Inspiration Award for Funeral Service Professionals

Inspiration Award

Recognizing Women Making a Lasting Impact in the Profession

The Inspiration Award is presented annually at the NFDA Professional Women’s Conference to an exceptional woman who has made noteworthy professional contributions to funeral service or a related field. The ideal nominee is someone who takes initiative, mentors colleagues and whose efforts have resulted in significant accomplishments at the local, national or international level.

Nominees must have a minimum of five years of experience working directly with families and be actively involved in community, professional, and public education efforts. Individuals cannot nominate themselves.

The award is not guaranteed every year — it is presented when appropriate candidates are nominated and approved by a panel of judges.

PAST AWARD WINNERS

Congratulations to the 2026 NFDA Inspiration Award Winner!

Nominations accepted from January 13 through February 10 Nominations will be accepted from January 13 at 8 a.m. through February 10 at 12 p.m. CST.

The National Funeral Directors Association’s Inspiration Award will be conferred annually on an exceptional woman who has made noteworthy professional contributions to funeral service or a related field.

The ideal nominee is an enterprising individual who consistently takes the initiative to elevate the funeral service profession. They serve as a mentor to colleagues. Their energy and independent spirit serve as an example to others. Their efforts result in significant accomplishments at the local, national and/or international level.

Prepare Your Nomination

The nomination form asks for up to three letters of recommendation for the nominee. One letter of recommendation is required. In the letter or letters, include examples of the nominee’s leadership, professional accomplishments, commitment to improving funeral service, mentorship and/or accomplishments outside of funeral service. Accepted file formats are “.pdf” or “.doc*”

Optional: A video is optional but strongly encouraged. You may submit a video (of either you or the nominee) that you feel supports their nomination. If submitting a video, do not exceed 60 seconds. File format must be “.avi”, “.mp4” or “.mov”.

Other media is allowed such as pictures or audio recordings.

Criteria

Open to anyone currently employed in the funeral service profession or a deathcare-related field with a minimum of five years’ experience, working directly with families.

Is actively involved in community and professional service organizations.

Is actively involved in efforts to educate the public about the value of meaningful memorialization and/or funeral directors.

Is actively involved in professional development activities.

Individuals cannot nominate themselves.

Guidelines

1. The NFDA Professional Women’s Conference Inspiration Award is not necessarily an annual award. It will be presented if and when appropriate candidates are nominated and approved by a panel of judges.

2. Nominations meeting the established criteria will be evaluated by a panel of judges. Decisions of the judges are final.

3.A standard evaluation form, based on established criteria, will be used to judge each nominee.

4. The nominee who receives the highest evaluation will receive the award, which will be presented during the 2027 NFDA Professional Women’s Conference

5. The nominating party and his or her winning nominee will be informed via email of the results. Other nominating parties will also be informed via email of the results.

6. International candidates are eligible for nominations.

7. Past candidates are eligible for future nomination cycles.

8. Posthumous nominations are not accepted.

Thank You to Our Generous Inspiration Award Sponsor