HIGH POINT, N.C. — WithIt, the women’s leadership development network for the home and furnishings industry, announced the 2026 WOW Award Nominees and this year’s Visionary Award recipient, Laurie Tokarz, president of Restonic Mattress Co.
“I am incredibly honored by this recognition,” Tokarz said. “I believe leadership means seeing what’s possible, encouraging others to grow, and helping shape an industry that is innovative, inclusive and stronger for the future — and I’m grateful to be part of a community that shares that vision.”
In addition to honoring this year’s Visionary Award, WithIt will present 15 WOW Awards in five additional categories: Leadership, Mentoring, Education, Future Leader and Sales Excellence.
The Leadership Award recognizes the contributions of a woman who has demonstrated successful leadership in her company, WithIt and the home furnishings industry. Leadership Award nominees are Sheila Long O’Mara, executive editor, Furniture Today; Lisa Adair, senior vice president of global design and merchandising, Ashley Furniture; and Kate Caddy, director of sustainability, International Sleep Products Association.
The Mentoring Award honors a company or individual for their efforts to foster advocacy, development and promotion of women in their company and the industry. Mentoring Award nominees are Jessica Green, director of Four Hands; Madeline Stewart, press and marketing, Mustard Seed Market & Home; and Valerie Underwood, vice president, group sales-Midwest, Loloi Rugs.
The Education Award recognizes an individual who has put forth significant effort to educate associates, retailers and consumers about home and furnishings. Education Award nominees are Lark Shirley-Stevens, executive director of marketing and membership, Furniture First; and Jane Dagmi, Ericka Saurit and Jessica Duce, cofounders of the Vacation Rental Design Summit.
The Future Leader Award honors a young woman in the industry who has demonstrated outstanding achievement and the potential to become an industry leader. Nominees for Future Leaders are Stuart Stump Mullens, partner at Stump & Co.; Maddie Landers, marketing director, Interior Design Society; and Maggie Henning, director of e-commerce and marketing, Liberty Furniture.
The Sales Excellence Award recognizes a woman who is extraordinary in sales, demonstrates excellence in education and relationships with her customers, and exceptional commitment to the company she represents. Sales Excellence Award nominees are Heather Bolick, senior vice president, sales, Manwah; Alex Kennerly, national sales director, Luxe Interiors + Design; and Lynne Carroll, Midwest sales, Valdese Weavers.
WithIt’s Visionary Award is the highest recognition level bestowed by their organization and honors a woman of achievement whose actions and work have significantly impacted their industry and WithIt.
“It’s an honor to recognize Laurie Tokarz with the Visionary Award and to highlight her contribution to our organization as a longtime WithIt advisory board member,” said Jessica Norby, WithIt president. “Laurie’s unwavering support and vision for advancing women in the home furnishings industry is truly inspirational and very worthy of recognition. Her groundbreaking leadership as chair of ISPA, her advocacy for diversity and inclusion in our industry, and her dedication to mentoring the next generation of female leaders are unprecedented and deserving of the honor of the Visionary Award.”
Each of the nominee finalists, as well as the recipient of the Visionary Award, will be honored during the winter Las Vegas Market on Jan. 25 at World Market Center, Worldview-B16. The WOW Awards Gala will begin with networking and cocktails from 6 to 6:50 p.m. and a 7 p.m. gala dinner, which is followed by the awards ceremony from 8 to 9 p.m. Individual tickets and 10-person sponsor tables are available to be purchased at withit.org.
WOW Awards recipients are nominated by their peers for the honor that recognizes female business leaders and emerging professionals who have demonstrated significant impact through their work, their experience and contributing to their industry. During the WOW Awards judging process, each of the nominee finalists submits packages of supporting documentation which is judged by a panel of industry leaders.
This year’s Awards Gala is led by the WOW Squad Committee, consisting of volunteers throughout the home and furnishings community and through a creative partnership with global trend forecasting agency Future Snoops. Current sponsors for the 2026 WOW Awards include Andmore, Tempur Sealy, Jola Interactive, Elite Comfort Solutions – A Leggett & Platt Co., J.B. Hunt Final Mile, Serta Simmons Bedding and American First Finance.
