NFDW Recognizes Women’s Leadership in 2027 with Inaugural 40 Under 40 Recognition Program

OLIVE BRANCH, MS – The National Federation of Democratic Women (“NFDW”) will accept nominees for its inaugural “40 Under 40 Women’s Leadership Recognition Program” beginning October 1, 2026. NFDW will recognize women under the age of 40 who are shaping this nation and their neighborhoods through leadership, service, professional development, mentorship, innovations and creating community impact through grassroots initiatives.

Lovie West, President of the NFDW, stated, “We intentionally chose October as our kickoff month because “Boss’s Day” is celebrated in October. And there is no bigger and better boss than a woman under 40 who is not waiting for an invitation to the party...rather, she is throwing her own...like the boss she is. The NFDW is composed of like-minded women, but we want to recognize the unsung boss women across the nation who are making a difference at 21 or 39 1⁄2 years old.”

NFDW’s national recognition program for women under 40 years old is seeking applicants who demonstrate four meaningful contributions in the following areas:

1. Participate in initiating and/or facilitating public service and civic engagement opportunities

2. Showcase opportunities for community leadership and grassroots organizing

3. Demonstrate professional excellence by utilizing innovative technology and social media platforms

4. Act as an advocate on issues impacting everyday quality of life including legislation and public policies

Neena Murphy Martin, Co-Chair of the NFDW 40 Under 40 Women’s Leadership Recognition Program, stated, “Before our official launch on October 1, 2026, we already received inquiries and high caliber nominations for NFDW’s 40 Under 40 Women’s Leadership Recognition Program. The time to apply is now! The submission deadline ends February 15, 2027, and we encourage qualified candidates from across the nation to share their story with us.”

Gina Sims-Johnson, Co-Chair of the NFDW 40 Under 40 Women’s Leadership Recognition Program stated, “Qualified 40 under 40 candidates must exemplify Democratic values in alignment with the values of the NFDW. And our inaugural honorees will be showcased before hundreds of NFDW members in June at the 56th Annual NFDW Convention in New Jersey!”

Women under 40 who are interested in the NFDW recognition program are encouraged to adhere to the following important dates:

1. Application Submissions Open: October 01, 2026

2. Application Submission Deadline: February 15, 2027 [11:59 pm EST]

3. Participant Notifications: On or before April 15, 2027 [11:59 pm EST]

4. Confirmation Deadline: On or before April 20, 2027 [11:59 pm EST]

5. Recognition Ceremony: 56th Annual NFDW Convention

June 3-5, 2027 • Somerset County, New Jersey

For more information about the application process, contact the NFDW Growth and Development Committee at: nfdw40under40program@gmail.com. The application can also be directly accessed at the following link.

The objective of the organization shall be to unite women of the Democratic Party, to promote the cause of the Democratic Party, and to encourage full participation of women in every level of the Democratic Party Structure.