Steirerin Award 2026: Elke Fröhlich-Reiterer wins

The STEIRERIN AWARDS have reached their ninth edition – and the atmosphere was more vibrant than ever. Last night at the Seifenfabrik, over 300 guests paid tribute to women whose dedication is making society a little better. The nominees were selected by the editorial team, and readers were invited to vote via an online poll.

STEIRERIN Managing Director Nicole Niederl: “Year after year, the STEIRERIN AWARDS demonstrate just how many impressive women in Styria are making a huge difference with their courage and passion. This platform is designed to highlight their achievements. Not just for one evening, but far beyond. In doing so, we are showing that it is worth believing in your own ideas, taking responsibility and confidently following your own path. We are particularly delighted that more than 50,000 votes were cast in this year’s online poll. It is a strong sign of appreciation for our nominees and for how much their stories inspire people.”

Deputy Governor Manuela Khom delivered a welcome address. The evening was hosted by Simone Koren-Wallis, with lighting design by OchoReSotto, and musical entertainment provided by singer-songwriter Berenice.

The following were welcomed as sponsors and presenters: 

- Gabi Lechner, Regional Chair of Women in Business

- Monika Cisar-Leibetseder, CEO of Volksbank Steiermark

- Andrea Kurz, Rector of the Medical University of Graz

- Birgit Lill-Schnabl, Curatorial Director of Klanglicht

- Johannes Rumpl, Regional Director of UNIQA Styria

- Sabrina Bittelmayer, Director of Nursing at Privatklinik Graz Ragnitz 

- Brigitte Marold, Managing Director of Industry – Styrian Chamber of Commerce

- Herbert Traumüller, Designer

- Klaus Gaedke, President of the Regional Office of the Chamber of Tax Advisers and Auditors

- Ingrid Karner, Chair of the Personal Service Providers’ Section

- Claudia Unger, City Councillor, City of Graz 

The winners in the individual categories are:

Economics & Management

Karin Winkler, Managing Director of Tierwelt Herberstein

A born-and-bred tourism professional from Eastern Styria, she returned to her home region 10 years ago after many years in the urban hotel industry. At Tierwelt Herberstein, she aims to offer guests authentic nature experiences, a chance to slow down and enjoy quality time within an animal and nature conservation institution.

Gastronomy & Regions

Michaela Stangl, farmer 

Michaela Stangl took over and renovated her father’s farm in 2010. At the farm, which has an on-site contract distillery, visitors can learn how to properly taste fine spirits and discover her philosophy of life. In 2024, she was honoured as a ‘Farm Heroine’.

Human Technology & Medicine

Elke Fröhlich-Reiterer, Professor of Paediatric Diabetology 

Elke Fröhlich-Reiterer heads the Diabetes and Endocrinology Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine at the university. Her research focuses on the screening of type 1 diabetes and diabetes technology in paediatrics. Through the ‘DiAb-Kids’ project, she supports affected children and their families in their daily lives.

Art & Culture

Ulrike Janach, Director of Kunsthaus Köflach

Ulrike Janach has been working in cultural management for over 20 years. Since 2024, she has shaped the Kunsthaus Köflach with passion, dedication and empathy. A particular focus is on raising the profile of women in art and inspiring a young audience to engage with art.

Environment & Sustainability

Angelika Pretterhofer, Hochreiter Forest Park

Bringing sustainability to life – that is exactly what Angelika Pretterhofer achieves. With the Hochreiter Forest Park in the Almenland region, she and her husband Erhard have created a special learning and discovery space that brings nature closer to children and adults through all the senses.

Care & Social Services

Judith Goldgruber, Albert Schweitzer Training Centre

Judith Goldgruber is committed to ensuring that care at home can be a success. At the GGZ in Graz, she supports family carers at the Albert Schweitzer Training Centre – so that people can grow old with dignity in their own homes.

Science & Technology

Laura Gregorc, Virtual Vehicle

Vehicles that understand their drivers – that’s what Laura Gregorc is working on. With her Edge AI, she detects attention, emotions and the need for assistance, without any data being shared externally. In this way, she is shaping the future of safer, smarter and more people-centred mobility.

Trends & Design

Peninah Lesorogol, Samburu Beads

Passing on tradition and creating new perspectives – that’s what drives Peninah Lesorogol. Through her jewellery and designs in the Samburu Beads Shop, she empowers women and girls in Kenya through beadwork, thereby providing income and access to education.

Female Start-ups & Scale-ups

Verena Böhm, Leadership Coach

Verena Böhm supports women in becoming visible and taking their place in leadership. In her programmes such as ‘Grow & Shine’, she fosters clarity, courage and an authentic presence. As a resilience expert, she helps identify both obstacles and strengths.

Health & Wellbeing

Elisabeth Sackl-Pietsch, Doctor

Combining conventional medicine with complementary approaches and human energetics – that is exactly what Elisabeth Sackl-Pietsch stands for. As a GP, A&E doctor and pain therapist, she relies on holistic methods to open up new paths to wellbeing.

Styrian Woman of the Year 2026

Barbara Pachl-Eberhart was honoured in the ‘Styrian Woman of the Year’ category at this year’s awards ceremony. The author and speaker impresses with her extraordinary inner strength and her ability to draw hope, comfort and new perspectives from deep personal pain.
Following a tragic blow in 2008, she made a conscious decision not to let it break her, but to grow from it. With great openness and emotional clarity, she processes her experiences in writings and talks that touch people and offer them support. Her story also reached a wide audience through the film “Four Minus Three”, based on her autobiographical bestseller. 
The award honours not only her literary work, but above all her special gift for creating spaces for grief, courage and hope. Barbara Pachl-Eberhart thus exemplifies the power to allow confidence to grow again, even after the greatest loss.

Text credit: STEIRERIN
Photo credit: Erwin Scheriau