Agent Of Change 

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, the Agent of Change category recognises individuals who are challenging norms, reshaping systems, and leading transformational change. Whether by tackling societal issues, influencing policy, or driving progress in their field, these nominees are proof that bold leadership and a commitment to positive impact can create lasting change. Last year saw Jayne Little take home the win in Agent of Change category for her dedication to driving change and improving culture across UK engineering and construction.  

Here’s a rundown of the 2025 Finalists: 

Ros Jones 

Ros Jones is driving change by empowering SME business owners while also breaking the silence around domestic abuse in the workplace. In collaboration with IDAS, she developed the Business Charter on Domestic Abuse, now adopted beyond Yorkshire, and designed a workshop to educate businesses on the impact of domestic abuse, unconscious bias, and workplace support strategies. Her efforts have led to tangible cultural shifts within organisations, positioning them as caring employers. Ros has also organised three Speaking Out: Domestic Abuse And The Workplace conferences, providing a platform for awareness and action. Her work has been recognised with a "Highly Commended" award from BBC Radio York’s Make A Difference in the Community Award, reflecting the powerful impact she continues to make. 

Melissa Simmonds 

Melissa Simmonds is a storyteller and changemaker, dedicated to amplifying lived experiences and driving equity in health services. She led Sheffield’s Patient and Carer Race Equality Framework (PCREF), achieving a 20% reduction in Black individuals admitted under the Mental Health Act and increasing staff confidence in addressing racial disparities. Recognising gaps in autism support, she founded the Autism Partnership Network, improving service accessibility for underrepresented communities by 50%. Her initiatives to reduce restrictive practices in mental health inpatient settings led to a dramatic drop in incidents, while her advocacy for autism awareness in Black and female communities has reached over 5,000 people annually. Through co-production strategies, she has strengthened community representation in healthcare decision-making, ensuring ethnically marginalised voices shape services. Melissa’s work is a testament to the power of inclusive leadership and systemic change. 

Chrissi McCarthy 

Chrissi McCarthy is a leading force in Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI), bridging academic research with real-world business impact. Her PhD on organisational inequality has shaped industry discourse, with her findings integrated into academic curricula and widely cited. She pioneered a research-backed EDI strategy, recognised as best practice by the National Institute for Health Research and successfully implemented in major organisations like the NHS and the University of Manchester. Her transformative training programme engaged 344 previously disengaged delegates, with 99.9% recommending it and 97% applying their learning in practice. Chrissi’s dedication to evidence-based approaches, even when challenging industry norms, has led to measurable shifts in organisational culture. Her work stands as a testament to the power of rigorous research, strategic implementation, and unwavering commitment to systemic change. 

Becky Rich 

Becky Rich is a passionate advocate for inclusion, using her lived experience of Down’s syndrome to champion opportunities for people with learning disabilities. Through her voluntary work with DanceSyndrome and other community organisations, she empowers individuals to see their own value and potential. Becky’s leadership has driven innovative projects, including the DanceSyndrome Train Station Takeovers, which have raised over £5,000, and the charity’s online dance programme, which now reaches participants globally. Her dedication has earned her numerous accolades, including being a Queen’s Relay Baton bearer for the Commonwealth Games 2022. As DanceSyndrome’s Spokesperson and Ambassador, Becky travels the country delivering inspirational speeches, challenging perceptions of disability, and tirelessly promoting inclusivity. Her networking skills and creative vision have led to key partnerships and widespread media coverage, proving that she is not only a leader but a true agent of change. 

Kay Wesley 

Councillor Kay Wesley is a dedicated champion for gender equality, inclusivity, and community empowerment. As the newly elected Mayor of Congleton for 2024/25, she has led transformative initiatives, including securing White Ribbon Accreditation for the town council, establishing a Domestic Abuse Clinic, and championing policies that ensure equal access for all. Her commitment extends to environmental sustainability, public health, and LGBTQ+ rights, as well as founding Equal Access Congleton to improve accessibility. Kay’s leadership is defined by action, whether advocating for women’s rights, supporting local charities, or making her mayoral inauguration an inclusive event. A true changemaker, she works tirelessly to create a fairer, safer, and more inclusive society. 

Kate Stewart 

Kate Stewart is a dynamic entrepreneur and philanthropist dedicated to gender equality, equity, and inclusivity. Through initiatives like Sisterhood HQ, she empowers women in business by providing mentorship, training, and support to overcome gender disparities. Her work with Vitality Homes ensures inclusive, gender-sensitive recovery environments for those overcoming substance abuse. Additionally, Kate's community projects, such as the Free Christmas Breakfast at The Sandon, remove economic barriers and foster inclusivity. As a true Agent of Change, she not only advocates for progress but actively implements sustainable initiatives that empower women and marginalized groups, making a lasting impact on her community and beyond.