The 2025 Women Leaders Awards were officially launched last month at the MKFM Meet of MK event, marking the tenth anniversary of this prestigious initiative.
Alongside the launch, entries for nominations were also opened, inviting the Milton Keynes community to put forward remarkable women who are making a difference.
Taking place on Thursday, June 12 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel at Stadium MK, this year’s awards night will be a special milestone, celebrating a decade of recognising, empowering and amplifying the achievements of women across all sectors. Under the powerful theme ‘Smashing Stereotypes’, the 2025 awards aim to challenge outdated norms, break barriers, and highlight the incredible contributions of women in fields where they remain underrepresented.
Unlike conventional business awards that focus solely on career progression and success, the Women Leaders Awards take a broader approach. These awards are not just about recognising women who have climbed the corporate ladder – they are about honouring the unsung heroes who, through passion, resilience and community service, are shaping the future of Milton Keynes.
From STEM pioneers to community champions, entrepreneurs to educators, these awards celebrate women who are driving innovation, inspiring change, and making a tangible impact, ensuring that every woman’s success – big or small – is valued, recognised and celebrated.
This year’s theme highlights the ongoing need to break barriers in industries like engineering, construction and automotive, where women remain significantly underrepresented. The Women Leaders Awards have spent the last ten years opening doors, helping women rise higher, secure board positions, launch businesses, take on voluntary leadership roles and mentor the next generation. The impact is real, lasting and transformative.

Commenting on the importance of role models in smashing stereotypes, Dr Julie Mills OBE, Chair of Women Leaders, said: “Seeing talented women excel in roles within industries that are still perceived as male-dominated is a game-changer – not just for women and girls but for men and boys too. When we showcase exceptional female leaders in industries where they have historically been underrepresented, we challenge outdated perceptions, inspire the next generation, and create fairer workplaces. Recognising talent in all its forms fuels progress, sparks ambition, and ensures that every individual, regardless of gender, can succeed.”
A night of recognition, inspiration and celebration
This glamorous gala dinner is not just about handing out awards – it is about bringing together the Milton Keynes community to celebrate, support and inspire. The evening will feature inspiring speeches, delicious dining and lively entertainment, all while showcasing the incredible achievements of this year’s nominees.
A total of 15 awards will be presented, with 14 open for nominations, while the Outstanding Achievement Award will be handpicked by the independent panel of judges.
Other key sponsors and supporters include NHBC, returning as the headline sponsor again for Women Leaders 2025. Additional sponsors and supporters of the awards include: PMS, Devonshire Architects, Thorne Solutions, Imagine Presentations, Howes Percival, MK:U Innovation Hub, DoubleTree by Hilton, Freeths, and Coach & Bloom.
Recognition is more than an accolade – it is a catalyst for change. Past Women Leaders Award winners have gone on to launch businesses, secure influential roles, take on voluntary leadership positions, and become mentors and trustees, continuing the cycle of support and empowerment.
The deadline for nominations is Friday, April 25, and the organisers are urging everyone – whether they know a woman making a difference or if they are that woman – to put forward a nomination. No contribution is too small, no impact goes unnoticed. The awards are about honouring the women who don’t always seek the spotlight but truly deserve it.
Women Leaders is more than an awards ceremony – it is a movement. It stands as something of a testament to the power of acknowledgment, the importance of diversity, and the belief that every woman’s achievements – whether in the boardroom, the classroom, the lab, or the community – should be seen and celebrated.

The award categories for 2025 are:
- Community Impact (Volunteer)
- Sponsored by MK Community Foundation
- Manufacturing and Construction Industries
- Sponsored by Helix
- Skills, Education and Training
- Sponsored by Vinkez Consulting
- Digital Technology
- Sponsored by Oracle Red Bull Racing
- #NoneOfTheAbove
- Sponsored by MHA
- Music, The Arts and The Creatives Industries
- Community Impact (Employed)
- Emerging Leader
- Engineering, Science and Maths
- Entrepreneur
- Outstanding Contribution to Milton Keynes
- Sponsored by Cranfield University
- Healthcare
- Sport, Leisure & Retail Industries
- Uniform and Public Services
- Professional Services
To submit a nomination, visit the Women Leaders UK Website here.