The 2025 Women Leaders Awards were officially launched at the MKFM Meet of MK event (Thursday 27th February) marking the 10th anniversary of this prestigious initiative. Alongside the launch, entries for nominations have also opened, and the Milton Keynes community have been invited to put forward remarkable women who are making a difference.
Taking place on Thursday 12th June 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 Under the powerful theme “Smashing Stereotypes,” the 2025 awards aim to challenge outdated norms, break barriers, and highlight the incredible contributions of women in fields where they remain underrepresented.
More Than Just Career Success—A Celebration of Unsung Heroes
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, Smashing Stereotypes, 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 DL, 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we showcase exceptional female leaders in industries where they have historically been underrepresented, we challenge outdated perceptions, inspire the next generation, and create fairer workplaces.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.
Award Categories for 2025:
- 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
- Healthcare
- Sport, Leisure & Retail Industries
- Uniform and Public Services
- Professional Services
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, MK:U Innovation Hub, DoubleTree by Hilton, Freeths, MKFM, All Things Business and Coach & Bloom.
Why Nominations Matter
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 25th April, and Women Leaders are urging everyone—whether they know a woman making a difference or if you 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 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.
To submit a nomination, visit The Women Leaders’ 2025 Award Nominations – Women Leaders
