More than 1,200 people packed Stage AE on Oct. 17 as the annual Women Who Rock Benefit Concert returned to Pittsburgh, raising more than $650,000 to support women's health research and career development programs.
Founded in Pittsburgh, Women Who Rock is a female-founded, female-fronted movement that uses music and community engagement to fund women's health initiatives. All proceeds from the event benefit Magee-Womens Research Institute, the nation's first and largest research institute dedicated exclusively to women's health.
This year's concert featured a star-studded lineup headlined by pop icon and cancer survivor Taylor Dayne. Performers also included Malina Moye, The Vindys, DJ Coachelly, Kalie Shorr and 2026 Women Who Rock Rising Star
winner Mallory Bozovich. The event was presented by Gibson Gives and drew supporters from across the region for a night focused on music, advocacy and impact.
Organizers said the event's fundraising efforts will help advance women's health research at Magee while also supporting women pursuing careers in the music industry. The Women Who Rock Academy, which provides hands-on training and real-world experience for aspiring music industry professionals, also benefited from the event. Organizers said academy participants played an active role in helping produce the concert.
The evening also recognized Diana Napper, founder of A Glimmer of Hope Foundation, with the 2026 Women Who Rock Impact Award for her contributions to breast cancer research and women's health initiatives.
With more than $650,000 raised, organizers called the event a life-changing night for women and a testament to Pittsburgh's ongoing support of women's health research, education and empowerment.
This story was produced by reporter Gabby Sartori, [gsartori@usatodayco.com], with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Taylor Dayne headlined Women Who Rock concert raises $650K for women's health
