The finalists for the 2025 Northern PoWEr Women Awards have been announced.
The 6th March event, now in its ninth year, will unite over 1,000 trailblazers, role models and influential individuals and organisations from across the North under one roof at Manchester Central.
Described as Europe’s largest celebration of gender equality, the Awards will be held two days before International Women’s Day and showcase exceptional role models across the North driving progress and creating a fairer, more inclusive future.
From firefighters and charity trailblazers to leaders in rail, digital and sport, this year’s finalists span a range of industries, with public service well-represented by the NHS, police and academia.
Organisers say they are redefining what’s possible across sectors, breaking down barriers, and championing meaningful change.
They were selected by more than 80 judges from a record 1,600 nominations.
“The finalists for the 2025 Northern PoWEr Women Awards showcase the remarkable talent and dedication thriving in the North,” said Simone Roche MBE, CEO of We Are PoWEr, Northern PoWEr Women Awards and PoWEr Collective CIC, and recently featured on our Northern Leaders list.
“These individuals are not only driving change within their industries but are also setting the stage for a more inclusive and equitable future.”
Organisations paving the way include finalists Network Rail, recognised for efforts in running a gender equality employee network that has now reached over 450 members in the North as well as a commitment to running mental health and wellbeing events with a strong focus on gender; JP Morgan, celebrated for its mentorship and leadership programs like Women On The Move as well as multiple ERGs committed to creating an inclusive working culture in a traditionally male-dominated sector; and Nuclear Waste Service, committed to levelling the playing field with its staff count nearing a 50:50 gender balance in a sector with an average of just 30% female representation.
2024 Northern PoWEr Women Awards
Other finalists include Ikea (Large Organisation), Bentley Motors Ltd (Large Organisation), DWF Law (Large Organisation), DanceSyndrome (Micro Organisation), Leeds Dads (Micro Organisation) and The Rugby Football League (SME).
This year’s individual finalists include Jo Milne in the Person with Purpose Charity category. Milne is the founder of Cure Usher Syndrome, whose advocacy and fundraising for rare genetic conditions have earned national recognition, including from Downing Street and Buckingham Palace.
Qaisra Shahraz MBE, in the Person with Purpose Public Sector, is an education pioneer and peace activist whose efforts have empowered women’s learning and upskilled, trained, and mentored over 60 individuals in underserved communities.
Other individual finalists include Mel B of the Spice Girls and Meatball Molly McCann (Public Spotlight), Elissa Corrigan of Elle Sera, Kerri Capelli (both in Outstanding Entrepreneur), Gillian Ashcroft of Exceptional Care, Juliet Sanders of Feeding Families (both in Person With Purpose), Dr Lucy Reynolds (Disruptor For Good), and Abigayle Andrê of She Talks Cars (One to Watch).
Partners include Barclays, Bank of America, Bentley Motors, ASDA, BT Group, Castle Peak and Tetra Tech. This year’s event will be hosted by ITV News’ Nina Hossain (pictured left, main image, with Roche and West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin at the 2024 Awards).
View the full list of finalists at: https://wearepower.net/awards/