On the evening of November 21st, 2024, something extraordinary unfolded at the Bolton Stadium Hotel. More than 500 guests gathered in person, joined by thousands more online from across the globe, to celebrate the 10th Annual SheInspires Awards. It was a moment of reflection, celebration, and forward-looking ambition as we marked a decade of shining a light on women’s achievements locally, nationally, and internationally.
What started as a humble event under the banner of Women in Neighbourhoods has blossomed into a global movement. Over the years, the SheInspires Awards have celebrated the accomplishments of women from 41 countries, offering a platform to tell their stories and amplify their impact. This year, women traveled to Bolton from as far as Australia and Turkey, demonstrating the Awards’ power to connect and inspire across continents.
A Night to Remember
The 10th anniversary wasn’t just a milestone—it was a testament to the collective strength of women and their allies, as highlighted by the Mayor of Bolton, Cllr Andy Morgan:
“This event is not merely an evening of celebration. It is a powerful platform for empowerment, recognition, and inspiration.”
The atmosphere was electric, filled with stories of triumph, resilience, and innovation. We heard about women breaking barriers in STEM, leadership, business, and the arts. We celebrated extraordinary volunteers, culture champions, and women in health and medicine.
The Shero Award winners, including global winner Burcu Onder Gurpinar from Turkey, left us speechless with their courage and commitment. And who could forget the inspiring story of Lexie Leack, a Bolton Sixth Form student born with cerebral palsy, who won the Young Achiever Award for her remarkable resilience?
But this year’s Awards were not just about the past; they also became a springboard for future change.
A Legacy of Empowerment
The SheInspires Foundation is proud to announce the launch of the Investor Forum, an initiative designed to provide much-needed funding and opportunities for women-led businesses. By connecting women entrepreneurs with investors, we aim to break down barriers to financial support and create a pathway for women to succeed in business.
As Awards founder Gulnaz Brennan said:
“The 10th anniversary is not just a celebration of past successes but a powerful springboard for future initiatives aimed at transforming the lives of women and girls worldwide.”
The Investor Forum is a natural evolution of our commitment to empowering women globally. By addressing the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs, we are creating a ripple effect that will benefit entire communities.
Honouring Excellence
The night belonged to our winners. Their achievements represent the spirit of SheInspires—bold, courageous, and deeply impactful. From Ashley White, the recipient of the Stacey Stepping Stone Award, to Preeti Chaudhary, recognised as Businesswoman of the Year – High Growth, each winner reminded us why this platform exists.
Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to our sponsors, including Stanmore Insurance, Bolton Sixth Form College, Leisure Guard, the Royal Air Force, Liquid Lipo, and Bolton Council, whose support made this event possible.
Get Involved
We’re already looking ahead to the 2025 Awards.
• Nominations are now open, and we’re looking for extraordinary women and organizations making a difference. Visit sheinspiresawards.com to nominate someone inspiring.
• Ready to join us? The booking link for the 2025 Awards is live on the website.
• Want to be part of this growing movement? Get in touch via our website to explore sponsorship, volunteering, and partnership opportunities.
Looking Ahead
The SheInspires Awards set the tone for an exciting year ahead. We are building legacies, one step at a time. To all the women who inspire, lead, and create change—you are the heartbeat of SheInspires.
As we close the chapter on this remarkable milestone, we look forward to the next 10 years of inspiration, impact, and legacy. Here’s to the unstoppable spirit of women everywhere!
Stay connected with us at sheinspiresawards.com.