John Carroll University President Carolyn Noll Sorg was recognized as a 2026 Woman of Influence by Crain’s Cleveland Business during a special ceremony on June 18 at Windows On The River in Cleveland.
Representing fields as diverse as professional sports, economic development, health care, hospitality, and higher education, recipients of this annual honor embody exceptional leadership, vision, and community impact. Previously known as "Women of Note," the recognition was rebranded as "Women of Influence" in 2025 after nearly two decades of celebrating some of Northeast Ohio's most accomplished and influential women leaders.
President Noll Sorg accepted the award and reflected on the qualities that guide her leadership. Her walk-up song, Tom Petty’s “Learning to Fly” served as a reminder that leadership, like flight, requires resilience, faith, humility, and the willingness to navigate the unknown.
Leadership matters most in imperfect conditions,” President Noll Sorg shared. “When the air gets rough, there is no room for ego—just curiosity, courage, and action. This is exactly what the higher education industry needs today. At John Carroll University, we stay steady by constantly listening to our students and meeting the moment without losing sight of our mission. Our strength, like yours, rests in our people. My job is to activate our talent by trusting expertise, removing barriers, and creating the conditions for excellent work. We pursue quality tirelessly. We never compromise on it, or on our mission.”
She concluded her remarks by emphasizing the responsibility of leadership.
“I accept this award with gratitude and a sense of responsibility,” she said. “I am honored to build a better future for our students and the Cleveland community we serve.”
John Carroll University congratulates the 2026 Woman of Influence honorees.
