2025 Cornerstone Galaxy Awards
The Cornerstone Galaxy Awards recognize and honor organizations and individuals that innovate impactful, skills-driven and AI-powered approaches to talent, learning, and development using Cornerstone Galaxy.
Submit your nominations by January 9, 2026
Recognize excellence today
Have you launched a standout program? Did you improve employee experiences? Are you driving measurable impact with your talent strategy? Submit your organization or a standout performer on your team for a Cornerstone Galaxy Award by sharing your success story today.
Galaxy Award categories
We want to recognize you, your team, and your organization as best-in-class in shaping the future of work across our global network of over 7,000 customers.
Organization
Excellence in Learning Innovation
For organizations leading innovative learning, compliance, and upskilling.
Excellence in Growth and Mobility
For teams driving internal mobility, performance, and employee growth.
Excellence in Skills Transformation
For teams using skills intelligence and AI-driven planning to future-proof their workforce.
Excellence in AI-Driven Talent Strategy
For organizations harnessing AI to drive smarter learning, talent, and workforce decisions.
Individual
HR Horizon
For admin- to director-level leaders making an impact early in their careers.
HR Visionary
For senior leaders (VP-level and above) who are transforming the future of work.
FAQs
What are the Galaxy Awards?
The Cornerstone Galaxy Awards recognize and honor organizations and individuals that have made a significant and lasting impact in the HR, talent development and learning industry.
What’s new for this year?
For 2025, the Cornerstone Galaxy Award categories have been reimagined to better align with our customers and their use of Cornerstone products. Additionally, individual awards for up-and-coming HR leaders and HR visionaries have been added to recognize standout stars who are and have been making waves across the industry.
Who is eligible to apply?
The Cornerstone Galaxy Awards for the organizational categories are open to all Cornerstone customers to apply. The individual categories are open to any and all industry leaders, whether or not they use Cornerstone within their organization.
Can I submit my organization for multiple awards?
Yes, you may submit multiple award applications for your organization.
Is there a word limit?
Each application has a specific word limit listed in the submission form.
Is there a cost to apply?
No, there is no cost to apply.
How will information from my Galaxy Awards 2025 application be used?
Cornerstone will use the information included in the award applications for judging purposes. In some cases, Cornerstone may use the information for internal awareness purposes; to describe the winners on stage at its event; for media relations purposes (e.g., press release) with the consent of the award winner.
When will winners be announced and how will they be notified?
Winners will be notified via email in Q2 2026, with an official press release announcement to follow.
What will winners receive?
Aside from bragging rights, winners will receive a trophy and one (1) complimentary pass to attend a Cornerstone conference in 2026.
Judging Criteria
Organizational awards
Innovation & Impact
- How unique, creative or groundbreaking is the customer's approach to using Cornerstone's solutions?
- To what extent has the implementation of Cornerstone solutions achieved measurable business outcomes or organizational improvements?
Alignment with Award Category
- How closely does the submission align with the focus of the specific award category?
Breadth of Impact
- Is the implementation beneficial across multiple departments, regions, or employee groups?
Scalability & Sustainability
- Does the initiative demonstrate long-term value and the potential to scale across other teams/regions?
Presentation & Supporting Evidence
- How well was the submission presented, including clarity, completeness, and inclusion of supporting evidence (e.g., KPIs, testimonials).
Individual awards
HR Horizon Award
Early Gains
How has the nominee demonstrated meaningful impact or momentum during the early stages of their Learning & Development initiatives?
- Evidence of quick wins or early outcomes
- Demonstrated value to the organization (e.g., engagement, efficiency, alignment with goals)
- Established a strong foundation for long-term success through strategic planning or early adoption best practices
Future-Focused Impact & Vision
How is the nominee setting their organization up for success?
- Clear vision or roadmap in place
- Alignment with long-term business or HR goals
- Building internal momentum or support
Passion & Advocacy
How does the nominee demonstrate enthusiasm, initiative, and commitment to advancing the learning and development field?
- Actively pursues continuous learning and innovation in Learning & Development
- Contributes to the broader Learning & Development community through collaboration, insights, or mentorship
- Inspires others by championing growth, development, and the impact of learning in the workplace
HR Visionary Award
Strategic Vision & Execution
How has the nominee defined and executed a forward-thinking HR strategy that aligns with business goals?
- Clear articulation of a long-term people strategy
- Evidence of successful implementation
- Measurable outcomes tied to business impact
Innovation & Transformation
How has the nominee driven innovative change in how HR operates or delivers value?
- Reimagining HR processes, programs, or structures
- Use of technology to enable transformation
- Breakthrough ideas that elevate the employee experience
Bold & Inspirational Leadership
How has the nominee demonstrated courageous leadership that inspires and empowers others to embrace change and drive progress?
- Builds trust, influence, and engagement across the organization
- Serves as a role model who promotes inclusivity, innovation, and growth while being a thought-leader
- Motivates others by fostering a strong culture and empowering forward-thinking action
