"It feels incredibly special": what it means to be a finalist of WRA26

Last week, we revealed the finalists of the Women’s Recognition Awards 2026, celebrating those making a difference and pushing for progress across today’s industry.

It was another record year for applications, each one showcasing a remarkable business or individual, and the judges had the unenviable task of drawing up this year’s shortlist.

So what does it mean to be named as a finalist and to have your achievements and impact recognised at #WRA26?

Christine Tarran, Tarran & Co Financial Planning Ltd, Financial Adviser of the Year finalist:

“It is an honour to be named a finalist! The Women’s Recognition Awards shine a spotlight on the incredible contribution women make across our profession, celebrating those who are driving positive change and inspiring others. I’m incredibly grateful to be recognised alongside so many talented women in our industry and to be part of this year’s awards.”

Simona Minikaitiene, SM Finance Lounge, Financial Adviser of the Year finalist:

“Being named a finalist is both humbling and incredibly rewarding. I started SM Finance Lounge with a simple goal: to make mortgages less stressful and more personal for every single client. As a female founder and builder in a mostly men-dominant path, there are plenty of challenges, receiving this email proves someone is recognising all the hard work.”

Helen Slaughter, Newcastle Building Society, Mortgage Adviser of the Year finalist:

“I'm absolutely blown away to be named a finalist for the 2026 Women's Recognition Awards! It's such an honour to see my name alongside so many incredible women in the industry. Recognition for women in our profession is so important, so to be included on the list of finalists is something I'm incredibly proud of, and I'm incredibly grateful for the recognition.”

Tanya Absalom, Tanya Absalom Mortgages Ltd, Mortgage Adviser of the Year finalist:

“I am incredibly proud and excited to be a finalist in such a strong category alongside the other fantastic finalists, that alone already feels like such an achievement.”

Safina Hickling, Mojo Mortgages, Protection Adviser of the Year finalist:

“I am profoundly honoured to be recognised as a finalist alongside four extraordinary women in our industry. Having my dedication and hard work acknowledged on such a prestigious stage is both humbling and incredibly empowering.

“I am motivated daily by the drive to make a positive impact and forge paths in spaces where women haven't always been at the forefront. I am immensely grateful to my manager for championing me and to everyone who has supported my journey, this moment is a true testament to hard work, ambition, and the power of great support.”

Katherine Stagg, Stagg Mortgage Services LTD, Protection Adviser of the Year finalist:

“It’s a moment of pride, but also deep gratitude. Working in protection is a role rooted in care, advocacy and doing the right thing for people, and to have that recognised on a national stage is incredibly humbling.

“Standing with so many exceptional women, each driving positive change, raising standards and supporting clients with passion and integrity, is a privilege. It reminds me how powerful our industry can be when we lift each other up.

“This recognition reflects not just my own journey, but the encouragement, mentorship and support I’ve received along the way. I’m truly thankful for everyone who has believed in me, challenged me and helped me grow.

“To be a finalist is both a celebration and a motivation a reminder to keep pushing, keep learning and keep championing protection for every client who needs it.”

Katie White, Attivo, Later Life Adviser of the Year finalist:

“It means a great deal to be recognised for work that I care so deeply about.

“Helping people navigate the financial decisions that come with later life is about much more than numbers, it's about providing reassurance, clarity, and confidence during some of life's most important transitions. To have that commitment acknowledged by my peers is incredibly rewarding.

“I'm grateful to my clients for placing their trust in me and to everyone who has supported me along the way. Whatever the outcome, I'm proud to be among such talented professionals who are making a positive difference in the lives of their clients.”

Natalie Barlow, Best 4U Mortgages Ltd, Later Life Adviser of the Year finalist:

“To be recognised by industry professionals, especially in a sector where later life lending is still often misunderstood, means so much to me.

“It is a privilege to stand alongside such talented advisers, and being recognised amongst my peers is something I am genuinely proud of. I hope this recognition also helps shine a light on the importance of quality later life advice and the difference it can make to people's lives, giving them confidence, choice and peace of mind for the future.”

Zoe Meharg, Mandalay Financial, Specialist Lending Adviser of the Year finalist:

“I'm ecstatic! There are so many fantastic women in this industry and to be listed amongst them, especially in this category, I am honoured.”

Kim McGinley, VIBE Finance, Woman Led Brokerage of the Year finalist:

“Being named a finalist is incredibly special. I built VIBE Finance from scratch with no investors, no client bank and no shortcuts, so moments like this are a reminder of just how far we've come. It isn't just recognition for me, it's recognition for the amazing team around me, the clients who trust us and the values we've built the business on.

“As a woman in specialist finance, I'm passionate about showing that you don't have to fit a mould to succeed, and I hope this inspires other women to back themselves, be visible and build businesses in a way that feels authentic to them.”

Lucy Waters, Aria Finance, Woman Led Brokerage of the Year finalist:

“While it’s a personal honour, I see it as a recognition of the fantastic team we've built at Aria Finance and the culture we've worked so hard to create. I’ve always believed that a true leader empowers their teams and gives them the opportunity to grow and succeed.

“One of the most rewarding parts of my role is watching individuals develop their careers and go on to achieve things they didn’t think were possible. Being a finalist in this category is a reflection of my whole team and to have that recognised through an award celebrating women in leadership makes it even more meaningful. It's an honour to be recognised alongside so many inspiring women who are making a real difference across their industries.”

Joanna Everett, Fowler Smith Mortgages and Protection, Adviser Rising Star finalist:

“It's amazing. It wasn't until I was nominated that I started to think of myself as a mentor. I've always just tried to help people, whether that's supporting someone through a difficult change, explaining something in a way that finally makes sense, or giving someone the confidence to believe they can do something they didn't think they could.

“I was absolutely elated when I saw that I had become a finalist. After weeks of debating whether to even put my name forward, I am so pleased that I did. Even getting to this stage is a massive achievement and an opportunity I am grateful for.”

Vikki Harrison, Scottish Widows, Marketer of the Year finalist:

“It feels incredibly special. I’m genuinely proud, but also quite humbled, because this category shines a light on women who are doing brilliant, important work across our industry.

“For me, being named as a finalist is a moment to pause and recognise the work, the people behind it and the impact we’re all trying to make. So much of marketing happens behind the scenes, from shaping the insight to getting the words, channels and timing right. To have that recognised by the Women’s Recognition Awards means a lot.

“It also feels like a reminder that work grounded in purpose, creativity and practical impact really does matter. That’s what I’ve tried to bring to the campaigns, content and initiatives I’ve worked on.”

Eloise Hall, e.surv - LSL, Spokesperson of the Year finalist:

“The mortgage industry is full of incredible women who are driving change, supporting others and making a real difference, so to be recognised alongside them is something I'm very proud of.

“What makes this particularly special is that it reflects not just my own journey, but the support of colleagues, mentors, clients and peers who have championed me along the way. I see it as recognition of the power of collaboration, resilience and showing up authentically every day.”

Zoe Langer, Mint Property Finance, Mentor of the Year finalist:

“It wasn't until I was nominated that I started to think of myself as a mentor. I've always just tried to help people, whether that's supporting someone through a difficult change, explaining something in a way that finally makes sense, or giving someone the confidence to believe they can do something they didn't think they could.

“Then I realised, that’s mentoring! It's not always about formal mentoring programmes or career advice, sometimes it's simply taking the time to help someone grow, believe in themselves and succeed. I'm genuinely proud to be a Women's Recognition Awards 2026 finalist.”

Niki Cooke, Mortgage Brain, Woman in Fintech finalist:

“It feels incredibly special! I'm genuinely honoured to be recognised alongside so many inspiring women who are making a real difference across our industry. For me, it's not just about technology, it's about the people behind it.

“I love helping businesses embrace innovation, build stronger relationships and show that fintech can be both impactful and enjoyable, and importantly helping future generations. To be named a finalist is something I'm really proud of, and I can't wait to celebrate with everyone in October.”

Vicki Kingston, Coventry Building Society, Woman in Management finalist

“I am sure there were many inspiring women that were nominated this year and to be listed as a finalist is amazing. It’s been lovely to have so many people congratulate me too and recognise the work I have put in over many years. I am grateful for all the support I have around me.”

Louise Drummond, Leeds Building Society, Woman in Management finalist:

“It feels like a true privilege to be a finalist. There are so many brilliant women across the industry and so many finalists past and present who I have learnt from over the years. I am thankful for the opportunity to share this with the others in the category.”

Karen Rodrigues, TAB, Woman in Specialist Lending finalist:

“I am honestly thrilled and a little humbled to be shortlisted. The specialist lending industry has shaped my whole career, and to be recognised in this way, alongside such brilliant women, means a great deal.”

Charlotte Rutter, Roma Finance, Woman in Specialist Lending finalist:

“Being selected as a finalist for the Woman in Specialist Lending award is humbling. Specialist lending can be a demanding space, and I’ve always focused on what needs to be done to enhance the industry as a whole; it is very much the bigger picture.

“To have that effort recognised is not something I take lightly. I feel grateful, a little overwhelmed, and very honoured to stand alongside so many talented women in the industry. This recognition encourages me to keep learning, keep improving, and keep making a positive impact.”

Stacey Wood, Market Harborough Building Society, Woman in Specialist Lending finalist:

“It's a real honour. To be shortlisted alongside so many talented women doing brilliant things across our industry is incredibly special. On a personal level, it's rewarding to see the work I've been doing to champion specialist lending, wellbeing and mental health recognised. If my efforts have encouraged even one person to challenge themselves, speak more openly about their wellbeing, or consider a career in our industry, then that's something I'm really proud of.

“What makes it even more meaningful is that this recognition comes at a time when Market Harborough Building Society has also been shortlisted for Best Employee Support and Best Customer Support. Those nominations reflect the culture we're building as a business and the importance we place on supporting our colleagues, customers and brokers.”

Marianne Lombardi, Mortgage Chat, Entrepreneur of the Year finalist:

“I am so excited to be a finalist and blown away to be honest with you. I have never been to anything like this before. In an industry that can be quite lonely, I feel like this is a really special milestone for me to be a finalist.”

Rebecca Egerton, The Right Mortgage & Protection Network, EDI: Mental Health Advocate finalist:

“To even be nominated was an absolute honour, but to be a finalist is just incredible and means so much to me. Well done to all the other finalists and nominees, we are all winners already in my eyes!”

Lesley Vernon, Market Harborough Building Society, EDI: Best Employee Support & EDI: Best Customer Support finalist:

“Being shortlisted in two Equity, Diversity & Inclusion categories, Best Employee Support and Best Customer Support, is fantastic recognition for everyone across the Society. We’ve worked hard to create an environment where colleagues can thrive while continuing to deliver exceptional support to brokers and customers.

“These nominations recognise the progress we've made and the values that underpin everything we do. It's also fantastic to see our national account manager, Stacey, shortlisted in the Woman in Specialist Lending category. Stacey is a brilliant example of someone who embodies our culture, using her platform to champion wellbeing, support others and drive positive change across the industry.”

Angelika Christian, Accord Mortgages, EDI: Best Employee Support & EDI: Initiative of the Year finalist:

“We're absolutely delighted to be shortlisted for both Equity, Diversity & Inclusion: Initiative of the Year and Best Employee Support. It's incredibly rewarding to see the hard work, passion and dedication of so many colleagues recognised in this way. These nominations belong to everyone who has contributed to making Accord a more inclusive, supportive and welcoming place to work.”

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