Chef Amy Brandwein joined Greater Washington’s business leaders for the Washington Business Journal’s 2026 Women Who Mean Business recognition on October 8. The 23rd annual awards event, hosted at The Ritz-Carlton, Washington, DC, with title sponsors PNC and Inova, also recognized women behind museums and neighborhoods that help shape the Washington visitor experience.
Amy Brandwein Brings Restaurant Leadership Into the Spotlight
For readers who follow DC dining, Brandwein is the familiar name behind Centrolina and Piccolina at CityCenterDC. Her recognition puts restaurant ownership alongside leadership in finance, technology, health care and other major regional industries.
The James Beard Foundation’s profile of Brandwein traces that entrepreneurial story to Centrolina’s opening in 2015 with an all-female management team, followed by Piccolina in 2019. Her approach offers a useful reminder that a memorable restaurant depends on the people and management decisions behind the meal.
Mary-Frances Wain Represents Georgetown’s Museum Community
Fellow honoree Mary-Frances Wain leads Tudor Place Historic House & Garden, connecting this year’s awards to Washington’s cultural tourism scene. Appointed executive director in February 2026, Wain oversees an institution that preserves the stories of Martha Washington’s descendants and the enslaved and free people who lived and worked on the property. Her leadership priorities include expanded exhibitions, public programs and education.
For travelers building a Georgetown itinerary, her recognition draws attention to the work that keeps historic places relevant to today’s visitors.
Kiryn Hoffman Connects Business Leadership With Family Travel
Kiryn Hoffman, president and CEO of the National Children’s Museum, was also among this year’s honorees. The museum combines science-center experiences with hands-on activities in science, technology, engineering, arts and math for children ages 12 and younger.
Maura Brophy’s Honor Adds a Neighborhood Perspective
Maura Brophy, president and CEO of the NoMa Business Improvement District, adds another connection to DC dining and local outings.
The BID’s work includes the Metropolitan Beer Trail, which links neighborhood bars, breweries and restaurants through a seasonal digital passport. Readers can see that visitor-facing work in our guide to the 2026 Metropolitan Beer Trail.
Together, these honorees show how restaurants, museums and neighborhood organizations contribute to the experiences that bring people into Washington and encourage them to return.
The awards event took place at The Ritz-Carlton, Washington, DC, at 1150 22nd Street NW, from 6 to 9 p.m. on October 8, 2026. Readers can review the complete 2026 honoree profiles through the Washington Business Journal.
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