Peace by Piece International founder Lauri Jones Pastrone has been named one of KNOW Women’s 100 Women to KNOW in America for 2026 — a prestigious national recognition honoring the most influential and high-achieving women in business, entrepreneurship, and philanthropy across North America.
The award is not handed out lightly. Each honoree goes through a rigorous process that includes nomination, application review, and a panel interview — with judges evaluating professional achievements, leadership qualities, community impact, and commitment to excellence. This year, the honor drew nominations from across every industry, from healthcare to philanthropy, from solo founders to seasoned executives. Being selected means being counted among the most exemplary female leaders in the country.
Lauri was recognized for what she has built at Peace by Piece International: a mission-driven business that connects corporate clients with artisan maker organizations around the world, creating stable, dignified employment for underserved communities — one thoughtful gift at a time.
She attended the annual KNOW Women Summit in Pheonix, AZ, where she connected with fellow honorees, exchanged strategies, and walked away with new relationships and ideas to help Peace by Piece reach more communities and create more jobs in the years ahead.
This recognition is a reflection of what Lauri has always believed: that doing business with intention isn’t a compromise. It’s a competitive advantage. We couldn’t be more proud to celebrate her alongside the extraordinary class of 2026.
