Why Our Finalists Entered #WRA24

The Women’s Recognition Awards are important to many women across the industry, and each of our finalists has a different, unique story to tell.

We spoke to this year’s finalists about what made them want to apply, and they shared with us their journey to #WRA24...

Rachel Allison, Create Finance - Protection Adviser of the Year finalist

I feel I make a difference with my job. I have always been so passionate about protection and protecting our clients and I have made a real difference within our company this year with our protection sales.

Amanda Archer, The Equity Release Experts - Later Life Adviser of the Year finalist

It's important for female representation within the financial services industry.

Lauren Barry, Hodge Bank - Mortgage Administrator of the Year finalist

I was nominated by my previous manager who is also shortlisted for an award. To be remembered and then nominated is such a lovely feeling!

Noreen Baqir, Circle Finance - Entrepreneur of the Year finalist

Receiving an award or even getting to the finalist stage gives some validation to all the hard work, sweat and tears. It’s great for marketing as well if pushed on socials, website etc.

Charlotte Bates, Bateswilcox Mortgage Solutions Limited - EDI: Best Customer Support finalist

We always put the clients first and go above and beyond the normal duties to ensure the best outcome for our clients. This is shown in all our amazing reviews - not only would we love this award to show the recognition of this to all our clients and future prospects but to reward our staff with the title for the amazing job they do!

Lana Bates, A2B Financial Services Ltd - Woman in Later Life Lending finalist

Having been in the mortgage and finance industry since 2002 when there were not many of us, it is lovely to see women recognised in this industry which was previously so male dominated.

Jen Carhart, HSBC Life - Woman in Protection finalist

I entered for all the ladies in protection, raising the bar for insurance.

Claire Chambers, Stonebridge - EDI: Best Leadership finalist

I entered #WRA24 because I believe it’s important to recognise and celebrate the great progress we’ve made at Stonebridge on diversity & inclusion. These awards help to highlight the many success stories in our industry, and the people and initiatives that are driving positive changes. By entering, I hope to contribute to this important dialogue and inspire others to continue pushing boundaries within their businesses and creating inclusive and equitable environments for future generations of colleagues.

Dianne Corner, Pepper Money - Woman in Management finalist

I didn't attend the event last year, however I heard that the night was just spectacular, with women celebrating together and with each other which I believe is what we do best. When I received a nomination and knew it meant that an ex-member of my team had taken the time to complete a nomination for me, I knew I had to enter. And I'm so glad I did.

Kirsten Davies, Cirencester Friendly - Equality Employer of the Year finalist

This is our first year entering the awards, but we felt it a valuable platform to recognise the hard work of our teams. The changes within our organisation surrounding equality have been spearheaded by amazing women in the Society, so why not get their hard work recognised!

Katie Dennehy, UnderwriteMe - Woman in Fintech finalist

I was nominated... so thank you to whoever it was :)

Amber Dunning, Purplebricks Mortgages - Protection Adviser of the Year finalist

I was nominated by my amazing Managing Director, Jo Pocklington. She is a wonderful human - she's intelligent, hardworking, determined and such a brilliant leader - so to be told she picked me out of so many other female protection advisers was unbelievable in itself. The reason I submitted my application after being nominated is because I thought it would be wonderful to actually be recognised for all the hard work and dedication that I put into each and every one of my clients and also to share the determination I have to make financial services more female friendly!

Emily Eason, Purplebricks Mortgages – Mortgage Administrator of the Year finalist

I entered #WRA24 as the Managing Director put me forward for this opportunity, and in all honesty, it felt a little daunting to enter such a prestigious award. However, as soon as I began the application, the passion for my role as a mortgage administrator and the achievements I have accomplished gave me the confidence and recognition within myself to apply.

Rachel Eason-Whale, L&C Mortgages - EDI: Best Employee Support, EDI: Best Customer Support, EDI: Mental Health Champion finalist

WRA is vital for celebrating and amplifying the voices and achievements of women, who are pioneering change and fostering inclusivity across our industry. Entering these awards has given us an opportunity to highlight and showcase the hard work and dedication we have invested in ED&I and wellbeing, fostering a sense of pride and accomplishment. It also provides recognition from our peers and industry leaders, validating our efforts. This year L&C is proud to be sponsoring the Woman in the Mortgage Industry award, and we are looking forward to celebrating with the other finalists and recognising the amazing work of our industry together.

Natalie Ellis, Steel City Mortgages – EDI: Best Customer Support finalist

There are numerous reasons to express our enthusiasm. As a newly established business, we are laying the foundation for our future and establishing our presence in the market. We have confidence in our vision and aim to inspire others to do the same. Furthermore, we not only serve as our own platform but also support others. The value of collaboration and shared learning should always be recognised and appreciated.

Michelle Gardner, HSBC - BDM of the Year finalist

I think the WRAs are a great way to celebrate all the contributions that women make to the financial industry, and I wanted to be part of that.

Roxanne Garside, Fix My Legals – Entrepreneur of the Year finalist

I received a lot of nominations and wanted to enter as I feel like we're doing incredible things in our industry at Fix My Legals. We truly are here to revolutionise the conveyancing space and any acknowledgement we get on our journey is testament that we're doing the right thing.

Katrina Gould, Mortgage Advice Bureau - Mortgage Administrator of the Year finalist

I was nominated which is always nice as although I do my absolute best in my role it is also nice to be recognised for all the dedication that I put into our clients’ journeys!

Carmen Green, Xpress Mortgages - Rising Star finalist

I'm really proud of how much I have grown over the last decade, especially in the last year or so, so I wanted to share this with others who I knew would be cheering me on from the sidelines!

Tara Hanratty, Crystal Specialist Finance - EDI: Mental Health Champion finalist

Two reasons really - firstly, I wanted to showcase the culture of openness and inclusivity at Crystal. From the top down we have built on the idea of 'family' to engage and support the team. Secondly, I think the work of women needs to be shouted about more, particularly in male-dominated industries like financial services. Having an event like the WRAs serves as a way of showcasing the amazing women in the industry and shows the future workforce that women have a place in financial services. I have a young daughter and everything I do is to show her that she can achieve amazing things if she works hard.

Maria Harris, Open Property Data Association - Woman in Fintech finalist

I genuinely didn't enter myself which makes this even more special. Having our association members and my industry peers enter and advocate on my behalf is humbling.

Jennifer Harrison, MPowered Mortgages - Marketer of the Year finalist

Within my team at MPowered, we felt that as a marketing department we've achieved a lot at MPowered this year. We love everything these awards stand for and as Content Lead, we felt it was a good opportunity for us.

Emma Hayes, Premier Property Solutions - Protection Adviser of the Year finalist

The WRAs highlight the impact of my dedication and work, inspiring other women to aim high with their ambitions.

Vicki Kingston, Coventry Building Society – Woman in Management finalist

I felt it was important to share my story and past experiences and to hopefully inspire others to do the same.

Natalie McNamara, Loans Warehouse - Rising Star finalist

I was nominated by my Director, for which I was incredibly honoured. Would I have entered without this nomination? Possibly not, only because imposter syndrome can be very real! Being a finalist is such a personal achievement for me and confirms that I must be doing something right.

Kirsty Mills, Hodge Bank - Underwriter of the Year finalist

I have been nominated by colleagues over the past 5 years and I have never taken the application forward as I am just doing my job. This year I decided to complete it to show the women in my team and company that, in my opinion, women with how much they have to juggle should shout about achievements and become a role model for other younger, junior team members.

Donna Morgan, LV= - BDM of the Year finalist

I like the fact that the WRAs are financial services wide, and I feel like I can network and be recognised outside of just my area.

Riona Mulherin, Paradigm - EDI: Mental Health Champion finalist

I was encouraged by my team who have seen me working away on various mental health initiatives, particularly over the past 12 months - it just felt right!

Kerry O'Brien, Mortgage Advice Bureau - Mortgage Administrator of the Year finalist

I'm learning to acknowledge my successes in my career and when I was nominated it felt like a sign from my peers that I deserve to be recognised for my achievements. Additionally, I hoped that it would inspire other women in my team by showing that you can be recognised for all your hard work in this industry.

Caroline Payne, AIG Life Ltd - Woman in Protection finalist

I have worked in this industry for nearly 20 years, but in this last year my contribution has reached a new high. I have gone above and beyond to add value, support people, and make positive change outside of my managerial remit. It feels like my time to shine.

Salga Peter, Owl Financial - Protection Adviser of the Year finalist

I decided to enter the 2024 Women's Recognition Awards because I am passionate about highlighting the contributions of women in our industry. Participating in this prestigious event provides a platform to share my journey, challenges, and achievements, hoping to inspire others along the way. WRA24 represents an opportunity to celebrate not just individual accomplishments but also the progress and impact women collectively make. I am excited about the possibility of connecting with other inspiring women and leaders, learning from their experiences, and contributing to a community that supports and uplifts one another.

Louisa Sedgwick, Paragon Bank - Woman in Specialist Lending finalist

Having been nominated by an industry colleague, I wanted to make sure that I recognised the accolade. It's also fantastic for me to share the news with my 18-year-old daughter.

Megha Srivastava, Twenty7tec - Woman in Fintech finalist

When I first began attending industry events a few years ago, I found it very challenging to feel included due to the lack of immigrant role models. While there are many incredible women in our industry from different backgrounds, the lack of visibility for immigrant women motivated me to join the WRAs. I wanted to prove that if I can succeed, so can they. Despite the fear of competing with established personalities, we must remember to start somewhere and persist. I am proud to share my successes this year, hoping to inspire others by showing that you can rise if you believe in yourself and give your best effort.

Katherine Stagg, Stagg Mortgage Services LTD - EDI: Mental Health Champion finalist

I have a passion for mental health and wanted to share this with people in the industry.

Britney Trussler, Dynamo - Rising Star finalist

I received a nomination for the category and thought it would be a great opportunity to showcase my achievements and dedication so far and benchmark this against others within a similar position to inspire further growth and excellence.

Sarah Tucker, The Mortgage Mum Limited - Spokesperson of the Year finalist, EDI: Best Customer Support finalist

We entered because we feel these awards are hugely respected in the industry and align with our values as a business.

Alex Upton, Hampshire Trust Bank - Woman in Specialist Lending finalist

I entered the Women's Recognition Awards to showcase the significant strides we've made at HTB in fostering an inclusive and supportive environment. The awards provide a platform to share our journey and inspire others in the industry. I wanted to highlight the work we're doing to promote gender equality and celebrate the incredible talent within our team. It's not just about personal recognition; it's about advancing progress and setting a higher standard for the future.

Emma Vaughan, SimplyBiz Services Ltd - Woman in Protection finalist

I participated in #WRA24 because I believe that certain sectors within financial services still have significant progress to make in truly acknowledging the talent within our industry. I consider it my responsibility to pave the way for other women. This initiative has inspired others to put themselves forward in fields like pensions and investments, and I feel that I am contributing to the elevation of my peers wherever possible.

Emma Ward, Key Group - Woman in Later Life Lending finalist

I have entered before, and I thought I owed it to myself and the person who nominated me to give it a go. I have a really supportive team who gave me encouragement to apply.

Lucy Waters, Aria Finance – Woman in the Mortgage Industry finalist

The Women’s Recognition Awards are one of my favourite awards nights, it’s so important to recognise and reflect on the success of all the wonderful women in this industry. I am a believer in leading by example and hope to help inspire other women in finance to share and celebrate their achievements.

Katie White, Attivo Group - Later Life Adviser of the Year finalist

I entered the WRAs as it’s a great way to highlight the profession for women and hopefully attract new advisers to the industry.

Emma Williamson, Stream Bank - EDI: Best Leadership finalist

I love that people want to celebrate women for the outstanding work that they do. I have been to the event before and truly feel inspired by women in the room. It is special to hear so many people being cheerleaders for everyone there.

Romany Youell, needingadvice.co.uk ltd - Rising Star finalist

As a young woman financial adviser, I am constantly striving to make change in this industry. Winning this award would honour my efforts and amplify my educational and advocacy work, setting a positive example for other young professionals - especially women!

Sadna Zaman, Canada Life - Woman in Later Life Lending finalist

I received an external nomination and was at first really uncertain about submitting an entry. I had to fight off the imposter syndrome and when I looked back, I realised that I had some brilliant achievements in a relatively short space of time and realised the importance of sharing how diverse the industry could be.