Leanne Lucas, the founder of Let’s Be Blunt CIC, has been named joint winner of the Women of Courage category at the prestigious Merseyside Women of the Year awards 2026.
Leanne sustained serious injuries in the Southport tragedy in 2024 and experiences lasting trauma from the attack, but has turned personal tragedy into purpose. She was recognised at the awards for using her voice and professional experience to influence national conversations around prevention, education and safety through Let’s Be Blunt CIC.
Through the organisation, she aims to reduce knife harm through practical, prevention-led change and advocates for trauma-informed approaches centred on young people, families and early intervention.
Hayley Smith, founder of North West HIV Support CIC was also recognised as a winner in the Women of Courage category, sponsored by Auteur Media.
North West HIV Support CIC is a non-clinical, voluntary-led organisation supporting individuals affected by HIV and challenging stigma through education and advocacy.
Drawing from lived experience and commitment to community, Hayley provides a safe, inclusive space offering emotional support, peer connection and awareness initiatives. Her work transforms lives, fosters compassion and challenges misconceptions surrounding HIV.
The overall title of “Merseyside Woman of the Year 2026” was awarded to Michelle O’Dwyer, celebrated chef and founder of Bay Tree Cookery CIC.
Recognised for her unwavering commitment to eradicating hunger and fostering inclusivity through pioneering solutions such as recipe kits with virtual cookery classes, Michelle has enabled people to not only develop practical skills and connect with others, but also created welcoming spaces for diverse groups and promoted celebration, dignity, and inclusion by allowing people to come together and feel a sense of belonging.
The ‘Woman of the Year’ award was presented to Michelle by headline sponsors, Rathbones, at the prestigious annual ceremony at the Crowne Plaza in Liverpool City Centre on Friday 26th June 2026.
Receiving the award Michelle said: “All the way through the awards there was just so many amazing women and I was so in awe of everything that they’re doing. It was lovely to come together and just celebrate that. Then when they called my name out, I have never been so gobsmacked in my life, because everybody in that room was so deserving. There were many women that I’ve worked with who were up for awards, who won awards.”
“The more you see. The more you have to do and it’s the community that matters. My students, my volunteers, they believe in me so much and I want to help them. I think of when I was at my lowest and struggled with depression and so many other things. If it wasn’t for organisations and people and community just helping me when I couldn’t help myself, I wouldn’t be here today and that’s what drives me. I’m just paying it forward.”
MWOTY Founding Director, Ellie Kerr, said:
“Michelle’s work is deeply rooted in her own experience of poverty, homelessness and adversity during her childhood. Developing her passion for cooking at an early age, learning from her grandmother while also being responsible for her younger siblings, she has transformed her lived experience into a mission to ensure that – in her own words – ‘no one goes hungry on my watch’.
“Since 2010, she has remained focused on that mission and has touched thousands of lives, not just by addressing food poverty and social isolation, but also championing inclusivity, empowering individuals and communities and allowing those facing adversity to reclaim hope and dignity.
In 2016, Michelle cooked and hosted her first Christmas Day dinner to combat festive loneliness. She welcomed 60 people to the first event to share food, stories and festive cheer. The event has grown each year and hosted more than 270 people in 2025. This year will mark the event’s 10th anniversary, and a large celebration is planned for it!
“Michelle has placed an indelible mark on the city region and beyond and epitomises the ethos and spirit of the Merseyside Women of the Year awards. She is a brilliant, compassionate and determined woman who has quietly and consistently dedicated herself to improving the lives of others. She thoroughly deserves to be in the MWOTY spotlight and celebrated for all that she does.
“This year has been another incredible year for MWOTY and I would like to also congratulate all of our winners and finalists and welcome them to our movement, which always seeks to celebrate, empower and raise up the incredible women of our region.”
Marion Reilly, Senior Director – Wealth Planning, said:
“Michelle’s story is incredibly powerful, and her work is truly inspiring. She has transformed her own life experiences into something profoundly positive, creating opportunities for people to come together, build skills and feel a real sense of belonging. Her drive and commitment truly embody the spirit of Merseyside Woman of the Year. At Rathbones, we are proud to celebrate Michelle’s achievement and to support an awards programme that recognises women making a meaningful difference to people’s lives.”
Michelle, Leanne and Hayley were among 13 winners revealed at this year’s MWOTY awards, celebrated across a range of categories for supporting and improving the lives of people in Merseyside and beyond, through business leadership, voluntary work, activism, charitable and community organisations and entrepreneurial and creative endeavours.
Throughout the afternoon, attendees heard from guest speaker, TV pundit and former professional footballer, Natasha Dowie, who spoke passionately about her legendary footballing career and post-retirement life as a coach, engagement worker and role model for the younger generation.
Jude McMaster was named winner of the Social Impact award, sponsored by Brownlow Health, for her work as the founder of Pearl’s Project. Jude has spent over 13 years supporting women involved in the sex industry who face trauma, substance use, homelessness, violence and profound social exclusion. Through one‑to‑one support, wellbeing groups and crisis intervention, Jude ensures women can access healthcare, attend vital appointments and receive the practical and emotional care they need.
Social Impact finalists: Kate Silcock, Flourish Training; Michelle O’Dwyer, Bay Tree Cooking Academy CIC
The award for Women in Professional Services, sponsored by Robertson was won by Suzanne Daley, Family Law Partner at Bell Lamb & Joynson. She became the youngest Partner in the firm’s 200-plus-year history. However, her journey took a profound turn when her son, Jonah, was diagnosed with cancer. She transformed personal adversity into a powerful catalyst for change and became a dedicated supporter of the Owen McVeigh charity, providing a beacon of hope for those in need.
Women in Professional Services finalists: Georgia Davidson, SGD Fire Protection; Amanda Martins, MICT Ltd; Jennifer Gallagher, Primas Law; Natalie Dickson, Hall Brown Family Law
Lucy Byrne, founder of dot-art, was celebrated as winner of the Arts, Culture & Media award, sponsored by The City of Liverpool College. Lucy established the Liverpool‑based social enterprise to make art accessible to all. Over two decades she has supported more than 600 artists, engaged 21,000 children through schools’ programmes and generated £5 million in social value. Dot-art celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2026.
Arts, Culture & Media finalists: Chantelle Joseph, Regal Entertainments Ltd; Dr Cristina-Steliana Mihailovici, Liverpool John Moores University
The Inspirational Women award, sponsored by the Community Foundation for Merseyside, was won by Sharon Munroe, the founder of Equilibrium Northwest CIC and the heart of Livingstone Street Community Centre in Birkenhead — the centre she visited as a child looking for food. In five years, Sharon and her team have provided thousands of free meals, run holiday clubs for up to 100 children a day and welcomed 12,000 people through the centre’s doors.
Inspirational Women finalists: Farida Laeeq BEM, Brownlow Health; Becca Lennox, North West Ambulance Service and Hope & Grace
The Women of Courage award, sponsored by Auteur Media, was won by both Hayley Smith, who was celebrated for her work as founder of Northwest HIV Support CIC and Leanne Lucas, survivor of the 2024 Southport attack and founder of Let’s Be Blunt CIC.
The Fellowship Award, whose winner is selected by MWOTY Founding Director, Ellie Kerr, was presented to Liverpool-based community development worker and social impact leader, Saba Ahmed, who supports grassroots organisations, activists and entrepreneurs to create lasting change. Through her work at the Kuumba Imani Millennium Centre and the L8 A Better Place initiative, she has helped strengthen local networks, empower community action and promote positive inclusion across Liverpool. Saba supports people to realise their potential and ignite confidence in their ability to make real change happen. An Acumen UK Fellow, board member, Scout Leader and campaigner for Liverpool Friends of Yemen, her co-founding work with LCR Muslims Women’s Strategic Network is yet further evidence of how Saba is committed to building stronger, more connected communities that brings together women for growth and inspire those who are leading change within their communities and beyond.
The Community Leader award, sponsored by Rise Construction Framework, was presented to Gillian Watkins, co-founder and finance manager of award-winning charity An Hour For Others. Gillian has faced adversity in her life but has overcome this to become an inspiring female leader, giving 100% of her energy to support people when they need it and making positive change in our city, now and for the future.
Community Leader finalists: Karen Blair, Aftermath Support; Dr Karen Groves MBE, Queenscourt Hospice
Liverpool Feds W.F.C was named winner of the Women’s Group award, sponsored by Morecrofts. For 36 years Janie Moore and Sue Carmichael have voluntarily led Liverpool Feds from a single team to a thriving women’s and girls’ club. Founded decades before girls’ football was trendy and when it was still frowned upon in some quarters, today over 180 girls and 60 adults play for Feds each week, mostly on a self-funded basis. Janie and Sue’s pioneering, community-first vision has created a true lasting legacy.
Women’s Group finalists: RASA Merseyside, Tomorrow’s Women
Debs Paterson, physiotherapist and founder of Pilates by Physio, was named winner of the Entrepreneur category, sponsored by FPC. She was recognised for creating a pioneering business that bridges the gap between healthcare and the fitness industry. Employing a team of more than 20 instructors and staff across two venues on the Wirral, she has created a thriving community of over 600 clients attending sessions every week, which empowers people to love and trust their bodies and improve their quality of life.
Entrepreneur finalists: Faye Boswell, Sensified Spaces; Hayley McCaughran, Butterflies Rising; Rachael Parry-Jones, Emporia Marketing & Public Sector Media;
Renatta Clerice-Ologbosere, Ever Present Care
The Women Making a Difference award, sponsored by Merseyrail, was won by Dr Deb Faint MBE. A GP Partner and leading champion of inclusion health for 30+ years, she leads Brownlow Health’s Homeless Team, supporting more than 1,200 patients. Her work has created employment and development opportunities for many local people and she has inspired a new generation of clinicians to work in inclusion health and serve vulnerable communities. She was awarded her MBE this month.
Women Making a Difference finalists: Anu Omideyi, National Gospel Music Centre at Liverpool Lighthouse; Jodi Whitehouse, Caring Matters Now; Gail Rickett, The Water Whisperer
Lindsey Kidd from HM3 Legal was named winner of the Business Leader award, sponsored by McIver Scott Recruitment. Since becoming the firm’s MD in 2017 Lindsey has been shaping a culture rooted in exceptional client service, empathy, innovation and inclusion where colleagues can grow personally and professionally. Under her leadership, HM3 Legal has achieved industry-leading Investor in Customers NPS scores, secured B Corp certification and won multiple awards.
Business Leader finalists: Caroline Munnelly, Birkdale Insurance Group; Jess Hampson, CEL Solicitors; Jordan Duggan, EFT Group; Julie Griffiths, Caring Connections
Full information on all winners and finalists can be found here:www.merseysidewomenoftheyear.co.uk/alumni/
The Merseyside Women of the Year Awards are a platform for women making a difference in the region to be seen, heard and found. The will return on Friday 25th June 2027, with nominations set to open in January.
To find out more, visit: https://merseysidewomenoftheyear.co.uk
ALL FULL FINALIST BIOGRAPHIES
Amanda Martins – MICT Ltd
Amanda Martins is the Director of MICT Ltd, a Liverpool-based IT and Managed Services Provider that has supported organisations across the Liverpool City Region for over 17 years. She leads a purpose-driven technology business that combines commercial success with sustainability, social responsibility and community impact. Under Amanda’s leadership, MICT supports over 100 organisations, with a strong focus on charities and community groups. She has championed the circular economy for more than a decade, refurbishing and reusing business-grade IT equipment to reduce landfill and improve digital access. Amanda works closely with the third sector to improve cybersecurity, digital resilience and inclusion, supporting charities to access funding, training and secure technology.
Anu Omideyi – National Gospel Music Centre
Anu is an award-winning international choir director, a festival director, a music director, producer, musician, singer-songwriter, public speaker and co-chair. She is Director of the National Gospel Music Centre based at Liverpool Lighthouse and Co-Chair of the Gospel Music Industry Alliance UK. She is the Founder and Festival Director of the Liverpool Gospel Music Festival, the UK’s first and biggest festival of its kind. Anu created the Gospel Music into Schools programme and was also key to the execution of the first ever gospel music graded qualifications (vocals) in the world, in partnership with RSL Awards. In 2024 Anu was awarded a fellowship by RSL, for her services to music.
Caroline Munnelly – Birkdale Insurance Group
Caroline is the Managing Director of Birkdale Insurance Group, a fast-growing commercial insurance brokerage, where she has driven exceptional growth, increasing turnover by 30% within 12 months. A respected leader within the industry, Caroline is known for creating a high-performance, people-first culture, investing in local young talent and developing the next generation of insurance professionals. She is also widely recognised as a subject matter expert in Children’s Care Home Insurance, working closely with care providers to deliver meaningful solutions that support vulnerable children. Passionate about empowering others, Caroline is committed to developing future female leaders and creating opportunities for individuals to thrive within a traditionally male-dominated industry.
Chantelle Joseph – Regal Entertainments Ltd
Chantelle is an exceptional creative leader whose work has made a transformative impact on the cultural life of Merseyside. With Regal Entertainments Ltd, she helps steer one of the region’s most dynamic theatre producers, known for delivering high-quality drama, comedy and pantomime that regularly breaks box-office records and brings tens of thousands of families together each year. Regal Entertainments has been bringing star-studded productions to St Helens Theatre Royal and beyond for more than two decades. Most recently she has directed ambitious festive productions such as Cinderella at the beautifully restored Epstein Theatre, showcasing her commitment to excellence, creative collaboration and community engagement across Merseyside’s cultural scene.
Debs Paterson – Pilates by Physio
Debs Paterson is a physiotherapist and founder of Pilates by Physio, a pioneering physio-led Pilates community on the Wirral that bridges the gap between healthcare and the fitness industry. After experiencing severe pelvic girdle pain during her own pregnancy and discovering that specialist pregnancy Pilates did not exist locally, Debs retrained as a Pilates instructor and began teaching in a church hall. Today, Pilates by Physio welcomes around 600 people every week across two venues, supported by a team of more than 20 instructors and staff. She has created a thriving community, empowering hundreds of people to love and trust their bodies and improve their quality of life.
Dr Cristina-Steliana Mihailovici – Liverpool John Moores University
Cristina-Steliana is a Romanian-British engineer, academic, sustainability advocate, and writer whose work bridges maritime engineering, environmental responsibility, education, and creative communication. She holds a PhD in Nautical Science and Engineering, an MBA in Port Management and Multimodal Transport, and is a lecturer at Liverpool John Moores University International Study Centre. Recognised internationally for her impact, she is one of the Top 50 Women in Engineering by the WES 2024 and has published 30 academic papers. Alongside her academic work, she is the creator and co-author of Little Globy, a character designed to teach children about environmental protection, sustainability, empathy, and cultural awareness through storytelling.
Dr Deborah Faint MBE – Brownlow Health
Dr Deborah Faint MBE is a GP Partner and leading champion of inclusion health for 30+ years. Born and raised in Liverpool, she was the first in her family to attend university and has spent her career giving back to the city she calls home. Dr Faint leads Brownlow Health’s Homeless Team, which supports more than 1,200 patients and delivers innovative multidisciplinary services addressing complex health and social needs. These services have been recognised nationally. Through her leadership, Brownlow Health has created employment and development opportunities for many local people, and she has inspired a new generation of clinicians to work in inclusion health and serve vulnerable communities. She received her MBE this month.
Dr Karen Groves MBE – Queenscourt Hospice
Dr Karen Groves identified the need for better end of life care after experiencing two particularly traumatic deaths in young women. After seeking advice from Dame Cicely Saunders, founder of the hospice movement in London, Dr Groves and her sister inspired people to begin fundraising. Planning permission for Queenscourt Hospice was granted in December 1988. Queenscourt opened on 1st June 1991. Dr Groves was a volunteer doctor at the hospice for five years, while working full time as a GP. She was appointed Medical Officer in 1995, became the first local consultant in Palliative Medicine in 1996 and in 2014 was awarded an MBE for Services to Palliative Care.
Farida Laeeq BEM – Brownlow Health
Farida is a Network Care Coordinator for asylum seekers, refugees and global ethnic majority communities. Drawing on her own lived experience as a refugee, she has dedicated her career to improving healthcare access and support for vulnerable communities. Over the past four years, Farida has helped transform services by establishing innovative refugee health clinics and community-based support initiatives, enabling over 1,100 people to access vital care in the past year alone. An award-winning advocate for inclusion health, she works across healthcare, local authorities and the voluntary sector to ensure those facing trauma and displacement receive compassionate, coordinated support.
Faye Boswell – Sensified Spaces
Faye is the founder of Sensified Spaces, the UK’s first sensory platform helping people navigate the world with confidence and clarity. Inspired by her lived experience and a 15-year career as a travel agent, she recognised the lack of accessible information for people with sensory sensitivities and set out to change it. Since June 2025, Faye has taken Sensified Spaces from idea to live pilot, working with major venues. Her platform captures real sensory experiences and turns them into data that organisations can use to improve their spaces. Faye has a clear mission: to set a new standard for accessibility, where sensory inclusion is designed-in from the start.
Gail Rickett – The Water Whisperer
Gail Rickett has spent over 43 years transforming what children can achieve in the water. Beginning her teaching career in 1983, Gail pioneered teaching very young children correct stroke technique from as young as two years old, helping hundreds develop exceptional confidence, skill and endurance. An ex-British Champion who has competed in swimming, bodybuilding and fitness, Gail was also the first female beach lifeguard in Merseyside. Beyond the pool, Gail is a degree-qualified music and fashion photographer whose work has been published internationally, and she has modelled alongside Mr Universe athletes in international sports magazines. Gail continues to inspire confidence, ambition and achievements.
Georgia Davidson – SGD Fire Protection Ltd
As Director of SGD Fire Protection Ltd, established in 2022, Georgia, 29, is driving transformational growth within the Passive Fire Protection industry. She has scaled the company from a start-up into a high-performing, multi-accredited organisation operating across the Liverpool City Region and nationally. Georgia built the company’s operational infrastructure from the ground up. Under her leadership, the business has achieved consistent expansion, generated over £1.6 million in social value in 2025, and created clear career pathways to address industry skills gaps. Working in a male-dominated sector, Georgia leads with resilience, strategic vision, and a strong focus on people, championing wellbeing and progression.
Gillian Watkins – An Hour For Others
Gillian is a prominent figure in Liverpool and the co-founder and finance manager of award-winning charity An Hour For Others. Mum to Laurie and Nan to Reeve, Gill has faced a lot of adversity in her life but has overcome this to be one of the most inspiring female leaders within our city. Recognised in 2022 she was named as one of the top 10 females who have positively impacted Liverpool for her community contributions. Gill gives 100% of her time and energy to support those when they need it, determined to make positive change in our city, now and for the future.
Hayley McCaughran – Butterflies Rising
Hayley is a funeral director bringing funeral care into the modern day, providing a unique personal service tailored and bespoke to the deceased and the family, at a time of the deepest sorrow and grieving. Butterflies Rising funeral care was created, to provide the service Hayley would have liked when she lost her own mum. Hayley understands the loss, the shock, the trauma families go through, and she sees the pain in people’s eyes. She not only arranges funerals, but she listens, gets to know the family and the deceased, she connects with the living and the lost loved ones.
Hayley Smith – Northwest HIV Support CIC
Hayley is the founder of Northwest HIV Support CIC, a non-clinical, voluntary-led organisation supporting individuals affected by HIV and challenging stigma through education and advocacy. Drawing from lived experience and a deep commitment to community, Hayley established the organisation to provide a safe, inclusive space offering emotional support, peer connection, and awareness initiatives in an area where dedicated services were previously lacking. Despite managing her own long-term health challenges, Hayley has become a powerful voice for understanding and change, helping to bring part of the UK AIDS memorial quilt back to Halton and founding Pride in Halton CIC. Her work transforms lives, fosters compassion, and challenges misconceptions surrounding HIV.
Jennifer Gallagher – Primas Law
Jennifer Gallagher is Corporate and Commercial Partner at Primas Law. She joined the firm in 2024 and has since led some of its largest ever transactions, worth tens of millions of pounds. With over 15 years of experience in corporate law, Jennifer specialises in mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, corporate reorganisations and shareholder arrangements. Her career included four years in Dubai, where she advised on international M&A and cross-border transactions across UK, UAE and international markets. Jennifer manages the firm’s strategic partnerships and sits on the board of Professional Liverpool, contributing to the city’s economic development and business reputation.
Jess Hampson – CEL Solicitors
Jessica Hampson is the founder of CEL Solicitors and a powerful advocate for vulnerable people. Determined to help victims of fraud, she has helped almost 10,000 people recover £167 million lost to scammers. A regular media commentator, the BBC launched their inaugural Be Scam Safe campaign live from the firm’s office. Jess has also appeared on the Politics Show, highlighting the plight of social housing tenants living with disrepair. She supports a range of charities and encourages her staff to do the same through paid volunteering days. A force to be reckoned with, she is committed to her firm and Merseyside, where she raises her three children.
Jodi Whitehouse – Caring Matters Now
Jodi Whitehouse is the Founder and CEO of Caring Matters Now supporting children and adults with Congenital Melanocytic Naevus (CMN). Living with CMN, she leads campaigns that raise awareness, reduce stigma, and fund research, including “How Do You C Me Now?”, the children’s book Didi, the Wolf and the Starry Tattoos, and “Bare Your Birthmark”, inspiring confidence and visibility. Under her leadership, the charity has invested over £1 million in research, supporting groundbreaking discoveries with Professor Veronica Kinsler’s team and advancing potential treatments. Jodi empowers families, connects communities, and drives global innovation, education, and hope.
Jordan Duggan – EFT Group
Jordan Duggan is Group Director at EFT Group, where she has spent over 20 years progressing from an administrative role to senior leadership. She has played a key role in growing the business into a successful, multi-million-pound organisation while maintaining a strong focus on people, culture, and community. Jordan is passionate about creating opportunities for others, particularly through apprenticeships, early careers, and education partnerships. She is a strong advocate for encouraging more women into STEM and construction-related industries and regularly works with schools to inspire the next generation. Through her leadership of the EFT Foundation, she supports a range of community initiatives and charitable causes.
Jude McMaster – Pearl’s Project
Jude is an extraordinary force for change whose compassion, resilience and dedication have transformed the lives of marginalised women in Merseyside. As the founder of Pearl’s Project, Jude has spent over 13 years supporting women involved in the sex industry who face trauma, substance use, homelessness, violence and profound social exclusion. She has built a unique, trauma‑informed service rooted in trust, dignity and authentic human connection—reaching women who are often unable to engage with traditional systems. Through one‑to‑one support, wellbeing groups and crisis intervention, Jude ensures women can access healthcare, attend vital appointments and receive the practical and emotional care they need.
Julie Griffiths – Caring Connections
Julie is a mum of five and the Director of People and Communities at Caring Connections, having progressed from administrator to leadership in six years. She has overseen the growth of the organisation from 30 to over 250 staff and played a pivotal role in developing apprenticeships, co-leading a new training strategy, and championing workforce inclusion, particularly for migrant staff. Julie has led numerous local community and charitable initiatives, and international projects such as the African shoebox appeal. Her leadership has helped Caring Connections win multiple awards, including Knowsley Employer of the Year 2025 and the NAVAJO mark for inclusive workplace culture.
Karen Blair – Aftermath Support
Karen Blair is Chief Executive of Aftermath Support, Merseyside’s only specialist charity providing trauma-informed emotional and practical support to anyone affected by serious and fatal road traffic collisions. With over 20 years’ experience supporting vulnerable communities, she leads a charity supporting bereaved families, injured survivors, witnesses, drivers and wider communities. Under her leadership, referrals have more than doubled and annual income has increased by over 200%, enabling the charity to expand its team and support more people than ever before. Aftermath Support is now a trusted partner to police and regional services and recognised within the Liverpool City Region Road Safety Strategy.
Kate Silcock – Flourish Tutoring
Kate, founder of Flourish Tutoring, is a true one-woman powerhouse. Despite the challenges of balancing life as a mum of two young children, she has built an inspiring, impactful and rapidly growing business that is changing the lives of young people across Merseyside on a daily basis. Her commitment to putting children’s emotional wellbeing at the heart of everything she does is making a meaningful and lasting difference to so many young people. Her passion, resilience and dedication to helping every child thrive make her an exceptional role model.
Leanne Lucas – Let’s Be Blunt CIC
After training as a primary school teacher at Edge Hill University, Leanne taught at Churchtown Primary School in her hometown of Southport before working overseas, later qualifying as a children’s yoga teacher and counsellor. In 2024, she survived the Southport attack, sustaining serious injuries and experiencing lasting trauma. Leanne turned personal tragedy into purpose, using her voice and professional experience to influence national conversations around prevention, education and safety. Through Let’s Be Blunt CIC, she now works with schools, councils, police forces, health services and businesses to reduce knife harm through practical, prevention-led change. Leanne also advocates for trauma-informed approaches centred on young people, families and early intervention.
Lindsey Kidd – HM3 Legal
Lindsey combines decades of legal expertise in employment law with a commercial and people-first mind set which clients highly recommend. Her leadership is spearheading the strategic business plan to change lives for the better – for clients, colleagues and communities. Colleagues appreciate Lindsey’s support and commitment to developing their individual strengths and clients recognise her genuine passion for doing law differently. By listening to and supporting others, Lindsey’s Vision is reshaping HM3 Legal – for now and the future.
Liverpool Feds W.F.C.
For 36 years Janie Moore and Sue Carmichael have led Liverpool Feds from a single team to a thriving women’s and girls’ club. Founded decades before girls’ football was trendy and when it was still frowned upon in some quarters, today over 180 girls and 60 adults play for Feds each week. Through tireless coaching, fundraising and mentorship they have nurtured thousands of participants, developed hundreds of players — several of whom have progressed to professional football — and built a first team that competes in WSL 3 against professional clubs. Janie and Sue’s pioneering, community-first vision has created a lasting legacy of opportunity, leadership and sporting excellence across Merseyside.
Lucy Byrne – dot-art
Lucy Byrne is the founder of dot‑art, a Liverpool‑based social enterprise she established to make art accessible to all, and which celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2026. Over two decades she has grown dot‑art into a unique part of the Liverpool City Region’s cultural infrastructure, supporting more than 600 artists through a city centre gallery, affordable studios, an innovative art rental scheme and the annual Liverpool Art Fair. Her schools’ programmes have engaged 21,000 children and generated £5 million in social value. Lucy is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, a Director of The Culture Network LCR, and creator of the Liverpool Plinth public sculpture programme.
Michelle O’Dwyer – Bay Tree Cookery Academy CIC
Michelle’s inspiring journey from a challenging childhood in Dublin to becoming a celebrated chef and founder of Bay Tree Cookery CIC is a testament to the power of resilience, empathy, and creativity. Her unwavering commitment to eradicating hunger and fostering inclusivity has left an indelible mark on the Liverpool City Region and beyond. Michelle has pioneered inventive solutions such as recipe kits with virtual cookery classes, enabling participants to develop practical skills and connect with others. Michelle organises inclusive events, creating welcoming spaces for diverse groups and promoting celebration, dignity, and inclusion, allowing people to come together, connect, and feel a sense of belonging.
Natalie Dickson – Hall Brown Family Law
Natalie is a well-known specialist with 15 years’ experience dealing in all aspects of family law. Natalie joined Hall Brown Family Law in 2026 to establish and head up the Liverpool office. Natalie is recognised as a leader in her field, having been ranked in Chambers and Partners since 2021 and in Legal 500 since 2020. Described as “exceptional” by Chambers and Partners and “a voice of reason” by Legal 500, Natalie prides herself on client service and finding outcome-focused solutions for clients. She sits on the Board of the Sefton Park Palm House Preservation Trust, Professional Liverpool and the Liverpool Sportswoman’s Lunch.
Rachael Parry-Jones – Emporia Marketing and Public Sector Media
Rachael Parry-Jones is the Founder of Emporia Marketing and Public Sector Media. Emporia Marketing is a full-service global marketing and media buying agency which, now in its fourth year, has grown from a two-person start-up to a team of 12 specialist, recorded £3.3 million turnover in its most recent accounts and launched a sister company, Public Sector Media, a niche media buying agency dedicated to serving the public sector. A visionary marketing leader, she has grown Emporia into a global agency delivering multinational campaigns for major brands. Known for her innovation and emotionally intelligent leadership, she champions culture, creativity and empowering teams to excel.
RASA Merseyside
RASA Merseyside has been at the heart of specialist support for survivors of rape and sexual abuse across Liverpool, Sefton and Wirral for 40 years. From supporting just a few hundred people a year, the organisation has grown into a leading regional service now supporting over 3,000 survivors annually through counselling, advocacy and trauma-informed support, and bringing close to £2 million each year into Merseyside to support vulnerable members of the community. As RASA marks its 40th anniversary, its legacy is measured not just in years, but in thousands of lives rebuilt, voices strengthened, and futures made possible because someone was there to listen and to help.
Rebecca Lennox – North West Ambulance Service
Rebecca is a blind young woman who has become extremely resilient in the hardest of circumstances. While working as a research phlebotomist, Rebecca started losing her vision due to a rare brain condition and was registered blind in 2023. With lived experience of sight loss and also baby loss, Rebecca strives to help and support as many people as she can. She is an emergency medical advisor with the North West Ambulance service, and she has also started a small business creating memorial jewellery, turning her grief into a way to help others have their loved ones close while overcoming her own barriers everyday.
Renatta Clerice-Ologbosere – Ever Present Care
Renatta is a care provider, business owner and volunteer. Her care company is built on compassion, dignity and a deep commitment to supporting elderly and vulnerable individuals who may feel isolated or overlooked. Renatta’s journey reflects a wide range of personal achievements shaped by resilience, determination, and purpose. She relocated independently to Liverpool from St Lucia at the age of 23 and overcame significant cultural, financial, and social barriers, arriving with just 75p and no support network. As well as building a career and business, she has been a Sunday school teacher for 19 years, serves as a Magistrate and become a mother following 14 years of IVF treatment.
Sharon Munroe – Equilibrium Northwest CIC
Sharon is the founder of Equilibrium North West CIC and the heart of Livingstone Street Community Centre in Birkenhead — the very centre she visited as a child looking for food. Having experienced poverty, domestic violence and inequality first-hand, Sharon turned those lived experiences into purpose. She built Equilibrium from a single coffee morning into a Family Hub-accredited community centre. In five years, Sharon and her team have served thousands of free meals, provided thousands of shopping reprieve packs, run holiday clubs for up to 100 children a day, and welcomed 12,000 people through their doors with an extensive weekly program of activities for all ages, stages and abilities.
Suzanne Daley – Bell Lamb & Joynson
Suzanne is a Family Law Partner at Bell Lamb & Joynson and became the youngest Partner in the firm’s 200-plus-year history when appointed, playing a vital role in its growth. However, Suzanne’s journey took a profound turn when her son, Jonah, was diagnosed with cancer. Rather than succumbing to despair, she transformed this personal adversity into a powerful catalyst for change and became a dedicated supporter of the Owen McVeigh charity, which provides assistance to children and families dealing with cancer. Her resilience enabled her to connect with and support those in need and be a beacon of hope, turning her family’s struggle into a source of inspiration for many.
Tomorrow’s Women
Tomorrow’s Women is a women-led charity based in Birkenhead and Chester, supporting women with issues such as domestic abuse, stalking & harassment, mental health, substance misuse and social isolation, as well as those within the Criminal Justice System. Since 2011, they have helped more than 17,000 women through free, trauma-informed support within their women-only centres. Their innovative, holistic approach removes barriers to support and empowers women to rebuild confidence, develop skills and reconnect with their communities. Recognised locally, nationally and internationally for their impact, Tomorrow’s Women is a powerful example of the power of women supporting women and opening doors for those too often left behind.
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