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Erika Kulovitz: Winner – Women Leader in Event Strategy, Design & Production | International Women Awards 2026

  • Writer: Great Companies
    Great Companies
  • Mar 25
  • 3 min read

The 8th International Women Awards 2026 by Great Companies recognizes women leaders who are building impactful, scalable, and purpose-driven businesses across the globe.


Among this year’s distinguished winners is Erika Kulovitz, Founder & CEO of Akire Events Agency, honored as Winner – Women Leader in Event Strategy, Design & Production.


Based in Lockport, Illinois, USA, Erika is redefining the event industry by transforming events into meaningful, emotion-driven experiences that foster genuine human connection.


Company Overview

Founder: Erika Kulovitz

Business: Akire Events Agency

Location: Lockport, IL, USA

Founded: 2013

Category: Event Strategy, Design & Production

Industry: Event Management & Experiential Design


Creating Experiences That Truly Connect

Akire Events Agency is not just an event management company—it is an experience design and production agency focused on creating impactful, engaging, and memorable events.

The company specializes in:

  • Event Strategy & Objective Planning

  • Creative Design & Brand Story Integration

  • Production & Logistics Management

  • Corporate Events, Conferences & Non-Profit Galas

  • Experiential & Hybrid Event Solutions


By handling complex logistics and creative execution, Akire enables clients to focus on what truly matters—connecting with their audience.


Experience-First, Not Just Event Execution

What sets Akire Events Agency apart is its people-first, experience-driven philosophy.

Key differentiators include:

  • Focus on emotion, engagement, and impact—not just event delivery

  • Ability to support events of any scale (10 to 10,000+ attendees)

  • Flexible approach—clients can engage at any stage of the event journey

  • Strong value system:

    • Align with purpose

    • Keep commitments

    • Inspire intentional experiences

    • Value people deeply

    • Embrace creative solutions

Akire is not about controlling every detail—it’s about creating meaningful experiences that leave lasting impressions.


A Journey Built on Passion, Creativity, and Grit

Erika’s journey spans over 20 years in the events and marketing industry, with expertise across both in-person and virtual event ecosystems.


Her experience includes:

  • Producing large-scale corporate events and national-level galas

  • Leading creative design, multimedia concepts, and stage production

  • Managing technical execution and experiential storytelling


Her ability to combine design thinking with human connection has positioned her as a leader in experiential event strategy.


Overcoming Barriers with Grace and Determination

Like many women leaders, Erika faced significant challenges throughout her journey:

  • Proving her credibility in a competitive industry

  • Earning a seat at the table in leadership spaces

  • Overcoming biases related to age and perception

  • Continuously opening doors for new opportunities


Through resilience, collaboration, and a people-first mindset, she turned these challenges into stepping stones—building both leadership strength and entrepreneurial success.


Balancing Leadership, Life, and Purpose

Beyond business, Erika embraces her role as a “Mamapreneur”, balancing life as a CEO, wife, and mother.

Her philosophy is rooted in:

  • Showing up fully in every role

  • Creating meaningful experiences at work and at home

  • Building a business that reflects both purpose and personal values

This balance defines her leadership style—authentic, grounded, and impact-driven.


Advice for Women Entrepreneurs

Erika shares thoughtful and practical advice:

“Give yourself grace. It’s hard work, a lot of hours, and it’s all worth it. Stay on purpose and mission, even when the world around you is fighting it. Do the hard work first—research, learn, and build your business to create real impact and legacy.”

Her message emphasizes purpose, preparation, and perseverance as keys to long-term success.


The Future

Akire Events Agency is focused on:

  • Expanding its experience design capabilities globally

  • Strengthening its position in experiential and hybrid events

  • Continuing to innovate in emotion-driven event strategy

  • Building deeper partnerships with organizations seeking impactful audience engagement

The vision is clear: to transform events into powerful platforms for connection, inspiration, and lasting impact.


Official Recognition

Erika Kulovitz has been honored as the Winner – Women Leader in Event Strategy, Design & Production at the 8th International Women Awards 2026 by Great Companies, recognizing her outstanding contribution to experiential design and event innovation.



About the Awards

The International Women Awards by Great Companies celebrates women leaders who are driving innovation, impact, and excellence across industries worldwide.


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