New IAAC Award Spotlights Women Leading Accredited Conformity Assessment Across the Americas

The Inter-American Accreditation Cooperation (IAAC) has presented the first Women Leader in Accredited Conformity Assessment Award—a program launched this year to recognize women advancing accreditation, conformity assessment, and quality infrastructure across the Americas. The ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB), as a full member of IAAC, is proud to support this initiative, which highlights leadership, technical competence, and professional excellence in the accreditation community.

Recognizing Women in Accredited Conformity Assessment

The inaugural 2026 award was presented to Lina Araceli González Morales, director of operations at FACTUAL SERVICES S.C., with the support of Mexico’s accreditation body, Entidad Mexicana de Acreditación (ema). Recognition of her contributions underscores the important role women play in strengthening accredited conformity assessment and building trust in the systems organizations and communities rely on throughout the region.

ANAB’s IAAC Nominees

ANAB was pleased to participate in this initiative. As a full member of IAAC, ANAB nominated three women who exemplify the leadership the award was created to honor: Jessica Patel of BSI, Emily Delisle of DNV, and Liliana Niculae of Intertek. Each leads a major conformity assessment body operating across the Americas. Each also demonstrates a strong combination of commercial acumen, technical expertise, and commitment to developing others, including through leadership structure improvements, mentorship initiatives, and continued advancement of quality practices.

While their leadership styles differ, these nominees share important qualities. They are builders, stewards, and advocates who strengthen accreditation from within their organizations and contribute to broader opportunities for future leaders in the field.

Why Representation in Accreditation Matters

When emerging professionals see women leading at the highest levels of conformity assessment, it changes what they understand to be possible for their own careers. That is the enduring value of the initiative. It recognizes not only an individual award recipient or a single year of achievement, but also the broader role women are playing in shaping the future of accredited conformity assessment. ANAB is proud to stand behind this program, and behind the women who are shaping what accredited conformity assessment looks like for the next generation.