Now in its ninth year, the Rising Star Awards are the first to focus on the UK’s female talent pipeline below management level. Our strategic goal, set in 2015, aims to showcase 1,000 outstanding women by 2025. By highlighting the accolades of these women, WeAreTheCity are not only promoting the amazing female talent that exists across the UK, but actively encouraging organisations and business leaders to invest in and recognise these women as leaders of tomorrow and individual contributors to their respective industries.
These awards will recognise and celebrate a further 100 female individual contributors from over 20 different industries that represent the leaders and role models of tomorrow. These winners will join our award’s alumni of 850 previous winners, across the UK and India.
We are now once again inviting you to nominate an amazing woman, champion, man or company. The nominations process for all categories, our Rising Star Champions, Global Award for Achievement, Company of the Year and Men for Gender Balance Awards open on 16 January 2023.
For details of the criteria to enter the awards, visit here.
Nominations will open online on 16 January. You will be able to access the nomination platform via the Rising Stars’ website. Nominations will close after a eight week period on 15 March.
A shortlist of ten women from each industry category and ten from the Champion, Global Award for Achievement and Men for Gender Balance categories, alongside three shortlisted companies for the Company of the Year award, will be chosen by an esteemed panel of judges. Once the shortlist is announced, we will also open the public votes of support, which enables individuals to show their support for a specific shortlisted individual.
All winners will be announced on 22 May and will be invited to celebrate at a prestigious award’s ceremony in July 2023.
Our Champion award recognises the achievements of five senior individuals, male or female, who are actively supporting the female pipeline outside of their day job. Nominations for this award are individuals who have demonstrated their commitment to gender, eg HeForShe supporters, Network Leaders, Directors, MD’s or C-Suite individuals who are championing women either inside or outside their organisations.
Our Men for Gender Balance award recognises the achievements of five senior men who are championing women and gender balance either inside or outside their organisation. Nominees must be at least Director level (or equivalent) or above, must demonstrate that they have actively supported the female pipeline either through their current work role or external activities and must be working in the UK.
The Company of the Year award recognises the achievements of a company who can clearly demonstrate that they are actively supporting its female talent pipeline through their initiatives, training, development programmes and internal employee relations and diversity network groups.
The Global Award for Achievement category expands our search for global talent. This category is a female individual who works within any industry, outside of the UK, whose current position is below director level.
Have you ever looked at WeAreTheCity’s Rising Star awards and thought about entering? Have you ever seen the winners announced and thought, next year I am going to enter those awards!
Well before you pen your nomination, you might want to join us behind the scenes for this awards nomination tips and tricks, session with founder and serial awards judge, Vanessa Vallely OBE.
During this session Vanessa explains:
Nominations open
16 January 2023
Nominations close
15 March 2023
Shortlist announced
09 May 2023
Public vote opens
09 May 2023
Voting closes
16 May 2023
Shortlist celebration
TBC May 2023
Winners announced
22 May 2023
Awards Ceremony
TBC July 2023
October
04oct12:0014:00Empowered Awakening: A Healing & Well-being Workshop
04/10/2025 12:00 - 14:00(GMT+01:00)
The Conduit
6 Langley Street London WC2H 9JA
A soulful healing session for Black & Brown women — with movement, storytelling, and optional guided hypnotherapy. Empowered Awakening is a soulful gathering created for Black & Brown women — leaders,
Empowered Awakening is a soulful gathering created for Black & Brown women — leaders, professionals, and creatives — to connect, share, and step fully into their power.An afternoon of movement, storytelling, reflection, and optional guided hypnotherapy, it offers space to feel rooted, restored, and uplifted in community with women who see and celebrate you.
Curated by Vision Liberate, a grassroots, woman-led social enterprise, this experience weaves together healing practices, creative expression, and collective reflection — with a focus on emotional well-being, cultural affirmation, and sisterhood.
Hosted at The Conduit, Covent Garden, this intimate gathering unfolds in a beautiful, welcoming space. Come solo, with a friend, or as part of your own journey of healing and empowerment.
Guided Movement & Creative Expression — No dance experience needed; simply bring your body and breath. Group Storytelling & Reflection Circles — Explore rest, identity, and renewal through writing, sharing, or simply listening. Optional 30-Minute Guided Hypnotherapy — A gentle practice using breathwork, mindfulness, and light trance to ease emotional tension. (You’re welcome to observe, rest, or step outside if you prefer.) Social wind-down with refreshments — Close the afternoon with soft music, light bites, and time to connect.
Spaces are limited to 20 guests to preserve intimacy and care — early booking is strongly encouraged.
Created for Black & Brown women seeking space to reconnect with themselves and others. While this gathering centres our voices, the ethos of Empowered Awakening is rooted in care, cultural safety, and collective healing for all marginalised communities.
13/10/2025 - 17/10/2025 (All Day)(GMT+00:00)
The ground-breaking nationwide celebration of women in technology returns, featuring a week of dynamic online and
The ground-breaking nationwide celebration of women in technology returns, featuring a week of dynamic online and in-person events. Focused on career growth, networking, and innovation, this event continues to champion equality and empower women in the tech industry.
WeAreTechWomen is proud to present the second annual UK Women in Tech Week, taking place from October 13th to 17th, once again aligning with Ada Lovelace Day. This nationwide initiative brings together a vibrant line-up of virtual and in-person events celebrating the impact of women across the tech industry.
In partnership with leading organisations and Women in Tech networks, the week will offer inspiring panels, practical workshops, and meaningful networking opportunities. Through our website, attendees can easily book their spots for these events. Our master calendar for bookings will be released in the summer. Those who have registered their interest will receive priority booking.
Despite growing awareness, the sector still faces systemic challenges. Our upcoming Lovelace Report with Oliver Wyman has highlighted a number of issues around the broken systems that hinder the progression of women in the tech industry. Several reports over the past few years, including the Lovelace Report, cite that women are leaving the industry altogether. This talent drain is not only a loss of potential but is actively costing the UK economy billions of pounds each year.
With just 20% of the UK’s tech workforce made up of women—and with government commitments to scale the AI workforce—this is not the time to slow down. It’s time to step up.
For more information visit: women-in-tech-week.com
01nov09:0016:30KIN: Know. Inspire. Navigate | A Day for Women to Realign, Renew, and Rise
01/11/2025 09:00 - 16:30(GMT+00:00)
Henley Business School, Greenlands
Henley-on-Thames, RG9 3AU
Set on the tranquil banks of the River Thames, Henley’s historic Greenlands campus offers the perfect backdrop for a day of reflection, connection, and
Designed for early to mid-career women across industries who want practical tools they can use immediately, this one-day retreat follows the Kinspace KIN framework – Know, Inspire, Navigate – guiding you to:
This is not just a feel-good day. It’s sustainable learning – you will leave with your own action and implementation plan tailored to your life, so you can apply what you’ve learned immediately and keep building momentum long after the retreat.
In the afternoon, slow down and reconnect with your senses in a mindful pressed flower card crafting, writing to self and picture workshop. We’ll ask a few questions ahead of time so we can pair you by goals and stage, and tailor examples to your context. Then, step outdoors for a unique partner reflection in nature – partnering with both the landscape and each other to inspire deeper insight and grounded action.
To help you stay accountable and supported, you’ll have the option to join three monthly follow-up group sessions (at a separate price) designed to check in on your progress, troubleshoot challenges, and keep you moving towards your goals.
This is a confidential and supportive space with limited seats to ensure meaningful connection and participation.
Date: Saturday 1 November 2025
Time: 9:00 AM -4:30 PMT
Location: Henley Business School, Greenlands Henley-on-Thames
RG9 3AU
Price: £250 – Early Bird £200 until 10 September