Celebrating the Sistas 2026 Honors Women of Color Making Generational Impact

The 2026 Celebrating the Sistas Awards Ceremony took place March 21 in Minneapolis, bringing together elected officials, CEOs, and young professionals for what organizers called a spectacular night and the beginning of a movement.

This year’s theme, Sista Ripples, honored the infinite impact each woman has had in her own sector. “We thank each of the women we celebrate for starting their own ripple effects that will be felt for generations to come,” organizers said.

Celebrating the Sistas is the premier event in Minnesota dedicated to honoring the outstanding achievements of Women of Color.

The 2026 honorees were:

Barbara Butts Williams, author, independent board director, and accomplished corporate, academic, and community leader, received the Quiet Storm Award. Known for her strategic insight and innovative thinking, she has helped organizations navigate transformation, talent development, and growth.

Cheryl Bethune, Chief Human Resources Officer at Bio-Techne Corporation, is an internationally experienced executive and board advisor known for defining strategies that align talent and capabilities to deliver results. She has a history of leading award-winning multicultural teams and transforming organizations for profitable growth.

Patricia Correa, Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer at Xcel Energy, leads the company’s Human Resources and Employee Services functions, including workforce relations, safety, enterprise learning and technical training, aviation services, property services, and corporate giving.

Dr. Lisa M. Archer, Regional Chief Nursing Officer at Mayo Clinic Health System, brings more than two decades of progressive nursing leadership experience. She partners with senior leaders and multidisciplinary teams to oversee direct patient care, strategic planning, and human capital initiatives across both inpatient and ambulatory practices, including the Primary Care and Population Health service line across the Mayo Clinic Health System.

Aretha Green-Rupert, Program Director at the Carlson Family Foundation, is a leader in the nonprofit and philanthropic sectors whose work focuses on creating opportunities for young people to thrive. She manages the Constellation funding strategy, designed to surround youth with caring adults and quality programming.

Sarah Bellamy, President of Penumbra Center for Racial Healing, is a nationally renowned racial healing coach and facilitator. As president of Penumbra, a center for racial healing that also houses one of the nation’s oldest and largest African American theatre companies, she leads programs that invite dialogue and create pathways toward authentic connection and transformation.

Nicole James Gilchrist, Vice President and Managing Counsel at Thrivent, is an accomplished legal leader with more than two decades of experience in financial services. She leads the legal team advising the company’s insurance solutions, distribution channels, and operations divisions, helping the organization navigate a complex and evolving regulatory landscape.