Carmen Elise Named a 2026 PPAI Rising Star

PPAI, the promotional products industry's trade association, has named Carmen Elise, founder of Award Maven, one of its 12 Rising Stars for 2026.

PPAI Media has chosen a Rising Stars class every year since the program began in 2010. Each year it looks across the industry for emerging leaders, and from a deep field of nominees, 12 were chosen for 2026 for their accomplishments, their contributions to their companies and communities, and their potential to shape what comes next. Read PPAI's announcement of the 2026 class.

In Carmen's words

When the news came out, Carmen wrote: "I started Award Maven three years ago, and building a business while finding my way in the promo industry has asked more of me than I ever imagined. It's challenged me, stretched me, and taught me so much. I wouldn't change a thing."

"To my team, our customers, and our vendor partners: I couldn't be here without you. Thank you for trusting me, supporting Award Maven, and helping turn an idea into something I'm incredibly proud of."

In her team's words

We spend our days helping other companies recognize their people, so it means a great deal to see our own founder recognized by the industry she works in.

In PPAI's profile, Tori Hamley, our Manager of Operations and Customer Success, describes Carmen this way: "She's phenomenal under pressure, quick to solve complex problems, and always finds a path forward." She adds: "She's an exceptional leader and an expert in sales, strategy and critical thinking."

That is the Carmen we work with every day. She founded Award Maven in 2023, built and still leads our sales team, and works closely with our technology team on the software behind every order. Under her leadership, Award Maven is certified by WBENC as a woman-owned business.

What comes next

PPAI will recognize the 2026 Rising Stars at its Leadership Development Conference in Texas in October 2026, and plans to feature the class in the cover story of the December issue of PPAI Magazine.

This follows PPAI naming Award Maven one of its 2026 Greatest Companies to Work For in branded merchandise.

Congratulations to Carmen, and to the other 11 members of this year's class.

Meet the Award Maven team or read more about us.