#WRA24 - How it Feels to be a Finalist

Last month, we revealed our finalists for the Women’s Recognition Awards 2024.

After receiving a huge number of outstanding applications, our judges narrowed it down to a shortlist of the industry’s very best. Here’s how they reacted to being named as finalists for #WRA24:

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

Absolutely amazing! This is the third time I have been a finalist so keeping my fingers crossed for third time lucky!

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

It’s a great honour to be recognised in an industry with so many other brilliant women!

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

I'm extremely honoured and amazed to be nominated for such an amazing award! I'm incredibly proud of the work I do in my job and to be recognised for this is just the best feeling.

Noreen Baqir, Circle Finance - Entrepreneur of the Year finalist

I truly feel honoured and proud. It’s been an ongoing journey with many challenges but being a finalist for Entrepreneur of the Year has given it validation. Excited for the night.

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

We are absolutely honoured to be finalists for the second year running. I'm literally beaming as I write this as being a small team it means so much, we really take passion in what we do. When we set the business up 5 years ago, our aim was to provide clear, concise advice to our clients and help as many people as possible gain home ownership regardless of their background. To have the nomination for this award for supporting customers makes all the late nights and worry worthwhile as a business owner and gives our team the recognition they deserve as we couldn't do what we do without them.

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

Absolutely thrilled. It is a massive honour being such a small company compared to my competitors and it would be an even bigger honour to win.

Jen Carhart, HSBC Life - Woman in Protection finalist

Wow super proud, shocked and humbled. [I applied] for all the ladies in protection, raising the bar for insurance...

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

We are very honoured to be recognised among such amazing industry names, particularly for a category that carries such importance for us as a Society. Given the competition we are beyond thrilled to even be shortlisted!

Claire Chambers, Stonebridge - EDI: Best Leadership finalist

I am absolutely delighted and honoured to be a finalist for the 2024 Women's Recognition Awards. It's a great feeling to be acknowledged alongside such talented and inspiring women in our industry.

Dianne Corner, Pepper Money - Woman in Management finalist

I have always loved helping individuals become the best they can be and creating teams that want to achieve great things together. To be able to do what I love, and be recognised for doing it well, means the world to me. When I found out I was shortlisted as a finalist I was lost for words (and as so many will know, that is very unlike me). I am honoured to see my name amongst the great women in our industry and I cannot wait to celebrate with all the winners, finalists, and amazing women in October.

Katie Dennehy, UnderwriteMe - Woman in Fintech finalist

I feel honoured to be nominated! Very exciting!

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

WOW wow wow - AMAZING!! I'm so unbelievably proud that I am a finalist, I was still so grateful for just being nominated, so to be a finalist I can’t contain my excitement!

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

WOW! I am so proud to be a finalist in the Women's Recognition Awards, this feels epic! To be considered for the award is a huge achievement and I haven’t been able to stop dancing at my desk with pride.

Michelle Gardner, HSBC - BDM of the Year finalist

I can hardly put into words how fantastic this feels! To be named as a finalist in this fiercely competitive category amongst peers in our mortgage community that I know work so hard to be the best advocate they can be for their brokers is just a wonderful feeling!

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

It feels incredible to be acknowledged as a finalist in this category. Seeing Fix My Legals comes from an idea born out of the stresses I've seen the conveyancing industry cause to achieving so much before our second birthday is incredible. Being shortlisted for this award make the hard work and effort we put into this business very real and shows we are making strides in this industry.

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

I am literally overwhelmed and even if I do not win on the night I am very grateful to be a finalist!

Carmen Green, Xpress Mortgages - Rising Star finalist

I'm over the moon! Women promoting women is so important to me and so this is the biggest compliment to be voted!

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

It is a complete shock to be a finalist! There are so many amazing women recognised, it's an absolute privilege to be amongst them.

Mark Harrington, L&C Mortgages - EDI: Best Customer Support, EDI: Best Employee Support, & EDI: Mental Health Champion finalist

We are proud to be finalists for 3 awards very close to our hearts at L&C, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Best Customer support, EDI Best Employee support and EDI Mental health champions. It's a great honour to be recognised and be featured with other excellent changemakers in our industry and these awards reflect our deep commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment within the industry, the workplace and with our customers.

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

It's such an honour to be a finalist in the fintech category! The industry is making exciting and momentous progress on its tech journey so having our work on digitisation and open standards recognised in this way is hugely appreciated.

Jennifer Harrison, MPowered Mortgages - Marketer of the Year finalist

I cannot express in words how grateful I am to have been made a finalist for Marketer of the Year and to be listed alongside such talented, successful women is a true privilege. I look forward to celebrating with you all in October! I'm very thankful that I get to work for a business that allows me to thrive as an individual, but also as part of an incredible team who've already achieved so much in the last twelve months. This recognition means so much to all of us - thank you!

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

It's a moment of pride for me, but for everyone who has supported and believed in my career journey. This recognition highlights the importance of the advice and work we do and the impact it has on our clients whilst making a difference in a male-dominated industry.

Holly Irvine, Yorkshire Financial Services Ltd - Mortgage Adviser of the Year finalist

I feel so very honoured and proud to have been selected as a finalist. I am completely overwhelmed by everyone who nominated me and voted for me. A huge well done to all the other ladies who have been successful too. Here's to a great night on 22nd October, celebrating all OUR achievements in the industry.

Jane King, Ash Ridge - Mortgage Adviser of the Year finalist

Very surprised and delighted.

Natalie McNamara, Loans Warehouse - Rising Star finalist

I am deeply honoured to be a finalist in the Rising Star category at this year’s Women's Recognition Awards. Being recognised by peers and industry leaders is incredibly rewarding and highlights the invaluable support and opportunities provided by my employers and colleagues. I am immensely proud and grateful to stand alongside other remarkable women, and this recognition inspires me to continue on my journey in this amazing industry.

Kirsty Mills, Hodge Bank - Underwriter of the Year finalist

I am extremely proud to be a finalist as part of amazing women in this industry who are sometimes overlooked because they don't shout about their achievements and they are just doing their job, but sometimes doing that job means going over and above every single day, every interaction with colleagues and brokers and just being supportive of younger team members in this very male-orientated world to be able to help them gain in confidence and be the future strong women in the workplace.

Donna Morgan, LV= - BDM of the Year finalist

I am incredibly proud to have been announced as a finalist for the WRAs for the second year in a row amongst some very inspirational ladies.

Riona Mulherin, Paradigm - EDI: Mental Health Champion finalist

I'm over the moon to be recognised amongst some inspiring individuals! Being a finalist in this category is an incredible honour as it is a topic so close to my heart. I'm passionate about improving mental health and wellbeing both within our company and in our industry.

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

I am truly shocked and feel very proud to be recognised in this category. To be alongside some exceptional women in the industry is an honour.

Caroline Payne, AIG Life Ltd - Woman in Protection finalist

Absolutely amazing! I'm in a category with truly inspiring women from the protection industry. I am grateful for the recognition and to be in such fantastic company.

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

I am truly honoured and thrilled to be named a finalist for the 2024 Women's Recognition Awards. This recognition is not just a personal milestone but a testament to the collective effort and support of my colleagues, mentors, and family who have been integral to my journey. Being recognised among such an inspiring group of women is both humbling and empowering. It reinforces my belief in the importance of perseverance, dedication, and the impact we can have when we strive for excellence. This nomination encourages me to continue advocating for and contributing to the empowerment of women in our field and beyond. Thank you to the selection committee for this incredible honour. It feels rewarding to see my efforts acknowledged on such a prestigious platform. I look forward to celebrating this achievement with all the remarkable women who are making a difference.

Louisa Sedgwick, Paragon Bank - Woman in Specialist Lending finalist

It was an absolute joy to hear that I was a finalist at the WRAs - to be highlighted amongst some incredibly talented women is fabulous.

Megha Srivastava, Twenty7tec - Woman in Fintech finalist

Being named a WRA finalist is both validating and empowering. This recognition, among such accomplished individuals, is an incredible feeling. It inspires me to aim higher and serves as a beacon of hope for others facing similar challenges.

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

Absolutely unbelievable achievement, speechless and overwhelmed, can’t wait for the awards, and congratulations to all the finalists.

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

Being a finalist in this category is a significant achievement that reflects our passion for our work. We genuinely believe that our clients are at the core of our role and our business. As we reflect on the other individuals and businesses also recognised in the finals, we are filled with gratitude and pride. We are delighted to celebrate both our success and that of our peers.

Laura Travers, Vitality - Rising Star finalist

It feels absolutely amazing and is a huge career milestone!

Britney Trussler, Dynamo - Rising Star finalist

I am over the moon to have been selected as a finalist for this award. It is a tremendous honour to be recognised among such talented industry peers and it really validates that the hard work and dedication I pour into my work hasn't gone unnoticed. This recognition inspires me to continue striving for excellence and contributing positively to the protection world.

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

We are utterly thrilled! These awards are particularly poignant for us, being a female business in the industry and standing up for gender equality, as well as diversity and inclusion. To be recognised in this way is amazing validation for the work we are doing.

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

I'm beyond excited to be named a finalist in the Women's Recognition Awards! It's an incredible honour to be recognised alongside such talented women in our industry. This isn't just about personal achievements—it's a celebration of all the remarkable women making a difference in specialist lending and financial services. It's inspiring to see our industry increasingly value diversity and highlight the contributions of women. This recognition is a fantastic opportunity to shine a spotlight on our collective successes and continue pushing for positive change.

Emma Vaughan, SimplyBiz Services Ltd - Woman in Protection finalist

Receiving the email that named me a finalist left me utterly astonished. I deeply appreciate the challenge posed by my peers, making this recognition an achievement in its own right. Reflecting on the past 20 years, my mother, who also worked in financial services, lacked a platform to celebrate her successes with other women, which makes this moment all the more special for me.

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

I am absolutely delighted and honoured to be a finalist! I work with so many amazing women in the later life sector I feel very thankful to have made it to the final.

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

I am incredibly proud and deeply honoured to be a finalist in the category of Later Life Adviser of the Year. This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication female advisers put into helping others secure their financial futures. Being acknowledged in this way fills me with immense joy and motivation to continue striving for excellence in my field. I wish all my fellow finalists the best of luck.

Emma Williamson, Stream Bank - EDI: Best Leadership finalist

Breathtaking! To know that people inside my organisation feel willing to take time out from their busy day to nominate me feels incredible. Then to be picked as a finalist with so many inspirational women was phenomenal.

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

I am OVER THE MOON! I was extremely surprised as there are so many inspiring and ambitious women in the industry. I feel honoured to have been chosen.

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

I'm so excited! We have a great group of really talented women in the industry, so to be named amongst them is a real honour.

The Women’s Recognition Awards will take place on 22nd October 2024 at Roundhouse, London. If you want to join us in celebrating the impact that all our incredible finalists are having on the industry, you can book your table or sponsor a category on our website.