From elevating equality to uplifting the industry: why our finalists entered WRA25

The Women’s Recognition Awards 2025 is just over one month away, and we’re looking forward to celebrating all our finalists and winners at Exhibition White City on 15th October!

Before we get there, our finalists’ journeys all started with an application, so they shared with us what inspired them to enter in the first place…

I've been in this industry for 18 years and never put myself forward for anything as I've never truly believed there was a category for me, but as I turn 40 I want to show my family that the hard work and the hours I spend at work have been recognised, not just at work but by a wider community.

I really want them to understand how amazing this industry is, and that if you put your mind to it, you can achieve anything.

-            Penny Desborough, Habito, Woman in Management finalist

I was incredibly touched to be nominated, and that's what encouraged me to enter. It felt like a lovely opportunity to reflect on the work I've done and the people I've been lucky enough to meet and work alongside.

-            Siobhan Moran, HSBC UK, finalist in Spokesperson of the Year and Equity, Diversity & Inclusion: Best Leadership

I entered the WRAs because I wanted to celebrate some of the brilliant work, we've been doing at MPowered while also getting involved in something that I believe is incredibly important for this industry - recognising women.

-            Jennifer Harrison, MPowered Mortgages, Marketer of the Year finalist

I applied for Mortgage Adviser of the Year to shine a light on a part of the industry that’s often-overlooked supporting members of the armed forces as they transition to civilian life and move out of military housing. This can be a complex and emotional time, and I’ve made it a personal mission to break down the financial and structural barriers they often face.

Being a finalist is already an honour, but winning would bring greater credibility to this work and open up new opportunities to reach and support even more veterans and service members. It would also highlight the importance of tailored, compassionate mortgage advice for those working through major life transitions.

-            Simone Riley, Elite Force Mortgages, Mortgage Adviser of the Year finalist

I believe in celebration and in the power of sharing stories that inspire progress. Working in equity, diversity and inclusion is about creating spaces where people feel they truly belong, and I entered because visibility matters. Because when we celebrate inclusive leadership, we give others permission to lead authentically too.

-            Rachel Eason-Whale, L&C Mortgages, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion: Best Leadership finalist

I have never won an award before, never had the courage to enter. Being this is the first year of this category I thought ‘someone has to win, why not me?’ With the support of Brightstar behind me I bit the bullet.

-            Jo Powell, Brightstar Financial, Specialist Lending Adviser of the Year finalist

I want to continue to be a voice for women and for my voice to bring positivity to the industry. I entered because I want to show other women that shining a light on your achievements is critical to your own success and your journey to confidence.

Too many women shy away from their own success for fear of being seen to be "too much". I want to change that and entering for awards like this is a step in that direction.

-            Sarah Tucker, The Mortgage Mum Limited, Spokesperson of the Year finalist

My colleagues nominated me for this award and when I saw the email I was filled with joy that they could see how hard working I am, and how much they believe in me.

-            Devina Heir, Xpress Mortgages, Mortgage Administrator of the Year finalist

I entered WRA25 to shine a light on the incredible strides we’re making in inclusion, mental health advocacy, and equity in homeownership. It wasn’t about personal recognition, but about amplifying the values and initiatives that challenge the status quo, like the Open Doors Initiative and our commitment to psychologically safe workplaces.

Being part of this awards process gives visibility to the impact we’re striving for - not just within Stagg Mortgage Services, but across the mortgage industry. It’s a chance to inspire others, open more doors, and keep pushing for meaningful, lasting change.

-            Katherine Stagg, Stagg Mortgage Services LTD, Entrepreneur of the Year finalist

I didn’t actually enter myself, my brilliant (and sneaky) colleagues did it on my behalf. But I’m really glad they did. It’s easy to keep your head down and just get on with the work, so having people around you who believe in what you’re doing and go out of their way to recognise it means the world.

I might not have put myself forward, but I’m incredibly proud to have made it to the finalists!

-            Toni Robinson-Bowring, Twenty7tec, Woman in Fintech finalist

I believe by working as a team we can help to protect more families, and recognition of my work ethic will help me to spread the word and engage even more with a wider audience for financial resilience.

-            Fiona Kettlestring, Scout Financial Services, Protection Adviser of the Year finalist

Because I see the genuine commitment of people in my organisation who are passionate and motivated towards equality and inclusion and wanted to acknowledge that even the smaller organisations and teams are strong and mighty in their commitment.

-            Becky Male, Canada Life, Equality Employer of the Year finalist

Women's recognition and empowering women is a huge part of my career, being in such a male-dominated industry I'm really trying to make a positive difference and impact.

-            Zoe Leek, Walden Capital, Paraplanner of the Year finalist

I'm pleased to share that my initial nomination came from my manager, Riona Mulherin, whose own significant contributions to the industry are widely recognised, so that was gratifying enough.

-            Aimee Carnwath, Paradigm, Rising Star finalist

I've never really won an award before, and like many women, I've struggled with imposter syndrome. But I realised I needed to challenge myself, set an example for my daughter, and encourage other women - especially in the male-dominated property sector - to step forward and celebrate their impact.

-            Paula Higgins, HomeOwners Alliance, Spokesperson of the Year finalist

I really want to help reduce the stigma which is attached to Later Life Lending and I want the whole industry to recognise the work we are doing to improve the industry for clients. I am proud to be associated with such an industry.

-            Carol Nuttall, Adlington Law Limited, Woman in Later Life Lending finalist

I entered the WRA25 after being nominated by my colleagues - it was an exciting opportunity for me to be recognised for my efforts at Quantum Mortgages.

-            Alice Crofts, Quantum Mortgages, Rising Star finalist

I'm passionate about being able to pave the way for women in the industry and to open doors for people to own their own homes; particularly young women, working parents and single parent families trying to make a better life. It was amazing to be nominated as a result and I'm really appreciative that other members of our industry took time to recognise my hard work.

-            Hayley Evans, United Trust Bank, Underwriter of the Year finalist

To celebrate the change our diverse community of women make every day.

-           Dr Elizabeth Blakelock, Monzo, Woman in Fintech finalist

I entered the WRAs because I wanted to celebrate not just my own journey, but the incredible support network that has helped me grow into my role as a BDM. In just two years, I’ve learned so much, built amazing relationships with brokers, and been part of a team where we truly champion each other.

Entering these awards was a way to acknowledge that progress, push myself further, and hopefully inspire other women who are also at an early stage in their career to go for it too. Recognition like this reminds us that we’re on the right path - and that our work matters.

-            Chantelle Wilson, Accord Mortgages, BDM of the Year finalist

I was nominated by others and I feel that it’s good to shout about our achievements and what we are doing to help encourage others.

-            Kate Fuller, MAB Crawley, Mortgage Adviser of the Year finalist

These awards are so important to elevate equality in this industry; to showcase shining stars and encourage more women into property and finance.

-            Charlotte Rutter, Roma Finance, finalists in Equality Employer of the Year, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion: Best Employee Support, and Equity, Diversity & Inclusion: Community Champions

I was nominated by a number of industry professionals. For me this year is such a standout year and looking back at my last 12 months and what I have achieved, I still can’t quite get my head around it myself to be honest. I want all women to want to be shortlisted for these awards. Especially in the later life sector where it’s still heavily male-dominated.

-            Louise Stevens, Coreco Lifetime, Later Life Adviser of the Year finalist

I was nominated by a colleague, but it didn't take much persuasion. I am a firm supporter of awards as I feel that those doing well and leading the way in our industry have their chance to be recognised and to have a spotlight shone on them.

-            Rachel Lummis, Xpress Mortgages, Mortgage Adviser of the Year finalist

I was nominated by Head of Mortgages in a broker firm. I was honoured to have been selected by them and in a way owed it to them to apply. It was also so lovely to have it come out of the blue and to think that others think that way of you is so rewarding. Just being nominated was amazing.

-            Laura Fry McCalmont, Danske Bank, BDM of the Year finalist

I nearly didn't! I'd been nominated by members of our team, and I knew the category would be full of incredible women and I really didn't believe I belonged or was good enough!

-            Lisa Stones, Mortgage 1st, Woman in the Mortgage Industry finalist

I was nominated by my network, Rosemount, who recognised my achievements.

-            Jo Elwell, Contractor Financial, Woman Led Brokerage of the Year finalist

While this recognition brings professional credibility, it also challenges outdated perceptions - like the common assumption that solicitors are typically male. I want to show other women in the legal industry that it's possible to step forward and lead. The more visible women-led businesses become, the more we can break down stereotypes or at least begin to shift them.

-            Jasbir Dhaliwal, JD30 ltd, Entrepreneur of the Year finalist

I actually didn't enter - one of my colleagues nominated me without my knowledge, so that in itself speaks volumes and I am delighted that I was someone they wanted to nominate.

-            Jo Badger, PRIMIS Mortgage Network, Woman in Management finalist

I was nominated by my team. But I truly believe that great admin is the foundation to a successful business. We always make a difference.

-            Peggy Falconer, MB Associates, Mortgage Administrator of the Year

I got nominated by my colleagues. It felt very special that they thought I was worthy of the award.

-            Rosa Del Rio Llorente, Acre, Woman in Fintech finalist

We entered the WRAs because we believe in the power of our MAB foundation and the impact it has on our communities. We are very proud of what we have achieved in the last few years.

-            Sarah Drew, Mortgage Advice Bureau Foundation, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion: Community Champions finalist

I'm a huge supporter of the awards and really love what they stand for, celebrating excellence and giving a platform to showcase talent. I entered as it would really mean the world to join the list of exceptional finalists who have gone before me!

-            Rachael Hunnisett, April Mortgages, Woman in the Mortgage Industry finalist

To learn more about how you can book your table or sponsorship opportunities for WRA25, click here.