Winners of the Women of the Future Awards 2016

The Women of the Future [WOF] Awards took place in London on 17th November 2016. The awards recognised some of the upcoming British female talents across all sectors of science, business, media and technology.

The UK is a growing hotspot of women excelling in their careers, More women are now taking leadership roles across all professions, and the WOF Awards highlight these individuals who are destined to be future leaders.

Proudly supported by the Aviva Group, the glamorous event was attended by key figures, who are striving hard to improve female representation in British society. They included WOF founder Pinky Lilani CBE DL, WOF patron Cherie Blair CBE, QC, Baroness Shami Chakrabarti CBE, and the Rt Hon John Bercow MP, Speaker of the House of Commons.

Notable winners were Screenwriter of Dreamscape Films, Sheila Nortley, who won in the ‘Arts and Culture’ category.

Sheila was present the prestigious award by talented burlesque artist, Sukki Singapora:

“Just three years ago I was standing on the same stage as a shortlister for the AWA Awards for being a role model within the Arts. From that moment, I went on to be invited to Buckingham Palace and then to win my campaign to legalise Burlesque in Singapore.

“It was because of these Awards, founded by Pinky Lilani, that my life was changed forever, and history was made, so to be asked back this year, this time presenting the Award for Arts and Culture felt like the perfect circle in my journey. It was an extremely emotional moment for me.”

In the ‘Business’ category, the WOF went to Alex Newbould, who is the Head of Pricing Strategy at Asda. Brynne Herbert, CEO of MOVE Guides was recognised in the ‘Entrepreneurship’ category.

Also recognised for their incredible achievements were Danielle Brown MBE, Dr Maria Bruna, and Maxine Mackintosh. Brown is an inspiring champion of the Paralympic Games. And the archer has been the world number 1 for the entirety of her international career, proving that disability is not a barrier.

These successful young women are the fabric of British society. The UK which now sees its second female Prime Minister still has a long way to go to ensure full equality between the sexes.

Currently, women only hold seven percent of the world’s leading political offices. In the consumer world, almost four in ten businesses in G7 countries have no women among their senior management teams.

Commenting on the awards, Pinky Lilani CBE DL, Founder and Chair, Women of the Future said: “We are delighted to celebrate the remarkable personal and professional achievements of the winners of this year’s Women of the Future Awards.

“The WOF network grows stronger every year as we recognise the young women who are together shaping Britain’s future through their shared passion, determination, and kindness. Congratulations to all the winners!”

Here is the full list of winners of the Women of the Future Awards 2016:

Arts and Culture
Sheila Nortley, Screenwriter, Dreamscape Films

Business
Alex Newbould, Head of Pricing Strategy, Asda

Community Spirits
Natalie Campbell, Founder, A Very Good Company

Entrepreneurship
Brynne Herbert, CEO, MOVE Guides

MBA Star
Julia Paykin, MBA Candidate, London Business School

Media
Chayya Syal, Broadcast Journalist and Blogger, BBC Asian Network and Avid Scribbler

Professions
Fayola Yeboah, Head of Contracts & Legal, UK & Ireland, Manpower Group

Real Estate, Infrastructure and Construction
Bryony Day, Associate, Arcadis

Science
Dr Maria Bruna, Junior Research Fellow in Mathematics, University of Oxford

Sport
Danielle Brown MBE, Company Director, Danielle Brown

Technology and Digital
Maxine Mackintosh, Chair, HealthTech Women

Young Star (for high achievers aged 16-21)
Nusrath Hassan, Alumna, Mulberry School for Girls

Mentor of the Year
Tamara Box, Managing Partner EME, Reed Smith

Corporate Award
London Stock Exchange Group

Now in their 11th year, the Women of the Future Awards has never been so important in highlighting female success in Britain.

These young inspirational women are the stars of the future.

Congratulations to all of the winners!