Introducing 25 Girls to KNOW - A New Venture and a Vision of Tomorrow's Boardrooms
When you know, you KNOW.
And yesterday on Day of the Girl it was the perfect time to announce that Être Girls and The KNOW Women were teaming up to spotlight 25 extraordinary teen leaders across the U.S.
Sparked by conversations I had with KNOW founder & CEO Sarah Benken Foushee and powered by J.P. Morgan, the inaugural 25 Girls to Know List has officially launched and I cannot wait.
Click to play
How did we announce it? Watch the video here.
How can girls apply or be nominated? Find the submission form here.
Why are we doing this? My favorite question.
Être has long believed that bringing the next generation of leaders and change makers matters. From showcasing six seasons of TED-Ed talks to building a global library of Gen-Ê micro-interviews, we take every opportunity to share early talent with the world. Even within this newsletter, each summer ends with a roundup of sun-drenched wins and accomplishments.
But then fall arrives and we are inspired to think bigger. When I was named one of 100 Women to KNOW in America in 2024, I met Sarah Benken Foushee and we were instantly on the same page - what if there was a next gen component to this award?
Fast forward and here we are - partnering with J.P. Morgan to bring the vision to life. In her own words:
“For nearly 10 years, KNOW has celebrated high-impact women who are shaping business, and every one of them started somewhere. The 25 Girls to KNOW is our way of recognizing that start. When we met Illana and saw what Être is doing to put young women in Fortune 500 boardrooms, the partnership was an easy yes. We share the belief that a girl’s ambition deserves a real seat at the table, not a someday promise.
I’m beyond excited to meet the girls who apply, to connect them with mentors, and to bring some of them on stage at our Summit in Phoenix. We’re honored to launch this inaugural class with Être.”— Sarah Benken Foushee, CEO & Publisher, KNOW Women
The best part for me? Each of the 25 winners will be matched with an extraordinary mentor leading in her field of interest. Champions of today meeting face to face with change makers of tomorrow - mentor moments of unparalleled impact.
So, how does it work?
Images via Être
Where can girls apply or be nominated by someone else? Right here.
What will the timing look like? Like this...
Applications open October 11, 2026 on Day of the Girl
Applications close December 31, 2026
Celebrity judges announced January 2027 during National Mentoring Month
Winners announced March 8, 2027 on International Women's Day
Will more details be revealed over the next few months, like how mentors will be matched to each winner and which winners will join us on the KNOW Women gala stage in April?
Absolutely - we cannot wait to share it all.
But right now, one day after Day of the Girl, we're just thrilled to open the applications.
Because when an idea sparks and becomes lighting in a bottle...you just KNOW.
So please join us in encouraging every teen in your orbit to apply. From those who live in your household to those away at school, in your community or maybe interning in your company. We want to meet them all and tell the world why they're amazing.
Here's to watching every video submission with baited breath and sharing them with our judges. Who will be the final 25 announced next year?
When we know, you'll know.
Looking forward to meeting the first class of 25,
Illana
ÊXTRAS: Three more things about 25 Girls to KNOW you won't want to miss: yesterday's official announcement post here, more about KNOW's national and statewide awards here, and where to find more info about Être x KNOW's 25 Girls to KNOW list.
