Person With Purpose 

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 Person with Purpose category. This award honours those who are driven by a deep-rooted passion to create real change, improving the lives of individuals and communities through their work. These nominees go beyond ambition, they are catalysts for progress, dedicating their time, skills, and energy to making a tangible and lasting impact on society. Last year Deborah Lawson took home the award for her groundbreaking work as a disability advocate. Here’s a roundup of the pioneers nominated this year.  

Here’s a rundown of the 2025 Finalists: 

Public Service 

Qaisra Shahraz MBE JP FRSA 

Qaisra Shahraz MBE JP FRSA is a visionary leader dedicated to promoting social cohesion through the arts. As the founder of the award-winning Muslim Arts and Culture Festival (MACFEST), she has worked tirelessly to connect communities, challenge Islamophobia, and celebrate diversity. A renowned author, educationist, and interfaith ambassador, Qaisra has spent over 30 years fostering peace and inclusivity. MACFEST has become a landmark UK festival, enriching cultural institutions, engaging marginalised communities, and positively spotlighting Muslim heritage. Her initiatives, including the Muslim Women’s Arts Foundation and MACFEST Heritage Tours, continue to break barriers and empower voices. Recognised with numerous deserving prestigious awards, Qaisra’s impact is both local and global. 

Saira Ali 

Saira Ali is a trailblazing Landscape Architect and a champion for inclusivity, sustainability, and social impact. As one of the few Asian women leading a multidisciplinary team in local government, she has transformed public spaces into thriving, inclusive environments that prioritise gender equality, public health, and climate resilience. Her leadership at Bradford Council has driven award-winning regeneration projects, including the Make Space for Girls initiative, ensuring that urban design reflects the needs of diverse communities. Beyond her professional achievements, Saira is a dedicated mentor, charity ambassador, and international thought leader, shaping best practices in landscape architecture. With a career spanning nearly three decades, her innovative vision and commitment to driving meaningful change continue to inspire and influence the industry. 

Georgina Ralph 

Georgina Ralph is a passionate advocate for gender inclusion in the Fire Service, dedicating her career to increasing the representation and advancement of female firefighters. As co-chair of FireGIN, she has played a pivotal role in achieving White Ribbon accreditation, fostering safe spaces for women, and educating male colleagues to become allies. Recognising limited opportunities for women to attend national development events, George took the initiative to create an in-county development day, delivering an inspiring programme of workshops and training. Her efforts have not only led to the event becoming an annual fixture but have also sparked greater engagement and support across the organisation. Balancing her leadership role as a crew manager with tireless advocacy work, George continues to break barriers, champion inclusivity, and empower the next generation of female firefighters. 

Odeth Richardson 

Odeth Richardson is an inspiring leader and tireless advocate for race equality, serving as co-chair of Newcastle Hospitals’ Race Equality Staff Network since its inception over a decade ago. Passionate about creating lasting change, she fearlessly challenges inequalities, providing a safe and supportive space for hundreds of staff members. Alongside her demanding role as Head of Occupational Therapy, she also chairs the RCOT/BAOT council, serves as a charity trustee, and is a cultural ambassador. Odeth’s impact extends beyond policy, her poetry, featured in the NHS anthology After the Applause and showcased in a metro station, has inspired many. She embodies selflessness, empowerment, and mentorship, coaching colleagues to achieve their best while offering unwavering support. A true agent of change, Odeth’s dedication to making Newcastle Hospitals a better place for all is nothing short of extraordinary. 

Zoe Dodd 

Zoe Dodd is an extraordinary advocate, mental health nurse, and leader whose lived experience has shaped her mission to improve mental health services. Overcoming immense personal adversity, including child exploitation and life in care, she has defied the odds to become a registered mental health nurse and is now nearing the completion of her PhD. Zoe has been instrumental in developing Sheffield Health and Social Care NHS Foundation Trust’s Peer Support workforce, increasing roles from 5 to 26 and securing funding for initiatives supporting marginalised communities. She co-chairs the lived experience staff network and contributes to national peer leadership forums, ensuring lived experience remains central to mental health services. A fearless advocate, Zoe continues to drive improvements in care, breaking down barriers and empowering others with lived experience to find purpose and employment. 

Viktoriia Murych 

Viktoriia has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to supporting displaced Ukrainians, particularly over the past year. Drawing from her own experience as a refugee, she has dedicated herself to offering both practical and emotional support to those facing unimaginable challenges. Viktoriia’s work includes organising powerful community events such as screenings of "20 Days in Mariupol" to raise awareness of the ongoing conflict, and the Lawyer Ukrainian Conference, which provides refugees with essential legal advice on self-employment and tax matters. Her initiatives, such as integration activities and the "Home Fest" during Refugee Week, foster a strong sense of belonging and pride among refugees from various backgrounds. Viktoriia also led the creation of the UK’s largest Ukrainian flag to mark the second anniversary of Russia's invasion, symbolising resilience and unity. Through her tireless efforts, Viktoriia has helped countless individuals rebuild their lives and find stability, embodying the true essence of a person with purpose. 

Jen Deeney  

Jen Deeney’s steadfast dedication to safety and advocacy is deeply personal and rooted in tragedy. After losing her husband, Kieron, just 13 weeks into their marriage in a construction accident, Jen vowed to ensure he wouldn’t be just another statistic. Over the past 20 years, she has shared their story to raise awareness about safety in the construction industry, reaching thousands of people through talks and videos, and working alongside influential figures such as Baroness Donaghy and the HSE. Jen’s efforts have led to the creation of a memorial to fallen workers in Canary Wharf and have helped raise significant funds for the Lighthouse Club Construction Industry Charity. Alongside her advocacy, Jen has built a career as a nurse, championing the safety of babies and families. Her determination, resilience, and ability to turn personal tragedy into a driving force for change exemplify her commitment to making a lasting impact on safety in the workplace. 

Dr Agam Jung 

Dr. Agam Jung, Consultant Neurologist and clinical lead for the Motor Neurone Disease (MND) service, is an exceptional leader making a tangible impact on those affected by MND. She is spearheading the creation of The Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease in partnership with Leeds Hospitals Charity, ensuring specialised care for people with MND in line with the vision of Rob Burrow, a passionate advocate for the disease. Dr. Jung is dedicated to providing vital support to patients and their families through initiatives like the MND Connect helpline, which offers guidance and support, and her leadership in overseeing MND research. She is also involved in managing numerous research grants aimed at improving treatments and understanding of the disease. Through her commitment to patient care, research, and advancing MND services, Dr. Jung exemplifies the spirit of a person with purpose. 

Charity/CIC 

Steph Capwell 

Steph Capewell is the founder of Love, Amelia, a children’s charity created in memory of her daughter, Amelia, who tragically passed away shortly after birth. Through her profound grief, Steph channeled her pain into a force for good, dedicating herself to supporting families in need. Since founding the charity in 2019, Steph has provided over 13,000 bundles of essential items to families across Tyne & Wear and County Durham, empowering them to overcome poverty and hardship. With a compassionate and empathetic approach, Steph fosters a culture of inclusivity and dignity, ensuring that every family feels supported. Her work not only addresses immediate needs but also strives to break the cycle of poverty, creating lasting change for children and families in her community. Through Love, Amelia, Steph has become a beacon of hope, embodying what it means to live with a purpose driven by a genuine desire to make a difference. 

Aishley Bell-Docherty 

Aishley Bell-Docherty is being nominated for her instrumental role in the growth and success of Skool of Street, an urban arts collective based in Blackpool. Established in 2013, Skool of Street aims to break down social exclusion through Hip Hop arts, offering workshops and performance opportunities to individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities. Aish has been a driving force behind the charity, which provides a wide range of artistic disciplines including Hip Hop, Street Dance, Beatboxing, Graffiti, and more. Under Aish's guidance, the group has expanded from humble beginnings in a basement to a fully-fledged studio, and has been involved in some of the most impactful events of the decade, including the NYE TV broadcast and the Illuminations switch-on. Her dedication to fostering inclusivity, creativity, and artistic expression within local communities has helped to make Skool of Street a vital resource for many, empowering individuals and offering a platform for self-expression. Aish's leadership, organisational skills, and commitment to Skool of Street’s mission make her a deserving nominee for this award. 

Tahera Khanam 

Tahera Khanam has demonstrated exceptional dedication to her community through the founding and expansion of Better We CIC. Since its establishment two years ago, Better We has made a remarkable impact, offering a range of services aimed at improving the physical, social, and mental well-being of the Longsight community, particularly following the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic. Tahera's initiative began with Coffee Morning sessions to combat isolation, quickly growing to include a Men’s Club, Luncheon Club, Women’s Fitness Club, Youth Club, and more. Her commitment to responding to the needs of the community, through surveys and feedback, has been pivotal to the charity’s success. Tahera has focused particularly on empowering women, offering services such as well-being courses, fitness classes, and support for employment opportunities. Her work has garnered increasing recognition, including winning the Be Proud Award 2023, and continues to inspire both individuals and the wider community. Tahera’s selflessness and drive to improve lives make her a deserving candidate for this recognition. 

Louise Clague 

Louise Clague is a passionate and determined advocate for DKMS, dedicating her time and energy to raising awareness and encouraging people to join the stem cell register to save lives. After losing her husband to blood cancer, Lou turned her grief into action, working with DKMS first as a volunteer and then as a paid employee. She works tirelessly to get corporates, sports communities, and organisations involved, organising events and fundraising campaigns that have resulted in life-saving matches and nearly £100,000 in donations. Lou’s enthusiasm is contagious, her efforts have already led to over a thousand people joining the register, making a significant impact on the lives of those battling blood cancer. Despite her personal loss, Lou channels her heartbreak into a relentless drive to help others, earning praise from colleagues for her dedication, positivity, and unwavering commitment to the cause. 

Gillian Ashcroft 

Gill Ashcroft is a visionary committed to improving the lives of vulnerable children, young adults, and their families. As the founder of Exceptional Care, she has transformed care practices for at-risk youth, providing not just essential services but also a sense of hope for the future. Through her leadership of the Combined Care Consortium (CCC), she is helping to shape policies and practices that tackle social inequality, improve care systems, and amplify the voices of vulnerable communities. Gill has united health, social care, and community leaders to advocate for policy changes that benefit those most in need, including poverty alleviation and better access to care. By facilitating collaborations with organisations such as the NSPCC and local charities, she is driving impactful community projects and policy lobbying efforts that address the root causes of societal challenges. Gill’s unrelenting passion and tireless advocacy ensure that the most vulnerable populations are supported, creating lasting change for individuals and communities alike. 

Ali Wheeler 

Ali Wheeler is a passionate leader who joined WeMindTheGap in 2022, bringing her extensive experience in the public and charity sectors. She has transformed the charity’s work, supporting over 250 young people in the past year to build resilience, self-esteem, and independence. Ali’s leadership is driven by her belief in the power of community, using feedback from the young people she supports to shape impactful services and advocate for policy change. Her work includes partnering with employers to create trauma-informed recruitment practices and addressing the crisis of school non-attendance. Ali’s dedication ensures young people’s voices are heard, helping them thrive despite challenges and creating lasting change in their lives and communities. Her dedication and vision make her a true force for change. 

Jo Milne  

Jo Milne, who captured the world's attention in 2014 when her cochlear implants were switched on, has spent over a decade raising awareness of Usher syndrome, a rare condition causing combined hearing and sight loss. Despite facing her own challenges with the condition, Jo has dedicated herself to campaigning for research funding and greater recognition of Usher syndrome, which affects around 11,000 people in the UK. She founded the charity Cure Usher Syndrome in 2018, created an official public Awareness Day, and has worked with MPs to establish an All-Party Parliamentary Group for Usher syndrome. Jo’s efforts include publishing a book, starring in an award-winning documentary, and even gifting over 500 children in Bangladesh with hearing aids. As a devoted mother with only 5% vision, Jo's resilience and determination continue to inspire, while her advocacy work aims to secure a future where no child loses their sight due to Usher syndrome. 

Juliet Sanders 

Juliet Sanders is the founder and CEO of Feeding Families, which has grown to become the largest non-franchised food insecurity charity in the North East. From a challenging personal journey that included experiencing poverty, domestic violence, and abusive relationships, Juliet used her own hardships to fuel her drive to help others. Feeding Families was born from her vision of providing not just food but also hope and support, with each food box carrying a message of kindness and love. Under her leadership, the charity has expanded from humble beginnings to supporting over 46,000 households in times of crisis, including providing culturally appropriate food, toiletries, and home deliveries. Juliet’s leadership has created a thriving culture of kindness, empowering volunteers and staff while also innovating solutions to address food insecurity. With her unwavering dedication and ability to inspire, she has turned Feeding Families into a force for good, and her work continues to provide essential support to thousands across the region. 

Private Organisation 

Luna Munoz  

Luna Munoz is a purpose-driven entrepreneur who has dedicated her career to empowering underrepresented communities and promoting social justice. Over the past year, she was nominated as one of the best Latin American entrepreneurs by LA United, recognising her impact in developing businesses that support marginalised groups. Luna’s work includes securing over £350,000 in funding for diverse businesses, including those helping disabled individuals, refugees, and young people. She has also expanded Beautiful New Beginnings, providing vital services like therapy and outdoor activities for families affected by the cost-of-living crisis. Passionate about empowering women, especially women of colour, Luna has supported minority-owned local businesses and secured significant funding for CICs. Her global work includes tackling gender-based violence in collaboration with UN Women and promoting equity in funding for women-led businesses. Luna’s mission is to break down barriers and create a fairer world where everyone, regardless of their background, can achieve their potential.

Nicola Gleave  

Nicola Gleave is a powerful example of purposeful leadership, committed to creating positive change through her business, Worn By Us. With a focus on reducing waste in the fashion industry, Nicola has tackled the challenge of extending the lifespan of clothing. Recognising that a large portion of fashion goes unused, Worn By Us offers a simple, trusted platform for consumers and retailers to resell unwanted clothing, helping reduce fashion’s environmental footprint while enabling people to contribute to charity or earn money. Nicola's journey began after her breast cancer diagnosis, which inspired her to start by asking celebrities to donate fashion items for charity. Over time, the platform has evolved into a multifaceted service supporting personal and charity resale, as well as working with brands and retailers. Her passion and dedication make her a deserving nominee as she continues to create a more sustainable and impactful future for both people and the planet. 

Elizabeth Cameron 

Elizabeth Cameron is a person of unwavering purpose, dedicating her life to amplifying the voices of those facing racial discrimination and systemic inequality in Manchester. As Chair of the GMCA Race Equality Panel, Elizabeth tackled issues like housing, violence, school exclusions, and strained community-police relationships. Despite facing burnout and criticism, she remained committed to creating a more inclusive city. She empowers young people through creative writing and drama. A deeply spiritual person, Elizabeth also contributes to her church community and advocates for asylum seekers and refugees. Her lifelong dedication to supporting others is evident in her early activism and her founding of the Salford BME Forum. 

Andrea Cullen 

Andrea Cullen is a passionate educator dedicated to transforming cyber education and addressing the UK skills gap. Her commitment to breaking down barriers, particularly for women and underrepresented groups, led her to establish CAPSLOCK, a cyber security training company that offers accessible and innovative courses. Having been a mature student herself, Andrea understands the challenges of balancing family and education, which drives her to make learning opportunities available to all. Through CAPSLOCK, Andrea has helped students from diverse backgrounds secure roles in cyber security, with an average salary increase of 54%. She also actively volunteers, serving on several advisory boards and promoting diversity in the sector. Andrea’s inclusive leadership is focused on creating positive, lasting change in the lives of others. 

Kayleigh Laverick 

Kayleigh Laverick is the inspiring founder of Mamma Social Co, a pioneering organisation aimed at combating isolation and loneliness among parents. After a traumatic birth that nearly cost her life, followed by a battle with postnatal depression and PTSD, Kayleigh transformed her pain into a powerful mission. In 2021, feeling isolated herself, she reached out to fellow parents for a simple walk – an act of courage that led to the creation of Mamma Social Co when nine local mothers turned up. What began as a single meet-up has blossomed into a flourishing community with over 50 groups across the UK and more than 17,000 parents connecting through regular events. Under Kayleigh’s leadership, Mamma Social Co has partnered with major brands like John Lewis, Matalan, Tommee Tippee, and collaborated with BetterHelp to offer free therapy to those in need. Through her dedication, Kayleigh has become a passionate advocate for maternal mental health, fostering a supportive network that helps parents connect, thrive, and combat loneliness, building a caring community. 

Catherine Millan 

Catherine Millan’s journey as a black, queer, neurodivergent woman is defined by resilience, determination, and a commitment to creating lasting change. After becoming a primary carer for her mother at 14, Catherine overcame personal and academic struggles, ultimately achieving academic success and advocating for young carers. Her humanitarian work took her global, empowering communities and increasing access to education, especially for girls. As the founder of Be What You See Consultancy, Catherine delivers award-winning training in Active Bystander education, neurodiversity, anti-racism, and LGBTQIA+ inclusion. Her impactful work has reached thousands, with clients including Everton FC, Virgin & O2, the NHS, and National Museums Liverpool, as she continues to drive inclusivity and positive change.