four exceptional women who have made an indelible mark on their industries:

• Margaret Gibson Peck of Gibson Stainless & Specialty Inc. 
• Trina DeMarco of Eat'n Park Hospitality Group 
• Kelly Sanders & Monica Grunick of love, Pittsburgh

Each of these honorees demonstrated remarkable leadership, innovation, and passion within their respective fields. Their stories were not only inspiring but served as a reminder of the power of perseverance, vision, and collaboration.

Spotlight on Giving Back  

An important aspect of the evening was the recognition of UPMC Children's Hospital Foundation. As a key player in Pittsburgh’s healthcare landscape, UPMC Children's Hospital is dedicated to providing exceptional care for children in our community. A portion of the event’s ticket sales, $20 from each ticket, was donated directly to support their mission—an initiative we were proud to be a part of.

Keynote by Dr. Christine Herring: Leadership Through Music  

The evening also featured an inspiring keynote by Dr. Christine Herring, CEO & Co-Founder of Herring Seminars & Consulting and Flex-Comm. Known for her dynamic approach to leadership development, Dr. Herring shared insights from her book series Mind Jukebox: A Mental Playlist for Inclusive Leaders, which combines music with leadership lessons to help individuals reshape their inner narratives. Her presentation, titled Remix, Rewind, and Reflect: Unpacking the Powerful Playlists of "Mind Jukebox", challenged the audience to think differently about their leadership journeys and how they could grow by adjusting their perspectives.

Dr. Herring's message was clear: the way we perceive our challenges shapes the way we overcome them. It was a powerful reminder that personal growth and leadership are not only about skills but also about mindset.

Connecting and Growing Together  

As always, the Women & Business Networking Awards fostered an atmosphere where connections were made and ideas exchanged. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a professional in a corporation, or someone from the nonprofit sector, this event offered something for everyone. Over the years, these quarterly awards have helped build a strong community of women leaders in Pittsburgh, where collaboration and mutual support thrive.  

As the evening drew to a close, guests continued to network and build meaningful relationships, all while enjoying a catered reception with delicious appetizers and drinks. It was the perfect way to cap off an evening that celebrated the power of women in business and the strength of our community. 

Thank You to Our Partners

We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to Pittsburgh Magazine, S&T Bank, the honorees, Dr.  Christine Herring, UPMC Children’s Hospital Foundation, and all the attendees for making this event a success. Your participation and support help ensure that Pittsburgh remains a city where women’s leadership is celebrated, nurtured, and encouraged.  

Looking ahead, we are excited to continue hosting events like this one that highlight the importance of diversity, mentorship, and the collective power of women in business.  

If you missed the event, stay tuned for more opportunities to connect and celebrate leadership with us. We can’t wait to see what’s next!