A decade of empowering and recognising outstanding talent, these awards have been trailblazers in spotlighting the incredible female talent pipeline below management level in the UK.
Established in 2015 with a visionary goal to showcase 1,000 remarkable women by 2025, WeAreTheCity will not only meet but exceeded this expectation. This milestone year is a testament to a decade of dedication, inspiration, and the relentless pursuit of equality.
Join us in celebrating the success of the Rising Star Awards, where we have shone a spotlight on 950 phenomenal winners across the UK and India. As we prepare for yet another remarkable year, mark your calendars for the opening of nominations on the 15 January.
In this commemorative year, the 2024 Rising Star Awards will honour and celebrate another 100 exceptional women from over 19 diverse industries. These women will represent the leaders and role models of the future, building on the legacy of a decade of excellence.
We are proud to introduce several new categories this year, which include a global recognition award for women working in ESG, and a UK award for women working in Property.
Additional categories open for nominations include women working in All Other Industries, Banking and Capital Markets, Charities and Not for Profits, Defence, Digital, Diversity, EAs and PAs, Education and Academia, Energy and Utilities, Entrepreneurs and Startups, Healthcare, Marketing and Media, Insurance, Investment Management, Law, Professional Services, Science and Engineering and Technology. See nomination criteria here.
In addition to our Rising Star categories, we invite nominations for our distinguished awards, including Champions, Men for Gender Balance, Company of the Year, and the Global Award for Achievement.
Our prestigious Champions award aims to honour the accomplishments of five senior individuals, irrespective of gender, who actively contribute to the advancement of the female pipeline beyond their primary roles. Nominees for this award include those exemplifying a dedication to gender equality, such as HeForShe supporters, Network Leaders, Directors, MDs, or C-Suite executives championing women both within and beyond their organisations.
The Men for Gender Balance award seeks to recognise the achievements of five senior men dedicated to fostering gender balance within or outside their organisations. Nominees, at least at the Director level or equivalent, must demonstrate active support for the female pipeline, either through their current work role or external initiatives, and must be based in the UK.
The Company of the Year award acknowledges the accomplishments of a company that compellingly showcases its commitment to actively supporting the female talent pipeline. This recognition extends to initiatives, training, development programs, as well as internal employee relations and diversity network groups.
Expanding our reach globally, the Global Award for Achievement category seeks to identify outstanding female talent from any industry outside the UK. Eligible nominees in this category hold positions below the director level, showcasing the international scope of their contributions.
On the evening of the celebrations, we will also recognise our Hall of Fame by celebrating some of our previous winners who have gone on to achieve significant milestones.
The excitement kicks off on January 15, 2024, as we open our online nomination platform, accessible through the Rising Stars’ website. The ten-week nomination period closes on March 21, allowing ample time to recognise the brilliance that defines our community.
An illustrious panel of judges will curate a shortlist of ten outstanding women from each industry category, along with ten from the Champion, Global Award for Achievement, and Men for Gender Balance categories. Three exceptional companies will also be shortlisted for the coveted Company of the Year award. These shortlisted individuals will be invited to a celebration at RBC’s headquarters in London. We will also open the public vote for all individuals (not champion, men for gender balance, company) to provide them with an additional opportunity to win a separate public vote award.
Save the date! All winners will be announced on May 23, and the grand celebration awaits at a prestigious awards ceremony in July 2024. Let’s make this tenth birthday celebration a milestone to remember!
Join founder and serial awards judge Vanessa Vallely OBE for an exclusive session offering insights into the power of awards in elevating your profile. Learn why Rising Stars stand out and gain valuable tips for crafting impactful nominations. Vanessa shares insights into what judges look for, emphasising the importance of paying it forward and the beauty of self-nominations. As we mark a decade of excellence, let’s amplify the celebration by recognising the achievements that define us.
