Mergers & Acquisitions Names Its 2026 Most Influential Women in Mid-Market M&A

Mergers & Acquisitions has named 13 dealmakers as its 2026 Most Influential Women in Mid-Market M&A. Now in its 11th year, the award recognizes women who have significant influence not only at their firms, but in the wider middle-market M&A universe. It is the industry’s longest-running award of its kind. 

Throughout the years honorees have not only been recognized for their dealmaking accomplishments, but also for how they further their firm’s impact initiatives and advance the state of women in the dealmaking universe. Their influence is shaping a more inclusive and dynamic environment within mid-market M&A.

“Throughout my career at Covington, I’ve played a central role in shaping the firm’s inclusion efforts, including leading our summer associate program, serving on the evaluation and management committees, and guiding our practice group for over a decade,” says Catherine Dargan, partner, chair of the corporate practice and co-chair of the M&A practice at Covington & Burling LLP. “These roles have allowed me to champion initiatives that recruit, retain, and promote exceptional diverse talent.

“While progress has been made, I believe retention and advancement remain among the most pressing challenges, and I remain passionately engaged in addressing them,” she adds.

Since 2015, we have identified the best and the brightest female dealmakers in a variety of roles including corporate dealmakers, PE investors, investment bankers, attorneys, lenders and other advisers. From inception, our intent has not only been to profile women who have made their mark, but to also foster a sense of community and inspire the next generation of women dealmakers. The expertise and leadership of this year’s class is paving the way for future generations of women in mid-market M&A. 

Amy O’Keefe, partner at Nixon Peabody LLP, co-leads Nixon Peabody’s Women in Dealmaking initiative. “As co-leader of Women in Dealmaking, I’ve helped grow a dynamic network of women across investment banking, M&A and private equity,” she says. “We’ve created meaningful opportunities for connection and professional development through thoughtfully curated events.

“Within our network, we talk about acting with intentionality around not just supporting other women, but sending business to other women in the network, as it is the business and originations that are the measures of success in our business and this is what will help women to hold their seats at the table,” she adds.

“In addition to investing in women-led companies and the mentorship work I regularly do with emerging Norwest investors, I continued to share my expertise and career story with women in the financial services world through speaking engagements, media opportunities, and networking events,” says Sonya Brown, general partner at Norwest. “We have been thoughtful about building a diversified team and currently have three female vice presidents out of six on our growth equity team. We are excited for the long-term impact of bringing mid-level diversified talent through the ranks.”  

In interviews with each winner, the 13 honorees describe in their own words how they are making an impact on the middle market, both within their organizations and beyond. By sharing their insights, we aim to provide inspiration for women seeking to establish a career in dealmaking. An additional nine women received honorable mentions. Their names are also listed below.