MEET OUR TOP 50 SHORTLISTED WOMEN

Driven by a decade-long battle with an eating disorder, Ally founded The Starving Artist in 2017 to amplify neglected voices through art, advocacy, and education. Her platform has impacted over 100,000 lives globally, using art to raise awareness about mental health struggles and help those in need. Through partnerships with the likes of The British Museum and TEDx, she runs initiatives that empower marginalised communities, such as menstruation equity projects and environmental exhibitions. Ally remains committed to art-activism, believing creative voices are crucial for societal change and self-reflection.

Amanda is the founder of the Ngcono Mbowane Foundation, a charity dedicated to creating lasting change within African communities. Since its inception in 2019, the foundation has focused on addressing issues such as menstrual hygiene, education, and mental health, particularly for women and girls. Through donations, workshops, and events like the #GirlTalk series, Amanda has empowered thousands across Zimbabwe and beyond. Amanda’s mission is personal and driven by her strong values of love, community, and service.

Founder of Good Wills, a will writing company offering both personalised and innovative, cost-effective will writing services in Hong Kong, Amy is a lawyer and has a personal drive shaped by the loss of her mother. Her goal is to raise awareness about the importance of wills, particularly among younger generations. Through outreach, education, and pro bono work, Amy is committed to creating a more informed, prepared community while empowering women and promoting social responsibility.

Andrea Vanessa is the co-founder of Juega Como Niña, a program dedicated to empowering young female athletes through sports education, visibility, and mentorship. By offering workshops, tournaments, and panels, Vanessa and her team have reached over 300 girls, helping many secure sports scholarships, play at semi-professional levels, and gain self-confidence. Vanessa is committed to breaking barriers for women in sports and creating accessible opportunities, believing that sports should be a right, not a privilege. Vanessa’s leadership is inspiring future generations of athletes.

A volunteer with St. John’s Ambulance for over 20 years, Anna has transformed her passion for service into a career as a nurse and leader. Managing one of the largest teams in London of over 100 volunteers, Anna coordinated vaccination training and online meetings during the Covid-19 pandemic, and is inspiring the next generation through first aid training and leadership development. Her commitment to inclusivity and education has shaped her work, from training thousands in CPR to advocating for leadership positions among underprivileged youth, making a lasting impact on communities across London.

Asia is a tech founder and mentor who advocates for vital causes such as stem cell donation by generating the need for more inclusion among women, people of colour, and underrepresented groups. Passionate about diversity in all aspects of life, Asia is also driven by a mission to make technology more inclusive. She set up ChainVerse, a tech startup supporting incarcerated individuals' communication, and is a mentor to over 100 women breaking into the tech industry. Despite battling Stage 4 Hodgkin Lymphoma, Asia continues to lead workshops, advocate for stem cell donation diversity, and create opportunities for marginalised communities.

Bridaylú is the co-founder of Conociverso, an educational platform that aims to make scientific education accessible across Latin America. Focused on biotechnology, bioinformatics, and nanotechnology, Conociverso has impacted over 5,000 individuals, with over 60% being women. By providing high-quality courses and real-world applications, the platform fosters scientific collaboration and innovation. Bridaylú's personal journey from a small town to becoming a successful engineer drives her commitment to opening doors for future generations of scientists in under-served communities.

Ceana is a passionate mental health advocate, driven by a desire to create lasting change. Following her favourite K-pop singer taking his own life when she was a teen, Ceana became determined to tackle loneliness and mental health stigma. At age 15, she delivered a powerful speech on suicide prevention which prompted many to donate to Samaritans, and caught the attention of HRH Prince William who she met to speak about the importance of mental health awareness. Ceana continues to speak out and spend time with the most vulnerable to tackle the issues faced by so many, and is also now building a social media app to focus on building connections through online and in-person events.

Catherine is a passionate advocate for emotional healing through texture art, a practice she discovered during her own journey with depression and anxiety. Her workshops and retreats have helped over 350 couples deepen their emotional connections in a supportive environment. Focused on somatic healing and an art-therapy approach, Catherine provides a safe space for individuals to express themselves and strengthen relationships. Catherine also focuses on communities where emotional expression is often difficult, and aims to expand her work to reach more individuals in need of connection and healing.

Charlene has dedicated herself to helping women of all ages and sizes find their perfect bra fit with her business, Sister Size. Specialising in serving women affected by breast cancer and supporting them throughout pregnancy, her business is built on personal service and community care. After years of hard work, Charlene took a bold step to leave a secure job to focus on empowering and supporting women with her business.

Dhruti is an award-winning journalist, author, and storyteller dedicated to amplifying underrepresented voices. A trailblazer from a working-class immigrant family, she has broken through barriers, earning accolades for her book Bear Markets and Beyond, a creative fusion of finance and nature. With over a decade spent at the BBC and her freelance work with prominent global media outlets, Dhruti tackles issues from trauma literacy to disinformation. She also empowers diverse communities through her podcast, speaking engagements, and storytelling. Dhruti’s mission is to inspire confidence and help others own their stories.

Diana is a fierce advocate for women’s rights and the prevention of gender-based violence in Mexico. Following personal experiences of systemic violence, Diana founded Nosotras para Ellas, A.C. to spearhead legal reforms, including the implementation of anti-stalking laws. Diana empowers communities through education, legal support, and mental health services, and also represents Mexican women internationally, advocating for justice and equal rights. She is committed to transforming Mexico’s legal system and ensuring women’s voices are heard and respected.

Elena is the Director of Girls in Code SEA, a non-profit organisation focused on empowering young women in Southeast Asia to pursue careers in tech. Motivated by the gender disparities she faced in computer science, Elena has spearheaded initiatives that increase female participation, including coding competitions, workshops, and school partnerships. Her work has a visible impact within her community, with over 50% of her school’s computer science class now consisting of girls. Elena continues to inspire and support the next generation of women in tech.

Erika Elizabeth is the founder of Now Girls Rule, an initiative dedicated to elevating female artists in Mexico’s music scene. Through events like the all-female HERA festival and LA MARKETA, she has created platforms that promote visibility, education, and income for women in music. Her work has helped numerous artists launch albums, gain promotion, and improve self-management. Erika advocates for gender equality by decentralising music initiatives to empower more women across Mexico.

Faith is the co-founder of MigrAide, an AI-driven platform designed to simplify the U.S. visa application process for high-skilled immigrants. Inspired by her own experiences as an immigrant, she is committed to empowering individuals and reducing the barriers to success. She also founded TTPNetwork, which supports underrepresented groups in tech. With a passion for breaking barriers, Faith is dedicated to fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment for immigrants and aspiring tech professionals.

Dr. Hira Khalid is a pioneering researcher focused on advancing treatments for ovarian cancer, Hepatitis C, and Alzheimer’s disease. As the first to gain a PhD in her family, Hira has overcome significant cultural and financial challenges to become a leader in her field, representing Pakistan at international platforms such as the Commonwealth Chemistry Congress and Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting. Through her research and outreach, Hira empowers young women, particularly from underprivileged backgrounds, to defy the norm and pursue careers in STEM.

Geraldina is a pioneering doctor, researcher and leader at the Eugenio Garza Lagüera Entrepreneurship Institute of Tecnológico de Monterrey, where she is the only woman in a national leadership role. She inspires nearly 50,000 undergraduate students through empowering them to become transformative agents of change. Geraldina is also a key figure in the Entrepreneurial Education research community, and has been a consultant and a mentor on business models, and team development. She has also led different programs to promote the scale-up of Mexican startups.

With over two decades of experience in youth empowerment, Joyclen is the founder of RISE.365 which is dedicated to transforming lives through skills training, mentorship, and community-driven initiatives. Her work has empowered thousands, offering employability support, vocational guidance, and advocacy for marginalised communities. Under Joyclen’s leadership, RISE.365’s impact includes distributing over 180,000 bags of food since the Covid-19 pandemic to alleviate the impacts of the cost-of-living crisis, reducing youth involvement in crime, and fostering unity across generations. She is committed to creating a society where every young person thrives.

Judit is the CEO of a medtech startup pioneering The Blue Box, an AI-powered, non-invasive device for early breast cancer detection through urine samples. Inspired by her mother’s battle with breast cancer, she aims to provide a more sensitive, accessible screening tool. The Blue Box addresses mammography's limitations, which misses 1 in 3 cancers, and has already shown 88% sensitivity in pilot tests with Spanish hospitals. With international medical support and plans to expand access, Judit is committed to making breast cancer screening affordable and widely available.

Judith is the founder of Ellis-Rapha Psychological Services, dedicated to providing accessible mental health care in Nigeria, where stigma and poverty often prevent people from seeking support. Through support groups focused on emotional wellbeing, Judith helps vulnerable groups including domestic violence survivors, cancer patients, and overworked healthcare workers, rebuild their lives. With a focus on healing, empowerment, and creating safe spaces for mental health conversations, Judith is committed to breaking barriers and fostering hope among those who need it most.

Karina is a dedicated advocate for refugees and asylum seekers, drawing from her own experiences as a child refugee. As Child Friendly Lambeth Programme Manager, she has successfully championed the integration of children's rights within community initiatives. She has helped countless refugees secure housing, pursue education, and find purpose in their new communities. Her goal is to foster future leaders by providing them with resources and support to thrive. Recently diagnosed with ADHD while completing her master’s degree, Karina is a role model for overcoming adversity, showing young refugees that their dreams are valid and achievable against the odds.

Kat is the co-founder of Kamusa, an NGO that uses art as a tool to spark conversations on culture and migratory experiences. As a migrant woman who arrived to Spain in her teens, she fully understands the needs of the young migrants that Aula Kulturika supports. Aula Kulturika is Kamusa’s program where young people are empowered to share their cultural heritage and experiences via mural art, fostering inclusion and overcoming language barriers. Kat’s work has impacted thousands of individuals and now she strives to create more inclusive spaces in companies and organisations that encourage mutual understanding and intercultural communication.

Lorna is a UK-based doula and founder of Black Mamas Birth Village, an organisation dedicated to providing support, education, and a safe community for Black and mixed-heritage mothers. With over 13 years of experience in maternal care, Lorna addresses the disparities in Black maternal health, offering a space for culturally sensitive guidance. Her work has impacted nearly 400 families, fostering a sisterhood that empowers Black mothers through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.

Mari Rouss has been the President of the MGAS Foundation for the past decade. Her dedication has transformed the lives of over 3,000 children with cerebral palsy across Mexico, improving their well-being and that of their families. Passionate about diversity and inclusion, she also advocates on her social media platform for equality in justice regardless of religion, gender, or preference.

Maria Inés is a passionate social entrepreneur dedicated to creating lasting change in her community. In 2017, she founded an animal shelter, rescuing over 400 animals, while also establishing a mobile school in 2022, providing education to 250 underserved children. Her work extends to violence prevention, empowering vulnerable individuals through workshops. Maria Inés focuses on education, compassion, and community-building, and is constantly striving to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those she serves.

After founding Village Underground Lisbon in 2014, a cultural space for young artists to work, perform and socialise, Mariana started Skoola within this as its social project to provide accessible music education to underprivileged young people. Born out of a vision to address the systemic lack of music education in Portugal, in 2023 Skoola grew into an independent non profit organisation and has worked with over 700 6 to 21 year olds to support their artistic and cultural endeavours. By serving vulnerable communities and promoting gender equality and social inclusion, Skoola creates a safe space where young people go to not only develop artistically, but emotionally and socially too.

Mariana is the founder of CAPITI, a Private Social Solidarity Institution (IPSS) created in 2016 to provide essential mental health support for children and young people from low-income families. Having originally started as a grassroots project in Lisbon, CAPITI now operates in 15 cities across Portugal, offering children access to medical and therapeutic consultations. To date, it has supported almost 500 children, conducted over 16,500 clinical acts and helped increase inclusion, well-being, and autonomy for those in need.

Mariola is the founder of Mulching Regenerativo, a project focused on soil regeneration and sustainable agriculture. Driven by a deep commitment to a sustainable planet, she aims to combat climate change through simple, replicable solutions that enhance biodiversity and reduce water costs. Her project has made significant strides in rural sustainability and as a resilient young entrepreneur, Mariola is determined to scale her impact and create a better future for generations to come.

Marion is the founder of 1000 Mains et Merveilles, a resource centre focused on ecological transition and social connection. Through upcycling over 10 tons of items in 18 months, Marion fosters a community that promotes responsible consumption and sustainability. With a deep commitment to reducing waste and supporting the circular economy, Marion creates spaces where people can actively engage in building a sustainable future through workshops, home pickups, and educational events.

Martina is the co-founder of Alterist, a platform rooted in activism and dedicated to combating textile waste by championing upcycling. Driven by her passion for sustainable fashion and creative culture, Martina is committed to reshaping how society values resources, approaches waste, and uses fashion as a tool for meaningful communication. Since its launch, Alterist has successfully diverted thousands of garments from landfills while cultivating a global community of designers and conscious consumers. Through campaigns, events, workshops, and collaborations, she is driving a cultural shift towards more sustainable consumption and production in the fashion industry.

Melissa is the founder of MaterniDar, a non-profit organisation dedicated to supporting pregnant women in vulnerable situations. Since its launch in 2022, MaterniDar has provided over 1,000 maternity kits and hosted workshops on prenatal care, breastfeeding, and parenting. Melissa is passionate about empowering women through supporting them with education and resources, and reassuring mothers that they are not alone to ensure that they can experience a peaceful and supported journey into motherhood.

Dedicated to empowering girls and women in Ghana through education, mentorship, and vocational training, Miriam founded the Feminine Future Foundation. Driven by her community’s challenges, she works tirelessly to break gender barriers, reduce poverty, and advocate for gender equality by providing scholarships, teaching income-generating skills, and promoting sexual health education. Miriam creates opportunities for young women in Ghana to gain independence, escape poverty, and build brighter, more resilient futures.

Nia-Cerise is the founder and CEO of Transform Network, which is dedicated to uplifting underrepresented women worldwide, reaching 7,000 women to date. Inspired by Nia-Cerise’s experiences facing adversity, Transform Network provides resources such as its wealth stewardship booklet, a career and job opportunities guide, and tailored corporate advice or 1:1 sessions with entrepreneurs. Her initiatives, including the Wonder Woman Benevolence Tour, have empowered thousands to envision brighter futures and confidently pursue their goals.

Nirja is a doctor in the NHS and co-founder of The WorkWell Doctors, dedicated to improving workplace wellbeing, especially in healthcare. Nirja has spearheaded hundreds of sessions to transform workplace culture in healthcare settings and beyond by increasing awareness of mental health and burnout, while enhancing physical health and overall employee satisfaction. Nirja combines this with her passion for dance and work as a doctor to foster connection, resilience, and well-being in diverse communities.

Nusrat is a clinical psychologist who has dedicated her life to advocating for safe childhoods and raising awareness about child sexual abuse through her organisation, Cactus Foundation. She has been a powerful voice for change with her unwavering commitment to transforming lives and raising awareness for a safer future for children.

Founder of the Shoe My Feet initiative, Philomena is dedicated to empowering underserved children in Nigeria through shoe distribution and shoemaking workshops. With a focus on education, self-sufficiency, and entrepreneurship, the project has impacted over 2,000 families to date. Philomena aims to expand the initiative, providing even more children with shoes, training young entrepreneurs, and promoting economic empowerment, helping to break the cycle of poverty and build brighter futures.

Rachita and Rebecca are the visionary co-founders of Sisterhood CIC, a dynamic organisation dedicated to empowering girls to become confident changemakers. Drawing on their own experiences of navigating education and leadership as young women, they created Sisterhood in 2018 with the mission to provide creative education, networks, and resources to inspire and equip the next generation of female leaders. Sisterhood has empowered over 1,500 young people through innovative programs that focus on developing skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and public speaking. Rachita and Rebecca have made a lasting impact on the lives of young women, girls and changemakers.

As the founder of the SHE Collective, Rowan is dedicated to helping women feel stronger, happier, and empowered through a holistic membership that combines fitness, nutrition, mindset work, and community. Inspired by her personal journey, including overcoming grief and discovering the transformative power of exercise, Rowan created a space where women can thrive. The SHE Collective is rooted in community and fosters connection, growth, and self-love.

Rucha is the founder of The Mum Identity Project (TMIP), a community initiative empowering mothers to rediscover their identities beyond motherhood. After realising her own struggle with self-identity, she created TMIP to provide mental health support, career readiness, and personal development for mums. Through workshops, coaching, and skill-building, she helps mothers embrace their worth, overcome barriers, and reconnect with their passions. Her mission is to inspire confidence and empower women to prioritise their own dreams.

Rut is the first rhythmic gymnast from Mexico to qualify for the Olympic Games, and is now a government leader in high-performance sports, supporting athletes and coaches while championing mental health and quality training in rhythmic gymnastics. Through her gymnastics project, she innovates teaching methods focused on resilience, discipline, and human development. Rut aims to continue fostering excellence in athletes and open her own gymnastics school for holistic growth.

Salma is an artist, filmmaker, and women’s rights activist dedicated to raising awareness about the disproportionate impact of the climate crisis on women and girls. Through her organisation, ARTconnects, she co-creates powerful artworks and films with marginalised youth and women, promoting cultural solidarity and environmental education. With a focus on gender equality and mental health, Salma has delivered online training to 500 marginalised youth from 20 countries in the last 2 years, and has reached thousands more influencing decision makers. Her work generates understanding, strengthens communities, and empowers participants to take action against climate change while improving their own mental well-being.

Sarah is a passionate advocate for maternal health, specifically raising awareness about preeclampsia, a condition that deeply impacted her own pregnancy. Drawing on her healthcare background and personal experience, Sarah educates women and healthcare professionals about the condition through coaching and mentorship. Sarah’s dream is to expand her programmes globally and focus on improving maternal health in underprivileged communities, particularly in Africa. Sarah is committed to saving lives through education, research, and community-driven healthcare projects.

Sherica is the founder of Skye Alexandra House, established in 2014 to support young girls and women who have experienced criminal and sexual exploitation. Driven by personal trauma and a commitment to creating safe spaces for healing, Sherica provides a supportive environment for survivors, offering therapy, empowerment programs, and educational resources. Through advocacy, research, and workshops, Sherica works to raise awareness about sexual violence and its profound impact, both locally and internationally.

Shirley founded HA.WIC to empower cyber security professionals through career advising, skills training, and a supportive community. Inspired by her own journey overcoming isolation and burnout in the field, Shirley established career consults and support networks to ensure no one navigates their career alone. Through advocacy, learning and development programs, and a strong commitment to inclusivity, HA.WIC empowers individuals to break barriers, transforming cybersecurity into a collaborative, sustainable industry.

Shiqin is passionate about children's nutrition and is the founder of HaruPlate, a company dedicated to creating innovative, easy, and healthy food options for children aged 1 to 12. As a mother of four, Shiqin understands the challenges of feeding kids healthy, but still tasty meals. An example of HaruPlate’s products is The Smart Cookie, made with ingredients to improve cognitive function and overall growth. Through workshops and a unique food curriculum, Shiqin is empowering families and schools to foster long-term healthy eating habits.

Thalia is the founder of Querida Menstruación, an educational initiative that aims to demystify menstruation, puberty, and menopause through engaging and supportive workshops. The program has reached almost 6,500 children and families, promoting open and positive conversations about women's health. By offering accessible education on the body, sexuality, and emotional well-being, Thalia is creating safe spaces for girls to embrace their health confidently. Her mission is to eliminate taboos, promoting empathy and empowering women to take charge of their health.

Tihara is a designer and founder dedicated to celebrating Caribbean heritage and the Windrush Generation through fashion and crafts. Inspired by her St. Lucian grandfather’s journey to the UK, her brand offers a unique lens on Caribbean culture, countering tourist stereotypes. Her work has gained recognition from institutions such as the London Museum, and through raffia embroidery workshops and collaborations with the V&A and Somerset House, she fosters cultural pride and understanding through her work. Her products amplify Caribbean representation on the high street, making heritage accessible to a broader audience.

Umutoni empowers disenfranchised communities through her handcrafted jewellery brand, named after herself - Umutoni. She works with artisans from Kibera, Kenya, providing jobs, training, and fair wages (five times the average rate). Inspired by her East African roots, Umutoni rebranded her initial venture, combining a passion for jewellery with a mission to promote social change. With a focus on sustainability, Umutoni elevates African craftsmanship and embodies meaningful empowerment, ensuring that every piece supports artisans’ dreams and families’ futures.

Zimchim started an educational project that empowers students in the Global South by providing hands-on experience in solving real-world challenges. Raised in an under-served community, Zimchim believes in the power of practical education to drive sustainable development. With experience working alongside major manufacturers like Tesla and co-founding an automotive tech company, Zimchim is dedicated to providing young people with hands-on skills to help them develop critical thinking and confidence alongside their academic studies.