Lola Tung and Trailblazing Women Honoured at the 2026 Shiftmakers Gala
The annual Shiftmakers Gala, hosted by The Shift platform, was a resounding success, bringing together influential women from across entertainment, sports, business, fashion, and advocacy. The event, held on March 31, 2026, wasn’t just an awards ceremony; it was a full day of programming dedicated to amplifying women’s voices and fostering cultural change. This year’s gala celebrated resilience, vulnerability, and the courage to break barriers, with powerful speeches from honorees Lola Tung, Eileen Gu, and Olivia Munn.
Celebrating Women Who Shift the Narrative
The Shiftmakers Gala is a vital annual event recognizing the significant contributions of women leaders driving progress and innovation in diverse fields. By spotlighting their stories and perspectives, the gala aims to inspire a new generation of women to pursue their passions and create a lasting impact. The 2026 edition set the stage with grant announcements supporting emerging women founders, followed by insightful conversations on cultivating community and the future of women’s health.
Olivia Munn: Strength Through Adversity
Actress Olivia Munn’s discussion of her recent health journey and advocacy work was a particularly poignant moment. Accepting The Strength Award, Munn shared how becoming a mother, battling a breast cancer diagnosis, and supporting her own mother through the same illness profoundly reshaped her understanding of caregiving. Her vulnerability resonated deeply with the audience, highlighting the strength found in facing adversity. You can learn more about breast cancer awareness and support at the Canadian Cancer Society.
Honouring Emerging Talent and Trailblazers
Alongside Munn, the gala celebrated other remarkable women. Lola Tung, star of The Summer I Turned Pretty, received the Emerging Voice Award, acknowledging her rising influence and potential. Olympic champion and freestyle skier Eileen Gu was presented with the Trailblazer Award, recognizing her groundbreaking achievements and inspiring journey.
“I became a mother, a cancer patient, and then a daughter to a cancer patient, and that shift was the hardest.” — Olivia Munn, Actress and Advocate
“For me, courage means daring to try. Even if I don’t land this trick, it’s meaningful because I dared to try… if there’s just one little girl watching, she’ll never doubt her place.” — Eileen Gu, Olympic Champion and Freestyle Skier
“I was like, wow, there must be someone more qualified. I felt really stressed about what I was going to say.” — Lola Tung, Actress
Looking Ahead to 2027
The Shiftmakers Gala is an annual tradition, and the next edition is already planned for March 2027 at the Harvard Art Museums in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The event continues to be a powerful platform for celebrating women’s leadership and driving meaningful change. It’s a testament to the power of diverse perspectives and the courage to share personal journeys of resilience.
The Shiftmakers Gala isn’t just an event; it’s a movement dedicated to amplifying women’s voices and shaping a more equitable future. Stay tuned for updates and information on how to get involved in the 2027 gala!
