#WRA24 - A Word from our Judges

Now it’s time for us to move on to the next stage of #WRA24, as our expert judging panel consider each application and decide who will be named as this year’s finalists!

Our judges shared with us why they chose to be a part of the Women’s Recognition Awards, and what it means to them to be on the judging panel. Here’s what they had to say.

Collette Allen, SmartSearch

It’s really important to celebrate women in business, both because we don’t do it often enough(!), and to ensure there is visibility of female success to inspire our future female leaders. Having been a previous winner, I know how much it means to the individual and I would love to be able to give someone else that feeling, and I get to hear about the amazing accomplishments of those shortlisted!

Claire Askham, Buckinghamshire Building Society

I love to be able to help support and recognise what great people we have working in our industry, it’s great to listen to what they have achieved and how proud they feel to be nominated. It makes me proud to be part of making someone feel special as they progress through the awards journey, recognising their achievements.

Nina Brown, Pam Brown Mortgages

Having won Protection Adviser of the Year in 2023, I am fully aware of what an amazing achievement this can be, so I am very honoured to be a judge.

Martese Carton, Leeds Building Society

Honoured to be a judge again for 2025, it’s a crucial role in recognising outstanding achievements, talents and contributions in our industry whilst ensuring fairness and integrity in the selection process.

Leigh Church, BM Solutions

I believe it is important to be part of the Women’s Recognition Awards as this really highlights the achievements and contribution of women in various fields of the industry. Being a judge in these awards can help promote gender equality and empower women by shining a spotlight on their successes and inspiring others to follow in their footsteps.

Niki Cooke, Mortgage Brain

I have a deep commitment to celebrating and empowering women in the financial sector. I have first-hand experience of the profound impact such recognition can have on one's career and confidence. I am eager to contribute to recognising and uplifting other exceptional women, fostering a culture of achievement and inspiration within the industry.

Kate Cowan, Hope Capital

I feel really privileged to have the opportunity to be a judge on this year’s Women’s Recognition Awards panel. It’s extremely important to have a platform to celebrate women’s achievements and I’m honoured to be part of such a fantastic initiative which creates positive visibility for females in the industry.

Nicola Firth, Knowledge Bank

I've watched the movement grow from the very first year, and to see the following and the support for not only the inspirational women who are being recognised by these awards but how that carries on through into conversations in the workplace is incredible. It's an absolute privilege to be invited to be a part of the FR WRA's.

Atlyn Forde, Pepper Money

I am deeply honoured to participate as a judge for the Women’s Recognition Awards. Having been recognized for my own efforts in driving diversity, equity, and inclusion, I understand the profound impact such acknowledgment can have. This platform is vital for celebrating and amplifying the voices and achievements of women who are pioneering change and fostering inclusivity across various sectors. It is a privilege to support and recognize the incredible work of my peers, and I am committed to championing the values of equity and inclusion in every aspect of my professional journey.

Jan Gallagher, Recruited UK

After working in financial services for over 30 years I have seen good and bad times when it comes to equal opportunities. I remember attending a financial adviser training course in 2001 and there were 20 men and me! I am glad to see things have changed now but I do believe that continuing to make the financial services industry a more welcoming space for women is so important. The Financial Reporter Women’s Recognition Awards is all about acknowledging success and hard work amongst us women and that can only be a good thing in our industry.

Tony Hall, Saffron Building Society

If my involvement as a judge in highlighting the talent we have in the mortgage industry can inspire just one of the next generation to push themselves to be recognised as the star that they are, then it is an opportunity I cannot ignore.

Alan Longhorn, Bank of Ireland

I am delighted to be named as a judge at the Women's Recognition Awards. It’s a great opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of so many talented individuals within our industry and shine a light on the fantastic contributions made.

Rachel Lummis, Xpress Mortgages Ltd

I'm passionate about our mortgage industry and an advocate of women in mortgages and want to lend my support with being part of the judging panel in this year’s Women's Recognition Awards to shine a light on the amazing women in our industry.

Nakita Moss, Twenty7tec

Delighted to be a part of the judging process this year, after being a finalist in 2022 and a winner in 2023, this is a very welcomed opportunity. I can bring a wealth of experience and passion to the process. I'm committed to supporting women in the industry and taking part in the judging process helps shape a more diverse and inclusive sector. The Financial Reporter Women’s Recognition Awards play a crucial role in amplifying the contribution of women across the industry, showcasing the talent and inspiring others to make a difference.

Karen Rodrigues, Market Financial Solutions

Having been a previous winner of one of these prestigious awards, I feel it is important to give back and to encourage more ladies to apply and push themselves out of their comfort zone. For me, it is important to offer support to each other and shout about all the good work us ladies are doing in the historically male-dominated industry.

Charlotte Rutter, Roma Finance

It is so fantastic to see how much the finance market is changing in terms of diversity across the board. There are more and more amazing women making an impact, taking on more senior opportunities and creating their own. I am thrilled to have been asked to be a judge and am looking forward to seeing the candidates.

Jonathan Stinton, Coventry Building Society

It is a privilege to be part of the judging process for the Women's Recognition Awards. It is an opportunity for the industry’s best to be acknowledged for their invaluable contribution.

Kay Westgarth, Aviva

There is no limit to what we as women can accomplish (Michelle Obama)

Our finalists will be announced on 18th July, so make sure to check our website then to see who has made the shortlist!