Women Leaders' Awards 2026

Choose Yourself!!

The Women Leaders' Gala Awards 2026 will be held on Thursday 16th July at Doubletree by Hilton and Stadium MK.

Join us at our Inspirational
Gala Event!

Join us for an inspiring evening as we come together to celebrate the achievements and impact of women in leadership. The Women Leaders Awards 2026 is a powerful moment to recognise those who are driving change, breaking barriers and shaping the future across industries and throughout our communities.

From emerging leaders to established changemakers, the evening shines a spotlight on the successes and journeys that too often fall under the radar. It is an opportunity to reflect on progress and connect with a community of individuals and organisations who are committed to creating more inclusive, equitable and empowering environments for all.

Thursday July 16th 2026

Doubletree by Hilton – Stadium MK

6pm until late

Dress to Impress

Tickets

*Access Bookings* for some performances are not available online, please contact a member of our Box Office Team on 01908 280800 or email boxoffice@stables.org in order to book or to advise of any additional requirements you may have.<br>

Important information:

Individual tickets are limited to 2 per booking

Tables are available for groups of 10

Please share any dietary or accessibility requirements when booking

Tickets will be issued electronically

 

SPONSORSHIP AND PARTNERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Gala Awards Supporter Package

£2000
Secure a supporter table or part table and feature your company logo on a supporter page in the event programme

Contact us at: admin@womenleadersmk.co.uk for more information
Award Category Cponsorship Package

£4000
Includes Table for 10, prominent branding at the event and two mentoring programmes and one allyship session

Contact Us at: admin@womenleadersmk.co.uk for more information
Gala Awards Drink Package
Welcome finalists and guests to the gala dinner, ensuring high visibility for your brand

Contact Us at: admin@womenleadersmk.co.uk for more information

Our Headline Sponsor

A sincere thank you to Hillier Hopkins, our Headline Sponsor for the Women Leaders Awards.
Their generous support helps make this celebration of inspiring women possible, and reflects a shared commitment to empowering leadership, championing success, and creating lasting impact. We are incredibly grateful to have them by our side.

Congratulations to our finalists!!

Music, Arts and The Creative Industries

Bhavika Garg

Jacky Scott

Rina Singh

Uniformed and Public Services

Gillian Ormston

Emily Darlington

Johanna ‘JJ’ Hrycak

Healthcare

Helen Eaton

Lindsay McInnis

Claire Black

Sports, Leisure and Retail

Clair Roberts

Mel Wyley

Samantha Webb

Engineering, Science and Maths

Emma Kent

Ifigenia Balkoura

Prof. Rachel Hilliam

Digital and Technology

Toria Walters

Wendy Boreham

Divya Saleela

Skills, Education and Training

Prof. Rachel Hilliam

Prof. Ruth Massie

Bex Howe

Irem Syed

Manufacturing and Construction

Emma Kent

Lauren Holland

Liana Sinclair

Community Impact (Employed)

Bhavika Garg

Di Cook

Michelle Shaw

Community Impact (Volunteer)

Jacqui Webber

Maria Affa

Kimmi – Mental Health Cleaning

Professional Services

Dr. Sheun Oke

Emma Crawford

Michelle Nichols

Entrepreneur

Lindsay McInnis

Anjana Jain

Natalie Webster

Emerging Leader

Ifigenia Balkoura

Kylie Anderson

Leigh Aulsberry

#NoneOfTheAbove

Marisa Lloyd

Jennifer Walker

Emma Stone

Women Leaders is delighted to announce that it has received grant funding from Milton Keynes Community Foundation in support of the Women Leaders Awards 2026.

The grant has been awarded through MK Community Foundation’s Women’s Fund and General Fund and will support this year’s Women Leaders Awards as the initiative continues to grow across Milton Keynes, Northamptonshire and Buckinghamshire.

Importantly, the funding will help Women Leaders continue to build on the impact of the Awards beyond the ceremony itself — supporting the organisation’s commitment to showcasing inspiring role models, increasing visibility for women across the region, and providing ongoing support and encouragement for finalists through initiatives including the Women Leaders mentoring programme.

This year’s Women Leaders Awards have already seen the highest number of entries in their decade-long history, reflecting growing engagement from businesses, organisations and communities across the three counties.

Dr Julie Mills OBE DL, Chair of Women Leaders, comments: “We are incredibly grateful to Milton Keynes Community Foundation for supporting the Women Leaders Awards through this grant funding. As the Awards continue to grow, it is particularly important to us that they remain accessible to all, while also allowing us to continue providing ongoing support, encouragement and added value to our finalists beyond the Awards ceremony itself.

This support will make a genuine difference and reflects a shared commitment to creating opportunity, confidence and visibility for women across our region.”

As a place-based funder, Milton Keynes Community Foundation supports charities and community organisations working to strengthen communities and improve quality of life across Milton Keynes.

The Women Leaders Awards 2026 will take place on Thursday 16 July, celebrating women across business, innovation, education, public service, community impact and leadership throughout Milton Keynes, Northamptonshire and Buckinghamshire.