Women in Management, known globally as WIM, began its journey in Sri Lanka with a clear purpose. It sought to uplift, empower and connect women across professions, communities and continents. Today, that vision has expanded into a thriving global network with an active presence in seven countries. Among these chapters, the United Kingdom stands out as one of the most dynamic and rapidly growing. The UK Chapter has dedicated itself to strengthening women led leadership pathways, creating supportive professional ecosystems and offering well deserved recognition to outstanding achievers through its signature event, the Top50 Professional and Career Women’s Awards (UK). The organisation continues to champion a mission that remains simple yet transformative. It aims to ensure that women across the world lead with confidence, courage and purpose, contributing not only to their own advancement but to the collective progress of societies and economies.
An Evening of Prestige and Purpose
The Top50 Professional and Career Women’s (UK) Awards 2025 was a celebration of excellence, leadership and resilience. This year’s ceremony welcomed the Chief Guest, the Mayor of Heathrow, Councillor Anjana Patel, accompanied by her sister, Usha Patel. Their presence underscored the significance of diversity, inclusion and representation within the professional landscape of the United Kingdom. In her special remarks, the Mayor expressed admiration for the spirit of the event and the achievements of the award winners. She stated that the ceremony honoured leadership, resilience and the remarkable impact made by women who help shape workplaces, industries and communities. She commended Dr. Sulochana Segera for building a global platform that connects women to opportunity and recognition while acknowledging the organisers and judges for their dedication. The Mayor concluded by congratulating all winners and reflected that when women rise, communities and the world move forward. The evening brought together an audience filled with distinguished personalities, business leaders and global supporters of the Women in Management movement. The atmosphere carried both prestige and purpose, reflecting the heart of the organisation itself.
Honouring the Panel of Judges
The awards were evaluated by a distinguished Panel of Judges, each representing excellence in global leadership and industry expertise. The panel’s commitment ensured a transparent, comprehensive and fair assessment of every nomination, recognising not only achievement but also impact, resilience and leadership values.
The Welcome Speech was delivered on behalf of the panel of judges by Rishini Weeraratne, Editor of The Sun (Daily Mirror), Editor of HI Online, and Head of Social Media at Wijeya Newspapers Limited. Serving as both an Executive Committee Member of the WIM UK Chapter and a member of the judging panel for the 2025 UK Awards, Rishini set the tone for the evening with a heartfelt address. She spoke of the powerful stories behind each winner, stories defined by resilience, innovation, and purpose. Her message underscored that the awards were more than a celebration; they were a powerful reminder of what women can accomplish when given the opportunity, visibility, and support to rise.
The full Panel of Judges consisted of Dr. Aradhana Kohowala, Chair of the Panel of Judges and Chief Executive Officer of Aptamind Partners; Princess Katarina de Silva, philanthropist and social impact entrepreneur; Farzana Baduel, Founder / Chief Executive Officer of Curzon PR; Rishini Weeraratne, Editor of The Sun (Daily Mirror), Editor, HI!! Online and Head of Social Media, Wijeya Newspapers Limited; Obi James, Founder of Obi James Consultancy Limited; Fatima Patel, Managing Editor of Asian Sunday and Style and Asian Standard News (UK); Deshamanya Lynn Stanier, MBE, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Their Future Today; Rebecca Rifario, Director and Chairman of the UK Parliamentary Society of Arts; Dr. Bindunie S Rowland, Founder of Wellbeology Limited; and Olga Balakleets, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of the Creative Women Platform and Venues Global Events.
A Vision Reaffirmed
Dr. Sulochana Segera, Founder and Chairperson of Women in Management, delivered a heartfelt reflection on the movement’s purpose and growth. She emphasised that WIM was created to ensure that women are visible, valued and celebrated. She recognised that hosting the awards in London marked another milestone in building a connected global community of women who lead with empathy, intelligence and strength. Dr. Segera stressed the importance of women supporting one another. She observed that many women remain unseen not only because of cultural or societal barriers but also because of a lack of support from other women. She encouraged the winners to rise together, to be a source of courage for younger generations and to help women from all backgrounds feel confident, respected and capable of reaching their full potential.
Celebrating the Winners
The Top50 Professional and Career Women’s UK Award winners represented a wide spectrum of professions including business, technology, education, healthcare, law, governance, media, arts, community development, finance and public service. Each winner demonstrated excellence within her field and contributed significantly to the broader goal of building a more gender inclusive professional environment.
The winners were as follows. Advita Patel, Founder of CommsRebel received the Marketing and Communications Professional of the Year Award. Ayesha Smart, Crown Court Recorder and Barrister, received the Legal Personality of the Year Award. Councillor Sharon Thompson JP, Deputy Mayor of the Midlands and Deputy Leader of Birmingham City Council, received the Public Sector Leader of the Year Award. Deena Tissera, Councillor and Chief Whip of the Aberdeen Labour Group, was honoured in the Outstanding Woman in Governance and Public Policy category. Denise Parkinson, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Varietye, was recognised for Entertainment and Marketing.
Dilini Lakshika Seneviratne, Founder of the Kandyan Dancers Company in the United Kingdom, received the Cultural Ambassador in Dance and Heritage Award. Dr. Jane Leonard, Founder of the Dr. Jane Leonard Clinic, received the award for Aesthetic Medicine and Wellness. Dr. Shini Somara, Mechanical Engineer, Broadcaster and STEM Advocate, was named STEM Champion of the Year. Dr. Sylvia Tiryaki, Chair of the Helsinki Committee for Human Rights in Slovakia, received the award for Law and Human Rights.
Dr. Dinusha H. Weerawardane, Head of the Department of Accounting and Finance at Arden University, received the Academia and Education Leadership Award. Edith Mahachi, Clinical Director of IPC at Barts Health, was honoured as Healthcare Professional of the Year. Emb Hashmi, Journalist (BBC), Broadcaster and Founder of Rising Girl, received the Digital Media Professional of the Year Award. Shalini Silva, Director and Manager of Fun Kids Nurseries Limited, received the award for Leadership in Early Childhood Leadership.
Humera Afzal, Chief Financial Officer at One Luxury Group, received the Board Director of the Year Award. Ibironke Adeagbo, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of IA Foundation, was honoured as Education Advocate of the Year. Irene Sriharan, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Kingsman Group, received the Lawyer and Legal Personality of the Year Award. Kawser Quamer, Journalist, Presenter, Writer and Producer, was recognised for Broadcast Media and Creative Communication.
Naana Otoo Oyortey, MBE, Executive Director of FORWARD, received the DEI Advocate of the Year Award. Naila Mugal, Casting Director and Film Producer. Nicola Merritt, Chief Executive Officer of Cortus Advisory Group Limited, was honoured as a Business Leader in Finance and Advisory. Noor Ali, Senior Commercial Manager at P&B Foods, received the Trailblazer of the Year Award.
Noreen Khan, Vice President of the Indian International Film Awards (IIFA), received the Media and Entertainment Award. Nusrat Hathiari, FRSA, Head of Partnerships at WEA, received the Educator of the Year Award. Oroma Ayemoba of Noxie Power Limited and Senior Director at Worley received the award for Sustainable Energy Transition. Priya Guliani, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of EarthID, received the award for Outstanding Leadership in Technology and Enterprise Sales.
Roselyn Unegbu, Delivery Director at Thames Water, received the award for SME Leader of the Year and Women in Construction. Rushanka Amrutkar, Chief Scientist in the Environment and Business Directorate at England’s Environment Agency, received the Environmental Changemaker of the Year Award. Ruth Ormsby, Managing Director for EMEA at Fenergo, was recognised for Excellence in Enterprise Sales Leadership.
Sanam Arora, Founder and Chairperson of the National Indian Students and Alumni Union UK, received the Leadership in Global Student Advocacy Award. Sonia Brown, MBE, Founder of the National Black Women’s Network, received the Social Entrepreneur of the Year Award. Sunaina Sethi, Co-Founder and People Director of JKS Restaurants, received the Restaurateur of the Year title. Sylvia Villa Echeverria, Chair of Girls Football at Hillyfielders FC and Coach of the Girls Football Under Fourteen team, received the Sportswoman of the Year Award. Wendy Olayiwola BEM, Visiting Professor, National Maternity Lead for Equality and Founder of the Health Equity Strategists, received the award for Leadership in Nursing, Midwifery and Healthcare Inclusion.
Zineb Faress, Founder of Raphia, received the Business and Entrepreneurship Award. Cydnie Thompson, Founder of AIM2GROW System in the United Kingdom and Germany, received the Best DEI Initiative Award. Grace Moronfolu, MBE, Director of Carbonado Consultancy, was honoured for Social Justice and Inclusion. Catherine Vedamuttu, Headteacher of St Peter’s Catholic Primary School, was recognised as a Transformative Educationist. Debbie Flynn, Managing Partner and Global Travel Practice Leader at FINN Partners, received the Woman Icon in International Travel and Tourism Award.
A Milestone for Women in the United Kingdom
The second edition of the Top50 Professional and Career Women’s Awards (UK) was more than a celebration of individual achievement. It reflected a growing global movement that is transforming the way society views women in leadership. As Women in Management continues to expand across continents, its mission remains focused on creating a world where equality is lived, practiced and championed. Through recognition, collaboration and strong leadership networks, WIM continues to rewrite narratives, celebrate silent achievers and build bridges of empowerment. With every award ceremony and every chapter that joins the network, the organisation strengthens the global sisterhood of women leading with dignity, empathy and unwavering resilience.
