WeAreTheCity is proud to reveal the winners of the 2026 Rising Star Awards.
These awards celebrate exceptional women below senior leadership level who are making a real impact across their industries, driving change, and inspiring the next generation through their talent, ambition and leadership.
This year’s winners represent an extraordinary breadth of talent across sectors including technology, banking, healthcare, defence, education, energy, law and entrepreneurship. Each winner has demonstrated outstanding achievement, a commitment to inclusion, and a strong commitment to driving progress within their industries.
We are proud to celebrate women and allies making a meaningful impact across industries.
View the full list of 2026 Rising Star winners
Spotlight on 2026 Winners
- Michelle Lamptey (Banking & Capital Markets) – Multi Asset Investment Specialist at Fidelity International, Michelle is recognised for her leadership potential, commercial impact and commitment to supporting greater inclusion within financial services.
- Hazel Biggs (Defence) – Innovation Lead – Defence and National Security at Innovate UK Business Connect, Hazel is celebrated for driving innovation across the defence sector while championing collaboration and future talent.
- Hanieh Bazargan (Champions) – Associate Director – People Operations at BGIS, Hanieh is recognised for her people-centred leadership and commitment to championing women in the workplace.
- Gary Bullen (Men for Gender Balance) – As President of BGIS UK & Europe, Gary has made the empowerment and progression of women a key focus of his leadership, helping to drive meaningful change across the industry.
- Cognizant (Company of the Year) – Recognised for its commitment to inclusion, diversity and belonging, Cognizant continues to support the progression and empowerment of women across its organisation.
- Joeli Brearley MBE (Editor’s Choice) – Founder of Pregnant Then Screwed, Joeli is celebrated for her powerful campaigning work to tackle the motherhood penalty and drive workplace equality for women and parents.
Congratulations to all of our 2026 winners and nominees. Your achievements, leadership and commitment to creating a more inclusive world of work continue to inspire us all and we are proud to celebrate your success.
We would like to extend our sincere thanks to our incredible panel of judges for their time, expertise and careful consideration throughout the judging process. Their support and commitment help ensure the Rising Star Awards continue to recognise and celebrate exceptional talent across industries.
Celebration Event
Join us on 8 July 2026 at Nomura, 1 Angel Lane, London EC4R 3AB, from 17:45 to 21:30, as we come together to celebrate this year’s Rising Star winners.
We are delighted that our headline sponsor, Nomura, will be kindly hosting this year’s Winners’ Celebration in the heart of London.
The evening will begin with welcome drinks and networking, accompanied by a live DJ set from DJ.EK3, giving winners, sponsors and guests the opportunity to connect and celebrate together.
Throughout the evening, winners will take to the stage to collect their awards in front of fellow Rising Stars, judges, sponsors and supporters from across industries. Guests will also enjoy drinks and canapés as part of the celebration.
The event will conclude with rooftop drinks and networking, offering stunning views across the London skyline and Tower Bridge, creating the perfect setting to celebrate this year’s exceptional talent.
We’ll also be joined by the Collaborative Music in Offices Choir, led by conductor Louisa Petais, helping create a memorable evening celebrating achievement and leadership.
Ticket prices are £100 + VAT for winners and £125 + VAT for guests of winners.
We would also like to thank our sponsors for their continued support in helping us shine a spotlight on emerging talent, advocacy and allyship.
Special thanks to our headline sponsor, Nomura, and to our supporting sponsors: Accenture, Bloomberg, Browne Jacobson, CMI, Dentsu, Macquarie, Maggie’s, Male Allies UK, Northern Trust, Northrop Grumman, PwC, Reed Smith, Warner Bros. Discovery and Warwick Business School.
BOOK YOUR TICKET HERE
