Established in 1993, the non-profit professional association International Women’s Insolvency and Restructuring Confederation (IWIRC) dedicates itself to promoting the interests of women practicing insolvency, restructuring, and related fields. Over three decades later, IWIRC recognizes its founders through the Founders’ Awards program.

The Founders’ Awards program highlights IWIRC members' achievements in the present, looking to future generations of practitioners and remembering the past. Named after founding chairperson Selinda Melnik, the Melnik Award remembers her lasting impact on IWIRC strategy development. Each year, the Melnik Award fittingly recognizes a member who has made an extraordinary impact over an extended period.

The Fetner Award takes its name from founding vice chairperson Martha Fetner. The award honors exemplary IWIRC service in recent years, focusing on initiatives designed to expand the IWIRC mission on the global stage.

Finally, the Ryan Award honors Laureen Ryan, the organization’s founding secretary and treasurer. The category is open to chartered IWIRC Networks that have best fulfilled the IWIRC mission over the previous 12 months. The IWIRC awards program includes several additional accolades, including the Woman of the Year in Restructuring Award and the Rising Star Award.