Finalists Announced for the

2025 Women Leaders Awards

Women Leaders is proud to announce the official shortlist of finalists. Marking a decade of celebrating exceptional women who break barriers and inspire change, this year’s awards continue under the powerful theme: “Smashing Stereotypes.”

 

The Women Leaders Awards ceremony will take place on Thursday 12th June at the Hilton DoubleTree Hotel at Stadium MK, bringing together community leaders, business innovators, and unsung heroes for a night of recognition, inspiration, and celebration.

 

Following a record number of high-calibre nominations across all categories, an independent panel of judges convened for a full day of rigorous deliberation to carefully select this year’s finalists. Panel members praised the outstanding quality and diversity of entries, which showcased the remarkable achievements of women across every sector – from STEM and entrepreneurship to education, healthcare, and the creative industries.

 

“The calibre of nominations this year has been truly outstanding. We were humbled and inspired by powerful stories of resilience, innovation, and leadership – each one a testament to women who are actively smashing stereotypes and redefining what success looks like across every sector. Choosing the finalists was no easy task, but each represents the very best of what it means to challenge convention and create lasting impact. We look forward to celebrating their achievements on what promises to be an unforgettable night.”

 

A total of 15 prestigious awards will be presented on the night, including 14 categories which were open for nominations, and the coveted Outstanding Achievement Award, this year sponsored by Cranfield University, chosen directly by the judges.

 

2025 Finalists

Community Impact (Volunteer)

Jyoti Mayekar

Elena Miles

Michelle Theuma

 

Manufacturing and Construction Industries

Sarah Watt

Lucy Kuhar

Charlie Ash

 

Skills, Education, and Training

Prof. Jacqueline Hannam

Prof Stephanie Hussels

Maria Bowness

Jessica Fellowes

 

Digital Technology

Rachel Bland

Stephanie Stasey

Swapna Alladi

 

#NoneOfTheAbove

Mandy Legg

Joanne Alper

Sam Amey

 

Music, The Arts and The Creatives Industries

Bhavika Garg

Monica Ferguson

Jessica Memon

 

Community Impact (Employed)

Jane Lambert

Binta Bah Pokawa

Maya Joseph-Hussain

Emerging Leader

Paris Hine

Besjana Elena Dodi

Emma Gasking

 

Engineering, Science and Maths

Meena Chander

Divya Saleela

Miah Wilson

Prof. Jacqueline Hannam

 

Entrepreneur of The Year

Emma Gasking

Lindsay McInnis

Sophie Davis

 

Healthcare

Laura Hampson

Jane Lambert

Jyothi Srinivas

 

Sport, Leisure & Retail Industries

Hayley Carter

Anita Doekar

Jo Fleet

 

Uniformed and Public Services

DI Rachel Wheaton

Binta Bah Pokawa

Jessica Fellowes

 

Professional Services

Andrea Smith

Lucy Bradban

Amanda Wright

Women Leaders are delighted to welcome back NHBC as the headline sponsor for the 2025 Awards, continuing their valued partnership in championing the recognition and empowerment of women across all sectors, and remain hugely grateful to all the sponsors and supporters whose generous contributions help make these awards a reality.

 

Tickets for the Women Leaders Awards and gala dinner on June 12th are now available. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this milestone celebration. To book your place, visit Women Leaders’ Awards

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