Emmanuel Acquah-Mensah

Power with Purpose Takes the Spotlight: Extraordinary Leaders Shine at the 15th Annual Novi Awards 2025

For Immediate Release The 15th annual Novi Awards lit up The Londoner this year with an unforgettable celebration of women leading with Power with Purpose — a theme brought to life through every story shared, every barrier broken, and every voice honoured on stage. The ceremony brought together industry leaders, innovators, entrepreneurs and allies, spotlighting 84 exceptional nominees across 16 categories who are reshaping the future of business and technology. “Novi is more than an awards ceremony — it’s a community built on allyship, courage, and service,” said Griselda Togobo, Founder of the Novi Awards. “This year’s winners embody the heart of our movement: breaking barriers, challenging norms, and opening doors for others.” Courage, Purpose and Leadership Take Centre Stage The event delivered a full day of inspiration, featuring honest conversations, bold ideas and powerful reflections on leadership. A compelling keynote from Sarah Furness, former combat helicopter pilot and Squadron Leader, captivated the audience as she shared lessons on resilience, pressure, focus and service-driven leadership. Elizabeth Vega OBE DUniv, the 2024 Businesswoman of the Year and sponsor of this years awards, also returned to the stage with a message on purpose driven leadership resonated deeply. A moving Youth Panel, Novi Futures, showcased the next generation of leaders and the bright future ahead. Championing Change Through Action The 2025 ceremony also highlighted the critical role of allyship in driving meaningful change. The Power & Allies Panel — featuring Lee Chambers (Chief Executive Officer & Founder, Male Allies UK and Essentialise), Dhruv Sarda (Managing Director, Alvarez & Marsal), Gisela Abbam Hon FBSA FRSA (Chair, General Pharmaceutical Council), Tom Stancliffe (Co-Founder, TRIBE and TRIBE Freedom Foundation) and Susan McDonald MEng MIET (Energy Transition Lead & Director, Deloitte Sustainability Strategy) — explored how empathy, influence and collective action can reshape workplaces and accelerate progress for women. Honouring Excellence: Where Power Meets Purpose The highlight of the day was the announcement of the 2025 winners, representing the very best across industries — women driving innovation, pushing boundaries and transforming communities. Ruby Raut earned the top accolade of the evening, Overall Businesswoman of the Year 2025. She did not just build a business — she revolutionised how millions of women experience their periods. As a founder, she identified a gap in the market and transformed it into a movement. Where others saw a taboo, she saw an opportunity to solve a universal problem: leak-free, sustainable and genuinely comfortable periods. Her vision was bold but simple — create underwear that replaces tampons and pads entirely. The execution required pioneering innovation in textile technology, challenging cultural stigmas and building trust in an entirely new product category. The results speak volumes. Her work has received multiple awards for both innovation and sustainability, proving that profit and purpose can thrive together. More importantly, she has cultivated a passionate community of women who do not just buy her products — they champion them. In an era of environmental crisis, she is also addressing waste at scale. By offering a reusable alternative to single-use menstrual products, she is helping to keep millions of tampons and pads out of landfills while empowering women with a better solution. Celebrating Excellence Across 16 Prestigious Categories The Novi Awards 2025, sponsored by Informed Solutions, Moonrise and A&M, set a new standard for recognising excellence and fostering gender equality. The event underscored a powerful message: through allyship and community, women can drive transformative change even in the face of adversity. Novi Awards 2025 Winners Businesswoman of the Year – Ruby Raut, CEO & Co-founder | WUKA Bravery Award – Padmaja Das, Nuclear Deterministic Engineers | Rolls-Royce SMR Emerging Leader of the Year – Maria Rizov, Senior Counsel EMEIR | A&M Engineering Excellence Award – Alison Benn, Project Director | AstraZeneca Rising Star of the Year – Katie Irwin, Principal Manufacturing Engineer | MBDA Technology & Digital Innovation Leader of the Year – Mivy James, Chief Technology Officer | Ministry of Defence Transformational Leader of the Year – Selena Kearvell, Regional Sales Director | Marsh Limited Education / Academic Leader of the Year – Armin Mustafa, Associate Professor / Co-founder & Chief Scientist | University of Surrey / SAIReco Ltd. Inspiring Mentor of the Year – Karen Cairney, CEO / President | Cairney & Company Ltd Public / Third Sector Leader of the Year – Effie Blankson, HR & Transformation Practitioner | Blanksons Limited Social Impact Leader of the Year – Kim Perlow, Founder | Link UP London Women on Boards – Ann Harding, Chair | HAE UK Disruptor / Innovator of the Year – Nikita Thakrar, Founder & CEO | Included VC Female Entrepreneur of the Year – Amy Cunningham, Director | The Strings Club Start-Up of the Year – Debra Rose, Owner / Director | Healthy Feet Franchises International Leader of the Year – Gloria Tabi, Researcher / Advocate | EVERYDAY INCLUSION Highly Commended Beth Crosier | CO4CH Daria Preston | Bank of England Divya Garg | LetsLocalise Limited Heena Dave | Climate Adapted Pathways for Education Julia Barr | Mott MacDonald Marine Vincent | The French Pharmacy Natalia Narozanska | Evolito Ltd Poonam Kaur | fds Director Services Limited Saba Khan | Northwest Women in STEM CIC Sadaf Alam | PM Group Sarah Knowles | Kajima Partnerships Limited Simran Bhatia | Isaac Morris Ltd Sonica Beckmann | House of Kind Constandina Kakaras | MOD Get Involved For more information about the award and to register for next year, visit the website https://www.thenoviawards.com/ We encourage the public to engage with the winners by sharing the list on social media using #NoviAwards2025 https://www.thenoviawards.com/novi-winners-2025/ About Novi Founded in 2005, Novi is on a mission to elevate women’s voices and amplify their impact. With members worldwide from both private and public sectors, including some of the world’s largest organizations, Novi offers various membership pathways for women driving change. As part of its commitment to recognizing excellence, Novi hosts The Novi Awards annually. This flagship event celebrates women breaking barriers and shaping a

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Novi Unveils Shortlist for 15th Annual Novi Awards, Celebrating “Power with Purpose”

For Immediate Release Novi, the UK’s premier network championing women in business and gender equality, today announced the shortlist for the landmark 15th Annual Novi Awards 2025. This year’s awards honour 84 remarkable women leaders whose influence, vision, and impact are creating meaningful change across industries, communities, and generations. Power with Purpose: 15 Years of Women Leading Change The 2025 theme, “Power with Purpose”, celebrates women who are using their leadership and success not only to excel in business but to dismantle barriers for others. From transforming boardrooms and industries to building inclusive pathways for future leaders, this year’s shortlists exemplify the belief that true power comes from using influence to uplift and empower. Griselda Togobo, Founder and CEO of Novi, commented: “Our 2025 shortlist represents the best of what leadership can be – power used with purpose. These women are not just breaking barriers; they are dismantling them, building bridges, and reshaping what inclusive leadership looks like. As we mark 15 years of the Novi Awards, it’s powerful to see past winners return as mentors, judges, and even sponsors – a true demonstration of progress and of women paying it forward.” Elizabeth Vega OBE, 2024 Novi Businesswoman of the Year and Group CEO of Informed Solutions, added: “Winning the Novi Businesswoman of the Year Award was profoundly meaningful after more than 30 years building a business. This recognition validated not just my professional achievements, but also the fabulous team that has supported, encouraged, and challenged me to build a purpose-driven business that creates an empowering workplace for our people and delivers positive real-world impact. It’s a privilege for me to pay it forward to other women leaders, helping them achieve their own breakthrough moments that enable them to build great businesses and workplaces that make a difference.” A Framework for Change The “Power with Purpose” theme is underpinned by three pillars: Power – the journeys of building influence and leadership. Purpose – the mission of creating a fairer, smarter, healthier world. Progress – the evolution from award winners to sponsors and mentors, actively creating pathways for the next generation. These pillars echo throughout the 2025 shortlist, highlighting women whose careers are defined not only by personal achievement but also by their dedication to collective progress. Award Categories The 84 shortlisted candidates will compete across 14 categories, including: Transformational Leader of the Year Novi Technology & Digital Innovation Leader of the Year Novi Engineering Excellence Award Emerging Leader of the Year Novi Rising Star of the Year Inspiring Mentor of the Year Education/Academic Leader of the Year Social Impact Leader of the Year Public/Third Sector Leader of the Year Start-Up of the Year Female Entrepreneur of the Year Women on Boards Disruptor/Innovator of the Year International Leader of the Year An overall Businesswoman of the Year will also be selected from among the category winners. The full shortlist can be viewed at: www.thenoviawards.com The full shortlist for The Novi Awards 2025: Emerging Leader of the Year; Amy Staines, Senior Financial Education Manager, Better with Money; Anupama Hatti, Head of Programme delivery, NHS Blood and Transplant; Daria Preston, Change & Transformation Lead for Bankwide Skills & Talent, Co-Lead for Pathways to Parenthood community, Bank of England; Jenny Zhou, Solutions Architect, AWS; Maria Rizov, Senior Counsel EMEIR, A&M; Poonam Kaur, CEO, fds Director Services Limited; Tara Annison, Head of Product, Twinstake; Lucy Miles, Manager, MBDA Novi Engineering Excellence Award; Alison Benn, Project Director , AstraZeneca; Carmen Macri, Principal Mechanical Engineer, WSP – Manchester, GTM; Julia Barr, Principal Commercial Manager, Mott MacDonald; Padmaja Das, Nuclear Deterministic Engineer, Rolls Royce SMR Novi Rising Star of the Year; Madlyn Debrah, Compliance Apprenticeship, Barclays; Natalia Narozanska, Lead Simulation Engineer, Evolito Ltd; Tomi Olufawo, Financial crime analyst , Barclays; Katie Irwin, Principal Manufacturing Engineer, MBDA Novi Technology & Digital Innovation Leader of the Year; Mivy James, Chief Technology Officer, Ministry of Defence; Caitlin Keam, VP Sustainability Applications, IFS; Katherine Lee, Director, Global Product Integration, MasterCard; Dr Claire Thorne, Venture Partner, Deep Science Ventures; Helen Kimber, Senior Data Scientist, Genetec; Constandina Kakaras, Deputy Director Software, Cloud Services, AI & Commercial X, MOD Transformational Leader of the Year; Cheryl Razzell, UKI Head of Specialist Solutions Architecture, AWS; Priya Devine, Global Talent Acquisition Leader – Infra, A&M; Sadaf Alam, Senior Sustainability Consultant, PM group; Selena Kearvell, Regional Sales Director, Marsh Limited; Sophie Graham, Chief Sustainability Officer, IFS; Carla McGlynn, Managing Director, Global Head of Markets Business Controls Technology / Tech Site Lead, Citi Belfast. Education/Academic Leader of the Year; Armin Mustafa, Associate Professor in AI and Co-Founder and Chief Scientist, CVSSP University of Surrey and SAIRECO Ltd; Cristina-Steliana Mihailovici, Lecturer, Study Group / LJMU ISC; Heena Dave, Co-Founder, Climate Adapted Pathways for Education; Shweta Singh, Assistant Professor, University of Warwick Inspiring Mentor of the Year; Karen Cairney, CEO and Founder, Cairney & Company Ltd; Naomi Timperley, Co Founder, Tech North Advocates; Patrice Bailey, CEO, Patrice Bailey International; Beth Crosier, Founder, CO4CH; Abeyna Jones, Founder & CEO, Medic Footprints; Srabani Sen, CEO and Founder, Full Colour, Karrie Fitzmaurice, Founder, House Of KIT, Public/Third Sector Leader of the Year; Charlotte Proudman, Barrister, Campaigner; Effie Blankson, HR and Transformation Practioner, Blanksons Limited; Helen Rowe, Structures and Tunnels Asset Manager, Kent County Council. Social Impact Leader of the Year; Alice Hendy, CEO and Founder, Ripple Suicide Prevention Charity; Amy Watson, Director, HASSL Ltd, Elena Sinel, Founder & CEO, Teens in AI; Emma Porter, Founder / Director, The Rebuild Site; Kim Perlow, CEO, Link UP London; Saba Khan, Co-founder, Northwest Women in STEM Community Interest Group; Sheila Bailey, Director, Artemis Philanthropy Advisory Ltd; Adebukola Salau, IT Delivery Lead, Her Connect Hub and Women For More International; Michelle John, Founding Director, PEGS Support; Alina Timofeeva; CEO, Unique.Bold.You Women on Boards; Ann Harding, Chair, HAE UK; BINDI KARIA, Innovation Expert, Venture Partner, NED, Advisor, bindi ventures; Sarah Knowles, Head of PPP Asset Management, Kajima Partnerships Limited Disruptor/Innovator of the Year; Divya Garg, CEO, LetsLocalise Limited; Dr Pauldy Otermans, Head of Research AI Technology in Education, COO, Otermans Institute; Geeta Sidhu-Robb, CEO/Founder, WCorp Ltd; Hilary Young, CO-Founder, 448 Studio Ltd/ TA Forumm;

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Past Winner Champions The Novi Awards

Award-winning entrepreneur Elizabeth Vega OBE brings her success story full circle by supporting the next generation of women breaking barriers The Novi Awards, the premier programme championing women breaking barriers across industries, is delighted to announce Informed Solutions as the official sponsor of the Technology & Digital Innovation Leader of the Year and Businesswoman of the Year Award category. In a remarkable full-circle moment, the sponsorship comes from Elizabeth Vega OBE, founder and group chief executive of Informed Solutions and winner of the 2024 Novi Awards Businesswoman of the Year. Elizabeth’s journey from Novi Awards winner to sponsor exemplifies the programme’s mission of celebrating women who shatter glass ceilings and create pathways for others to follow. Her decision to sponsor the Businesswoman of the Year Award demonstrates her commitment to nurturing the next generation of women business leaders and her belief in the transformative power of recognition and support. “Winning the Novi Businesswoman of the Year Award was profoundly meaningful after more than 30 years building a business,” said Elizabeth Vega OBE, who recently appeared on the ‘Pivot with Griselda’ podcast to discuss her entrepreneurial journey. “As I shared with Griselda, this recognition validated not just my professional achievements, but also the fabulous team that has supported, encouraged, and challenged me to build a purpose-driven business that creates an empowering workplace for our people and delivers positive real-world impact.  It’s a privilege for me to pay it forward to other women leaders, helping them achieve their own breakthrough moments that enable them to build great businesses and workplaces that make a difference.” Elizabeth’s commitment to supporting women entrepreneurs was recently highlighted in her appearance on the ‘Pivot with Griselda’ podcast, where she discussed her three-decade journey from startup founder to government advisor. The conversation explored how her mission of creating a ‘fairer, smarter, healthier’ world through technology has driven both her business success and her passion for championing diversity in the tech sector. The sponsorship will support several key initiatives designed to maximise impact for women business leaders, including a Digital Leadership Mentorship Programme – Pairing award finalists with established women business leaders for 6-month mentorship relationships, focusing on digital transformation, scaling for impact, and navigating complex business challenges. “Elizabeth’s sponsorship represents everything the Novi Awards stands for – women supporting women, success breeding success, and the importance of lifting others as we climb,” said Griselda Togobo, Director of the Novi Awards and host of the ‘Pivot with Griselda’ podcast. “Having recently interviewed Elizabeth about her remarkable journey, I’ve seen firsthand how her investment in this category, combined with her expertise in digital transformation and policy influence, will create lasting impact far beyond the awards ceremony itself.” The Technology & Digital Innovation Leader of the Year and The Businesswoman of the Year Award, now sponsored by Informed Solutions, recognizes women who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, and impact in building and leading businesses that create positive change. The award celebrates leaders who are not only achieving commercial success but also using their influence to shape industries, empower communities, and drive meaningful transformation. Applications for this year’s Novi Awards are closing soon, with the categories promising to be more competitive than ever thanks to the enhanced support and opportunities provided through this sponsorship. Apply now here The Novi Awards ceremony will take place on Friday, 21st November 2025 at The Londoner Hotel in London, where Elizabeth will present the Businesswoman of the Year Award to this year’s winner, continuing the cycle of recognition and empowerment that defines the programme. About the Novi Awards The Novi Awards is a prestigious programme dedicated to championing women breaking barriers across all sectors. Through recognition, celebration, and ongoing support, Novi creates a powerful network of women leaders who inspire and elevate each other. About Informed Solutions Founded in 1992 by Elizabeth Vega OBE, Informed Solutions delivers digital, data and AI solutions that help make the world a smarter, safer, cleaner, and healthier place. Informed’s clients are globally recognised public and private sector brands operating in various sectors, including Government, Healthcare, Transport, Civil Defence, Sustainable Environment, Land Asset Management, and Citizen Engagement. The multi-Queen’s Award-winning data and AI-powered platforms Informed develops support large-scale transformation of services that make a difference. They are used by millions of people every day in a connected, converged world. Elizabeth has over 30 years’ experience working at executive leadership level, heading and advising on complex change and digital transformation programmes for globally recognised and respected organisations. Elizabeth’s work and that of her company is driven by the aims of sustainable and responsible business, entrepreneurship with a purpose beyond profit, building better places to live and work, improving social inclusion, economic empowerment, and equity. Media Availability Elizabeth Vega OBE is available for interviews. Her recent appearance on ‘Pivot with Griselda’ discussing her entrepreneurial journey and vision for digital transformation can be heard at Podcast link. For more information about Novi, and the Novi Awards, visit  www.wearenovi.com or www.thenoviawards.com For media enquiries contact : [email protected].

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When Everything Was on the Line: Elizabeth Vega’s Story of Risk, Resilience, and Rebuilding

When Elizabeth Vega OBE talks about her journey, it is not a story of shortcuts. It is one of resilience, integrity, and having the courage to bet on yourself even when the odds look uncertain. Elizabeth founded Informed Solutions in 1992, at a time when women in tech were rare. Three decades later she leads a global digital transformation business that continues to grow in stature and resilience. Her approach to leadership has shaped not only her company, but also public policy and the lives of the people who work with her. Listening First Elizabeth’s early years took her from Uruguay to Canada, Spain and Australia. Constantly moving taught her one of her greatest leadership lessons: stop, listen and understand. “You only ever carry one constant with you and that is yourself,” she explained. “If you can use new environments to understand who you are at your core and what you bring, it becomes a powerful foundation for leadership.” Betting on Yourself Not every decision was easy. During the 2008 financial crisis, two major clients breached contracts, putting Informed Solutions at risk. With banks unwilling to lend, Elizabeth made a decision that many would avoid: she sold her home to keep the business alive. “It was the biggest personal decision I’ve made,” she said. “But I never regretted it. I believed in my team, I believed in the business, and I believed in where we were going.” That resilience is what she calls the essence of entrepreneurship: knowing when to hold steady and back yourself. Leadership Without Combat Elizabeth is known for her calm, almost stoic presence. While many today are told to fight their way into rooms, her approach is different. “I don’t need to be combative,” she explained. “I try to express my views respectfully and build a body of experience that speaks for itself. If you’re not welcome at one table, there are others where your skills will be valued.” Her philosophy is clear: do not waste energy forcing yourself into spaces that do not see your value. Invest in the rooms that do. Stoicism in Practice A practising stoic, Elizabeth shared the principles that have guided her through difficult times: Focus on what you can change, make peace with what you cannot. Do not make decisions in FOG: fear, obligation or guilt. Master your emotions so others cannot provoke you. Use silence wisely, because sometimes it speaks louder than words. These lessons, she believes, are not just for leaders but for anyone navigating an uncertain world. Redefining Success Despite the pressures of building a global firm, Elizabeth has shown that profitability and purpose are not mutually exclusive. Informed Solutions has been recognised as one of the top 1% of employers worldwide, with a culture built on respect, inclusion and trust. She is equally passionate about sustainability, describing it as “part of your DNA if you want to leave a positive legacy.” Her work spans life sciences, safety, environment and community impact, reflecting a holistic view of what business should achieve. Recognition Matters In 2023, Elizabeth won the Novi Businesswoman of the Year award. For her, the recognition meant more than a trophy. “As a leader you often have your head down, working hard, making sure clients are happy and your people are supported. You rarely stop to ask if anyone notices. Winning a Novi Award was not just about being seen—it was about giving back, showing others what is possible, and reminding yourself that you are making a difference.” Why Her Story Matters Elizabeth Vega’s journey is a reminder that true leadership is not about loud voices or easy wins. It is about resilience, integrity, and the courage to make hard decisions. It is about choosing authenticity over noise and betting on yourself when it counts. At Novi, we celebrate leaders like Elizabeth because their stories are proof that success and purpose can go hand in hand—and that one woman’s courage can light the way for many others. Listen to the full conversation on Pivot with Griselda for more lessons in leadership from Elizabeth Vega OBE. Listen Here Watch the full conversation on Pivot with Griselda here

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Sponsor Spotlight – Alvarez & Marsal Sponsors the 2025 Novi Awards

Leading global professional services firm champions female leadership excellence and transformative business impact The Novi Awards is delighted to announce that Alvarez & Marsal (A&M), a leading global professional services firm, has become the official sponsor of the Transformational Leader category at The Novi Awards 2025. This prestigious partnership brings together two organisations committed to recognising and celebrating exceptional female leadership that drives meaningful change across industries. Championing Transformational Leadership The Novi Awards, now in its 15th year, honours the impact of female leadership, innovation, and entrepreneurship in business. The Transformational Leader category specifically recognises visionary women who have fundamentally changed their organisations, industries, or communities through innovative thinking and decisive action. “We are thrilled to welcome Alvarez & Marsal as the sponsor of our Transformational Leader category,” said Griselda Togobo, CEO at The Novi Awards. “Their commitment to Inclusive Diversity and belief in the power of diverse leadership perfectly aligns with our mission to showcase the achievements of women breaking barriers across industries.” Aligned Values, Shared Vision A&M’s sponsorship brings significant value to The Novi Awards’ mission. The firm’s commitment to Inclusive Diversity, one of its six core values, demonstrates their belief that diverse teams with varied backgrounds and experiences are essential to delivering innovative solutions and superior client service. This philosophy makes them an ideal partner for celebrating transformational female leaders. “Alvarez & Marsal’s support of this category reinforces the importance of recognising women who are not just achieving success, but fundamentally changing the way business is done,” added Griselda Togobo. “Their partnership helps us amplify the stories of extraordinary female leaders and male allies who are reshaping industries and inspiring the next generation.” Celebrating Excellence in Leadership The Novi Awards bring together visionary female business leaders, innovative founders, strategic investors, and committed allies to spark change, fuel growth, and reshape industries. The Transformational Leader category seeks to honour women who have: Driven significant organisational organisational or industry change Demonstrated exceptional vision and strategic thinking Created lasting impact on their businesses and communities Inspired others through their leadership journey A Platform for Change The 2025 Novi Awards ceremony and leadership summit will take place on 21st November 21st, 2025, providing a powerful platform for networking, knowledge sharing, and celebrating achievement. The event goes beyond traditional awards ceremonies to create meaningful opportunities for dialogue and collaboration among extraordinary leaders. “With Alvarez & Marsal’s support, we’re able to continue our mission of providing transformational leaders with the recognition and visibility they need to inspire others,” concluded Griselda Togobo, CEO at The Novi Awards. . “The Novi Awards represent more than recognition – they’re a catalyst for continued progress, and partnerships like this help us create even greater impact.” About Alvarez & Marsal Founded in 1983, Alvarez & Marsal is a leading global professional services firm. Renowned for its leadership, action, and results, Alvarez & Marsal provides advisory, business performance improvement, and turnaround management services, delivering practical solutions to address clients’ unique challenges. With a worldwide network of experienced operators, world-class consultants, former regulators, and industry authorities, Alvarez & Marsal helps corporates, boards, private equity firms, law firms, and government agencies drive transformation, mitigate risk, and unlock value at every stage of growth. To learn more, visit: AlvarezandMarsal.com. About The Novi Awards The Novi Awards is the UK’s premier programme championing women breaking barriers across industries. Now in its 15th year, the awards honour exceptional female leadership, recognising the audacious ones, the innovative transformational leaders, and the game changers who are transforming businesses, communities, and industries. Learn more about the Novi Transformational Leader Award and the inspiring women it celebrates. For media inquiries, please contact: The Novi [email protected]: www.thenoviawards.com For information about Alvarez & Marsal: Sandra Sokoloff, +1 212-763-9853 Image: © The Novi Awards. Pictured (L–R): Griselda Togobo – CEO, Novi, Kathryn Dolan – 2024 Novi Transformational Leader Winner, Lisa Kelly – 2024 Novi Awards Judge and Arti Halai – 2024 Novi Awards Host This press release is issued by The Novi Awards in connection with Alvarez & Marsal’s sponsorship of The Novi Awards 2025.

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From Novi Awards Winner to MBE – Jane Kenyon

This year’s King’s Birthday Honours list brings special recognition to a remarkable woman. Jane Kenyon, the founder of Girls Out Loud and also our 2023 Novi Awards Social Impact of the Year winner, has been awarded an MBE for her services to gender equality and youth empowerment. For more than three decades, Jane has dedicated her life to helping women and girls realise their full potential. Her story is one of courage, commitment, and a deep belief in the power of teenage girls to shape brighter futures. A Life Dedicated to Empowering Girls In 2010, Jane launched Girls Out Loud, a non-profit that supports teenage girls at one of the most crucial stages of their lives. Since then, she has helped more than 30,000 girls through early intervention programmes, mentoring, and advocacy. Her flagship Big Sister programme pairs 12- and 13-year-old girls with female mentors for a full year of guidance and support. This simple but powerful idea has transformed confidence, self-esteem, and aspirations for thousands of girls across the UK. Creating Lasting Change Under Jane’s leadership, Girls Out Loud has partnered with more than 80 schools, trained over 2,000 professional women as mentors, and brought in a further 3,000 volunteers to support its work. Through tireless fundraising, Jane has personally raised more than £2 million to ensure these vital programmes reach the girls who need them most. Beyond numbers, her voice has been a powerful force on issues like body image, gender-based violence, and the impact of social media. Jane explains: “This work has been my life’s purpose – from mentoring girls one-to-one to building an organisation that champions them at scale. I’ve always believed in helping women and girls see the power they already have and reminding them that they aren’t alone.” Recognition of a Collective Effort For Jane, the MBE is not just personal recognition, but a celebration of everyone who has been part of the Girls Out Loud journey. “This is more than just a personal honour, it’s recognition of the thousands of girls, mentors, volunteers and changemakers who have stood behind our mission.” Her words echo the spirit of community that has always been at the heart of Girls Out Loud. What Others Say Jane’s work has been described as transformative by those who know her best. Jackie Hyde, MD of Stanmore Insurance Group, said: “Jane is a force of nature. From the moment you meet her, her passion and energy are undeniable, but what’s even more powerful is her belief in every single girl and woman she meets. She doesn’t just speak about change – she builds it, sustains it, and scales it.” Looking Ahead With new programmes launching across Merseyside, Lancashire and Greater Manchester, Jane and Girls Out Loud are continuing to expand their reach. More teenage girls will now have the chance to grow in confidence, find their spark, and shape their own future. Final Word Jane Kenyon’s MBE is a powerful reminder of the change one woman can spark when she believes in the potential of others. At We Are Novi, we are proud to celebrate this milestone with her and to continue shining a light on leaders who are reshaping the future for women and girls. 👉 Read more about changemakers in our community on the We Are Novi website and join us in supporting the next generation of leaders. (Newsletter link)

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Past Winner Returns as Champion: Moonrise 24hr Recruitment Ltd Sponsors Novi Awards Female Entrepreneur Category

Award-winning entrepreneur Jessica Gwaringa brings her success story full circle by supporting the next generation of women breaking barriers The Novi Awards, the premier programme championing women breaking barriers across industries, is delighted to announce Moonrise 24hr Recruitment Ltd as the official sponsor of the Female Entrepreneur Award category. In a remarkable full-circle moment, the sponsorship comes from Jessica, founder of Moonrise 24hr Recruitment Ltd and previous winner of the very award she now sponsors. Jessica’s journey from Novi Awards winner to sponsor exemplifies the programme’s mission of celebrating women who shatter glass ceilings and create pathways for others to follow. Her decision to sponsor the Female Entrepreneur Award demonstrates her commitment to nurturing the next generation of women business leaders and her belief in the transformative power of recognition and support. “Winning the Novi Female Entrepreneur Award was a pivotal moment in my entrepreneurial journey,” said Jessica, Founder of Moonrise 24hr Recruitment Ltd. “The recognition and platform it provided helped elevate both my business and my confidence as a leader. Now, I want to pay that forward and help other women entrepreneurs achieve their breakthrough moments.” The sponsorship will support several key initiatives designed to maximize impact for female entrepreneurs: Sponsored Initiatives Include: Mentorship Connect Programme – Pairing award finalists with established women entrepreneurs for 12-month mentorship relationships, providing ongoing guidance beyond the awards ceremony. Networking & Collaboration Events – Exclusive quarterly gatherings connecting past winners, finalists, and sponsors to foster ongoing relationships and potential business partnerships. “Jessica’s sponsorship represents everything the Novi Awards stands for – women supporting women, success breeding success, and the importance of lifting others as we climb,” said Griselda Togobo, Director of the Novi Awards. “Her investment in this category will create lasting impact far beyond the awards ceremony itself.” The Female Entrepreneur Award, now sponsored by Moonrise 24hr Recruitment Ltd, recognizes women who have demonstrated exceptional innovation, resilience, and impact in building and growing their businesses. The award celebrates entrepreneurs who are not only achieving commercial success but also creating positive change in their industries and communities. Applications for this year’s Novi Awards are now open, with the Female Entrepreneur Award promising to be more competitive than ever thanks to the enhanced support and opportunities provided through this sponsorship. The Novi Awards ceremony will take place on Friday, 21st November 2025 at The Londoner Hotel in London, where Jessica will present the Female Entrepreneur Award to this year’s winner, continuing the cycle of recognition and empowerment that defines the programme. About the Novi Awards The Novi Awards is a prestigious programme dedicated to championing women breaking barriers across all sectors. Through recognition, celebration, and ongoing support, Novi creates a powerful network of women leaders who inspire and elevate each other. About Moonrise 24hr Recruitment Ltd Founded by Jessica Gwaringa, Moonrise 24hr Recruitment Ltd started life as a care recruitment agency also providing domiciliary care in the local community. As the years have passed the company has built a strong reputation for its high-quality person-centred care and support provided to individuals, reflecting Jessica’s commitment to excellence, inclusion and innovation in business. For more information about Novi, and the Novi Awards, visit www.wearenovi.com or contact [email protected].

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From RAF Spy Planes to Big Tech Data: Dame Dawn Childs Is Engineering Her Own Legacy

“My engineering career took me from RAF spy planes to Big Tech data.” – Dame Dawn Childs Few careers trace a path as bold and varied as that of Dame Dawn Childs, our 2022 Novi awards Stem Leader of the Year. From commanding military aircraft fleets to leading cutting-edge data infrastructure, she has consistently broken barriers in engineering not just for herself, but for those following in her wake. Her story is a blueprint for resilience, reinvention, and unapologetic ambition. From RAF Wings to Wing Commander At just 21, Dawn Childs was entrusted with a team of 50 engineers and a fleet of Hercules aircraft in the Royal Air Force. Fresh from her mechanical engineering degree at the University of Bath, she entered a male-dominated military world and instantly proved herself a leader. Over her 23-year RAF career, she rose to Wing Commander, ultimately becoming the commanding officer of the engineering wing at RAF Waddington. There, she ensured the readiness of Britain’s most sophisticated surveillance planes including the Sentinel, Shadow, and the last flying Nimrod. Despite consistent top-tier performance, her career stalled when she was repeatedly passed over for promotion. The explanation? “There’s no difference between you and the six men who’ve leapfrogged over you. You just need to wait.” So, she didn’t. She resigned and launched a bold new chapter. Civilian Skies, New Missions Dawn’s next move was to Gatwick Airport, managing facilities ranging from escalators and lifts to plumbing systems. Within weeks, she was promoted to Head of Engineering, applying her military-honed crisis skills to a new civilian arena. She even led the response to a catastrophic baggage handling failure during peak travel season. Her next leap was to Merlin Entertainments, overseeing safety for global attractions in the wake of the 2015 Alton Towers crash. With no established engineering standards in theme parks, Dawn introduced structure, process, and global improvements that helped shape industry regulations. From Theme Parks to Data Centres Today, as Chief Executive of Pure Data Centres, she oversees secure, high-capacity digital infrastructure powering everything from cloud computing to global communications. The precision and systems-thinking that kept spy planes flying now ensure the seamless operation of our digital world. Every role she’s taken on has been a study in navigating complexity, managing risk, and leading under pressure. Earning Her Damehood In recognition of her work and impact, Dawn Childs was awarded a Damehood by the King for services to engineering a symbol of just how far determination and courage can carry a person. But for Dawn, the real milestone wasn’t the title it was fulfilling her true potential. “I didn’t leave because I failed. I left to find a place where I could fulfil my true potential.” Why Her Story Matters Dame Dawn Childs didn’t wait her turn she created her own lane. From military bases to executive boardrooms, she’s built a career defined not just by technical excellence but by bold leadership and unshakable values. Her legacy is a powerful reminder: You don’t have to wait for a door to open you can build your own runway.

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The Novi Awards Celebrates 15 Years of Championing Women Leaders in Business

The prestigious Novi Awards, returns to London The Novi Awards, the premier platform for advancing women’s leadership and representation across business, continues its transformative journey into 2025, celebrating 15 years of recognizing exceptional female talent in the UK and beyond. Following its successful rebrand in 2024, the Novi Awards has evolved into an even more dynamic platform, amplifying the voices of trailblazing women who are reshaping industries and communities. The 2025 ceremony will take place on November 21st in London, bringing together the most influential and inspiring female leaders from across the country. Griselda Togobo, Founder and CEO of the Novi Awards, said: “In a world where inclusion is often sidelined, the Novi Awards remains unwavering in its commitment to amplifying women’s voices. When women lead, society thrives — and we will continue to break down barriers, paving the way for the next generation of women leaders to take charge.” The 2025 Novi Awards will feature 28 prestigious categories designed to recognize outstanding female leadership, including the Transformational Leader of the Year, the Emerging Leader of the Year, the Rising Star of the Year, and the STEM Leader of the Year. Nominations for the 2025 Novi Awards are now open. This is your chance to spotlight a deserving leader. Nominations close on September 1, 2025. The shortlist of nominees will be unveiled on October 1st. To nominate a deserving individual or learn more about the awards, visit www.thenoviawards.com. For more information about the programme and how to become a partner or sponsor, contact [email protected]. About Novi Founded in 2005, Novi is on a mission to elevate women’s voices and amplify their impact. With members worldwide from both private and public sectors, including some of the world’s largest organisations, Novi offers various membership pathways for women driving change. As part of its commitment to recognizing excellence, Novi hosts The Novi Awards annually. This flagship event celebrates women breaking barriers and shaping a more inclusive future of business. At Novi, we believe we are Unstoppable Together. For more information about Novi, and the Novi Awards, visit www.wearenovi.com or contact [email protected].

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Author name: Emmanuel Acquah-Mensah