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.
Women Leaders Awards 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
