One To Watch 

On 6th March 2025, the Northern PoWEr Women Awards will once again shine a spotlight on the trailblazers, changemakers, and pioneers driving progress across the North. As one of the most prestigious celebrations of gender equality and innovation, the awards recognise those making a lasting impact in their industries and communities. This year, we recognise the inspiring individuals nominated for the One to Watch category. This award celebrates those who are showcasing exceptional talent and potential in a new role or industry, demonstrating a commitment to championing equity, equality, and inclusivity. These nominees are future leaders, already making waves and setting the foundations for lasting change within their organisations and communities. Last year Tasnim Khalid took home the award, for her work founding her own legal practice to offer pragmatic, personable legal advice to families. Here’s a roundup of the Game Changing One To Watch nominees.  

Here’s a rundown of the 2025 Finalists: 

Laura Evans  

Laura Evans is a trailblazer in wastewater operations, demonstrating outstanding leadership, technical expertise, and a passion for driving positive change. Since joining NWG in 2005, she has held various roles, excelling in each and earning the respect of colleagues at all levels. As NWG’s first Wastewater Works Manager, Laura has significantly improved employee engagement while spearheading key initiatives, including the pioneering Site Wastewater Analysis Trailer (SWAT) and advancements in phosphorus removal. A founding member of NWG’s WiSTEM network, she champions workplace inclusivity and female wellbeing, ensuring NWG remains a great place to work. Beyond her professional achievements, Laura is a dedicated supporter of Henry Dancer Days, helping raise over £12,000 for children affected by cancer. Her innovation, leadership, and commitment to equality are paving the way for an incredibly bright future.  

Louise Walden-Edwards 

Louise Walden-Edwards, a former Team GB figure skater and national champion, is now making waves as a coach, mentor, and advocate for inclusivity in sport. Passionate about ensuring everyone has access to the benefits of physical activity, she works with individuals of all abilities, from aspiring champions to those using sport for fitness and social connection. Through her Online Academy VO:ICE and initiatives like "The Micro Mummy," she provides accessible, adaptable training, particularly supporting neurodiverse individuals and those with additional needs. Her work with Inclusive Skating and international coaching engagements further showcase her commitment to breaking barriers in a traditionally exclusive sport. As a Eurosport commentator, she educates and influences audiences worldwide, reinforcing her position as a game-changer in her field. Louise’s dedication to equity, equality, and inclusivity in sport makes her truly one to watch. 

Latoya Robinson 

Latoya Robinson is a passionate advocate for increasing the representation of Black women in the legal profession, working tirelessly to challenge the fact that only 3% of ethnic minority women reach partner level. After nearly a decade as a lawyer, she transitioned to her firm’s Responsible Business team to align her career with her core values, focusing on social impact and free access to justice. She has led initiatives to celebrate Black history, chaired her firm's Race and Ethnicity network, and provided legal support to incarcerated mothers. Committed to driving meaningful change, Latoya is establishing her own DEI consultancy to support law firms in improving ethnic diversity at senior levels. A dedicated single mother, board trustee, and community leader, she also volunteers with charities tackling domestic violence and autism support. With her unwavering commitment to equity and inclusion, Latoya is an invaluable asset to her industry.  

Ella-Grace Gregoire 

Ella-Grace Gregoire is a powerhouse of compassion and action, dedicated to ensuring young people from all backgrounds have access to opportunities in the performing arts and beyond. At just 17, she founded EGG, an affordable performing arts school, to support underprivileged children near Blackpool, one of the UK’s most deprived areas. Despite facing financial hardship and battling a chronic autoimmune disease, she has voluntarily mentored over 1,000 young people, fundraising tirelessly to provide them with life-changing experiences. Beyond EGG, she launched Gracia, a consultancy blending performance coaching with mental health support, extending her impact into sports, the Army, and corporate sectors. Since 2017, she has volunteered up to 30 hours a week across 12 community projects, from food banks to free fitness sessions, making a tangible difference in countless lives. At just 24, Ella-Grace’s unwavering commitment to equity, inclusivity, and social impact are a testament to her career so far.  

Laura Howard 

Laura Howard is a passionate advocate for equity, equality, and inclusivity, making her a standout nominee for the One to Watch category. As a Postgraduate Research student and co-chair of the Disabled Staff Network at the University of Manchester, she has driven meaningful change by ensuring the lived experiences of disabled PGRs are at the forefront of decision-making. Her proactive engagement with stakeholders, influential advocacy, and dedication to fostering an inclusive environment have already had a significant impact. With her leadership potential and commitment to championing accessibility, Laura continues to thrive in shaping a more inclusive future. 

Maria Hussain 

Maria Hussain is a transformative leader, as an Assistant Professor at the University of Leeds Business School, she has rapidly made a significant impact through her innovative teaching, research, and advocacy for equity, equality, and inclusivity. Maria has spearheaded initiatives like the "Equity in Education" program and developed a highly popular "Inclusive Leadership" course, equipping students with the skills to drive meaningful change. Her mentorship, thought leadership, and commitment to fostering an inclusive environment within academia and the broader community make her an exceptional candidate, poised to have a huge impact on the future of diversity and inclusion. 

Abigayle André 

Abigayle André is a trailblazer in the UK automotive industry, making waves with her platform, ‘She Talks Cars.’ After pivoting from salon owner to automotive journalist during the pandemic, she has built a rapidly growing audience, using her approachable style to demystify car buying, maintenance, and finance. As a neurodivergent, mixed-race, Muslim woman from the North, Abigayle is a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion, actively encouraging women to explore careers in the automotive sector. With national TV projects, a forthcoming book, and major media features, she is redefining industry norms and inspiring the next generation. 

Foluso Falade 

Foluso Falade is a visionary entrepreneur and advocate for equity, equality, and inclusivity. As the founder of Brandin’ It, she is pioneering a social enterprise that equips teenagers with business and entrepreneurial skills, ensuring financial empowerment regardless of socioeconomic background. Soon to be accessible to 9 million UK teens, her platform is set to revolutionise business education. Foluso also made history as the first contestant on BBC’s The Apprentice to introduce a social enterprise, demonstrating resilience despite personal tragedy. Growing up in Moss Side as a neurodiverse Black woman, she has defied barriers and continues to inspire the next generation of young entrepreneurs.