The Women Leaders Awards 2026 have officially launched following a highly successful opening event at Aiimi in Milton Keynes. This landmark year sees the awards expand into Northamptonshire and Buckinghamshire for the first time, alongside the introduction of a powerful new Confidence Star initiative to support and celebrate every finalist.
This expansion mirrors the reality of modern business and professional life. Milton Keynes, Northamptonshire and Buckinghamshire are increasingly interconnected, with organisations collaborating across county boundaries and women building careers that span the wider region. Opening the awards to a broader geography recognises that leadership does not operate within fixed boundaries, and neither should the platforms that celebrate it.
“Milton Keynes, Northamptonshire and Buckinghamshire are increasingly interconnected, with organisations collaborating across counties borders and women building careers that span the wider region. Opening the awards to a broader geography recognises that leadership does not operate within fixed boundaries, and neither should the platforms that celebrate it,” said Dr Julie Mills OBE DL, Chair of Women Leaders.
Women Leaders has always championed contribution in its broadest sense, from entrepreneurship and corporate leadership to innovation, education, community impact and public service. Extending eligibility across the region will bring forward a richer and more diverse range of stories, strengthening the awards and the representation they provide.
Introducing the Confidence Star
A new addition for 2026 further reinforces this commitment to empowerment and recognition. For the first time, all finalists will receive a Star of Confidence, created by renowned motivational speaker, three-time author and confidence coach Ife Thomas, who attended the launch event.
“We wanted to give every finalist something lasting, not just recognition, but a tool they can carry forward,” said Julie. “Confidence doesn’t always come naturally, even to the most accomplished women, and the Star is designed to help reinforce self-belief at every stage of their journey.”
The Confidence Star features four carefully selected positive affirmations designed to override the negative thoughts people often repeat to themselves. Printed on a mirror surface, it ensures individuals see themselves as they say the words, helping the subconscious mind absorb and internalise a more positive mindset – even when confidence feels uncertain.
Driving representation and industry change
While progress has been made, representation in senior leadership remains uneven across many industries. Regional platforms like Women Leaders play an important role in addressing this imbalance by making female achievement visible, credible and normalised.
This is particularly relevant in sectors such as technology and engineering, which are central to the region’s growth but continue to face gender diversity challenges. As organisations increasingly draw talent from across Northamptonshire, Milton Keynes and Buckinghamshire, attracting and supporting women from the wider region is becoming essential.
Chantal-Lawren Welch, Marketing Manager at Silverstone Park, said: “Silverstone Park is proudly based in Northamptonshire and sits at the heart of a globally recognised ecosystem for high-performance technology and advanced engineering. As the park prepares to double in size, ensuring a strong and diverse talent pipeline is essential. Motorsport and engineering have traditionally been male dominated, currently around 80% of our on-site workforce are men, but the future of these industries depends on attracting the very best minds, including female talent.
In reality, geographic borders across Northamptonshire, Milton Keynes and Buckinghamshire are increasingly blurred, with people living, working and collaborating across the region. That’s why initiatives like our Women’s Innovation Network (WIN), alongside the expanding reach of Women Leaders, are so important in raising voices, building visibility and creating a more even playing field as the region grows.”
Nominations now open
For businesses and organisations, the expanded Women Leaders Awards offer clear value. Recognising women across three counties strengthens networks, encourages collaboration and creates new opportunities to connect with talent across the region.
Following the launch, nominations for the Women Leaders Awards 2026 were officially opened and will close at midnight on Monday April. 27 Women based in Milton Keynes (including the wider MK postcode area), Northamptonshire and Buckinghamshire are eligible to enter.
Categories span entrepreneurship, corporate leadership, innovation, education, community impact and public service.
Full details on eligibility, categories and how to submit an entry can be found on the Womens Leaders UK website.
