Women Leaders' Awards 2026

Choose Yourself!!

Our Inspirational
Gala Event!

 We came together to celebrate the achievements and impact of women in leadership. The Women Leaders Awards 2026 is always 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 shone a spotlight on the successes and journeys that too often fall under the radar. It was 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.

Our Headline Sponsor

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

Congratulations to all of our winners!

and to all of our finalists

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.