National Boss Babes Day

National Boss Babes Day is observed every year on May 22. In 2026, this date falls on a Friday. The day recognizes women who take initiative, build careers, run businesses, support others, and define success on their own terms. It has an upbeat, appreciation-based tone and is often connected with confidence, mentorship, entrepreneurship, and personal ambition. For many people, the day is less about a formal title and more about honoring women who keep moving forward with purpose, skill, and resilience. ¹

See also: Women Entrepreneurs Day, National Women Physicians Day, National Women In Aerospace Day, International Day of Women Judges, Women in Blue Jeans Day

History of National Boss Babes Day

National Boss Babes Day was created in June 2021 by Heather Schwendeman-Kincaid in memory of her mother, Donna Schwendeman. The story behind the day is personal: Donna was described as the original “boss babe” in her daughter’s life, someone who worked hard, tried different ventures, cared for others, and handled responsibilities with determination. The observance was created to remember that example and to recognize other women who show the same kind of drive. Its fixed annual date is May 22.

The phrase “boss babe” is often used informally for a woman who leads, creates, builds, sells, manages, organizes, or takes charge of her goals. In that sense, the day connects personal ambition with community support. It fits into a larger cultural conversation about women’s leadership, small businesses, side hustles, mentorship, and professional confidence. The strongest version of the day is not about image or status; it is about recognizing effort, learning, courage, and the women who help others rise with them.

Why is National Boss Babes Day important?

National Boss Babes Day gives people a specific reason to notice women’s work, especially the work that does not always receive public recognition. A woman may be running a business, building a freelance career, managing a team, caring for a family while working, studying for a new credential, or holding together a community project. Those efforts often involve planning, risk, persistence, and emotional labor. Naming that work can make achievement feel visible instead of taken for granted.

The day also points to the value of encouragement among women. Mentorship, referrals, honest advice, and practical support can make a real difference for someone starting a business or moving into leadership. Not every woman has equal access to funding, networks, flexible schedules, or professional guidance, so shared knowledge matters. National Boss Babes Day works best when appreciation turns into action: a recommendation, a review, a useful introduction, or a conversation that helps someone take the next step.

• It recognizes women who lead in many different ways.
• It values persistence behind the scenes.
• It supports confidence without dismissing hard work.
• It makes mentorship feel practical and approachable.
• It celebrates ambition as something women can define for themselves.

How to Celebrate National Boss Babes Day

Recognize a woman whose effort has influenced, helped, or inspired others. Send a thoughtful note, leave a positive review for her business, share her work, or tell someone exactly what she has taught you. If the day is personal, use it to review a goal that has been sitting in the background and turn it into one clear next step. That might mean updating a résumé, organizing business finances, reaching out to a mentor, or finishing a project that has been waiting for attention.

Groups, workplaces, and online communities can use the day to highlight women’s leadership without making it feel forced. Feature women-owned businesses, invite a speaker to share practical career lessons, or host a small networking session where people exchange resources instead of vague encouragement. The day can also be a good moment to talk honestly about boundaries, burnout, pricing, negotiation, and asking for help. Real support often looks simple, but it can have a lasting effect.

• Buy from a woman-owned business.
• Share a specific professional recommendation.
• Thank a mentor for useful advice.
• Offer feedback on someone’s project.
• Set one practical goal for the next month.

National Boss Babes Day Dates

1. https://nywici.org/advance/career/foundations-for-the-future-celebrating-national-boss-babe-day/[↩]