The road to WRA26: why your finalists entered this year's awards

The finalists of the Women's Recognition Awards 2026 share what motivated them to apply this year, from surprise nominations to being inspired by changemakers across the industry.

Celebrating achievements

Emma Jones, When The Bank Says No, Woman Led Brokerage of the Year finalist:

I wanted to put a spotlight on what we do for clients who've been rejected by mainstream lenders often through no fault of their own. Entering felt like a chance to champion that work and show what's possible when a business is built around empathy rather than just approval rates.

Jacqueline Durbin, Iress, Woman in Fintech finalist:

Like many women, I find it much easier to champion others than to speak about my own achievements. But as a leader, I constantly encourage my team to own their success, use their voices and celebrate their hard work. Entering the #WRA26 was about practicing what I preach.

Amy Innes, Conveybuddy, Provider Rising Star finalist

I entered the Women's Recognition Awards because I wanted to celebrate a journey that I'm incredibly proud of, not just for where I've ended up, but for how I got here. I didn't follow a traditional career path. I started working at 17, learned the industry from the ground up and have worked hard for every opportunity that's come my way.

Looking back, I'm proud of how far I've come, from not knowing what a mortgage was to becoming operations director and helping shape the growth of a business I genuinely believe in. Most of all, I hope my story encourages others to believe in themselves. You don't need to have followed the expected route to build a successful career. With hard work, resilience and the right mindset, you can create opportunities for yourself and achieve more than you ever thought possible.

Katie Reynolds, Stagg Mortgage Services, Adviser Rising Star finalist:

I entered #WRA26 because I wanted to step outside my comfort zone and take a moment to reflect on my journey and the impact of my work. Often, we focus so much on what's next that we rarely stop to recognise how far we've come.

The Women’s Recognition Awards celebrate not only success, but also resilience, leadership and the positive difference women make in their workplaces. I felt it was a great opportunity to share my story, champion the values I believe in.

Most importantly, I entered to show that growth comes from being willing to put yourself forward. If my journey can inspire even one other woman to believe in her abilities, pursue her ambitions, or recognise her own worth, then taking part has already been worthwhile. Being part of #WRA26 is an opportunity to celebrate progress, learn from others, and continue making a meaningful impact.

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

The Women's Recognition Awards celebrate the people and organisations helping to make financial services more inclusive, supportive and representative. As a Society, we've made significant investments in colleague wellbeing, development and inclusion. Entering the awards gave us an opportunity to reflect on that progress, celebrate the people behind it, and share the positive impact it's having both inside and outside the business.

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

I entered because I wanted to recognise a year of work that I’m genuinely proud of, not just because of the outputs, but because of what they were trying to achieve. In 2025, my focus was on making protection easier to understand, talk about and act on. That meant turning complex topics into clear campaigns, practical adviser support, real stories and always-on content that helped keep important conversations moving.

I also wanted to celebrate the role marketing can play in making financial services more human. When it’s done well, marketing doesn’t just promote something. It builds trust, opens up conversations and helps people make more confident decisions.

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

Growth in business involves stepping outside your comfort zone, I entered to challenge myself, to provide myself with a benchmark alongside the best in the industry and to prove that great mortgage advice isn't just product, it is trust, problem solving and being that constant to a client which will provide stability through the biggest financial decision of their lives.

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

I entered the awards this year because I’ve recently launched Her Invest, a new financial planning brand created to support and empower women to take control of their financial futures. Over the past 12 months, I’ve invested a huge amount of time, energy and passion into developing an advice proposition that better reflects the needs and experiences of women.

Drawing on almost 30 years in financial services, my goal is to make financial planning feel more accessible, supportive and empowering, while encouraging more women to achieve financial independence.

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

When I learned I was nominated I was very surprised but chose to then enter for two main reasons. First to expand my platform and reach to be able to encourage more support and open conversation in the industry which I am very passionate about.

Secondly, to show other people what they are capable of - in my entry I detailed some of my own struggles which I share very openly, I want other people like me to see that they can turn their own struggles into positives by helping others and ultimately that their struggles don't need to define them or hold them back.

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

I entered because I believe it's important to celebrate the women who are helping shape our industry and to recognise the different ways success can look. Over the last year we've continued to grow VIBE Finance, invested in our people, expanded our impact through education and mentoring, and worked hard to create opportunities for others.

Entering the awards wasn't just about winning; it was about taking a moment to reflect on that journey and celebrating what can be achieved through resilience, authenticity and a genuine commitment to making a difference.

Lydia Rock, Real Finance Ltd, Specialist Lending Adviser of the Year finalist:

I entered the Women’s Recognition Awards 2026 as I am a huge believer in championing other women to succeed in what they do. Over the last 18 months, I’ve grown in my career immensely as a Specialist Finance Broker by networking, supporting events, speaking at events, representing the business, raising my profile, and increasing my client base, achievements I feel are worthy of recognition.

I openly share my journey of personal and career development to elevate other women so they may be inspired and encouraged to put themselves forward because if I can do it anyone can.

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

I entered the WRA to really push myself to look further into the women in finance, reflect on my journey so far and highlight the impact I have already had, and can have going forwards, on the people I have helped in my career. Although I am proud of myself as an individual, seeing the greater steps other women are taking makes me proud to be a part of this movement.

Encouraging women in financial services

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

I entered the #WRA26 because it's a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the achievements of women across our industry and to showcase the impact that diverse leadership can have on businesses, teams and customers. Over the last year, my role has expanded significantly, taking on responsibility for both product and marketing whilst helping shape the strategic direction of the business.

Entering the awards gave me the chance to reflect on that journey, recognise what has been achieved with the support of an incredible team, and hopefully inspire others who are progressing into leadership roles.

I also believe it's important to increase the visibility of women in senior leadership positions within technology and financial services. If sharing my experiences and achievements encourages even one person to back themselves, pursue new opportunities or step outside their comfort zone, then it's worthwhile. Being a finalist is an honour, but being able to celebrate and support other talented women across the industry is equally important to me.

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

The Women's Recognition Awards shine a spotlight on the people and organisations helping to make financial services a more inclusive and supportive industry, which is something I care deeply about.

Over the last year, alongside my day-to-day role, I've been focused on raising awareness of wellbeing and mental health through my 12 in 12 challenge, while continuing to support brokers and champion opportunities within specialist lending. I saw the awards as an opportunity to share that journey, celebrate the progress we're making as an industry, and hopefully inspire others to get involved and drive positive change in their own way.

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

I entered the Women’s Recognition Awards 2026 because protection advice is a space where real impact happens often quietly, often behind the scenes and I wanted to shine a light on the importance of that work. These awards celebrate women who are driving standards, supporting clients with integrity, and contributing to a more inclusive and supportive industry. Being part of that conversation felt meaningful.

I also wanted to represent the values we live every day at Stagg Mortgage Services: putting clients first, championing wellbeing, and creating an environment where women can grow, thrive and lead. Entering wasn’t about personal recognition it was about acknowledging the collective effort, the mentors who’ve guided me, the clients who trust me, and the team who stand beside me.

The WRA platform is powerful. It brings visibility to the women shaping our industry’s future, and I’m proud to stand among them.

Amanda Smith, Darlington Building Society, BDM of the Year finalist:

My manager and a team member attended the awards last year and came back full of praise for the event. They spoke so warmly about how inspiring it was, and how proud it made the women there feel to be recognised. That really stayed with me. I have been fortunate to have had a long and fulfilling career, and as I move towards the later stages of that career, I think it is important to show that people of all ages still have so much value to bring.

I also care deeply about supporting younger colleagues, sharing experience where I can and encouraging them to believe in themselves. Entering the WRA felt like a chance not only to celebrate my own journey, but to help show that recognition, confidence and opportunity should be available at every stage of a career.

Desiree Coetzee, MWA Financial Advice, Paraplanner of the Year finalist:

I wanted to celebrate not just my own journey, but the importance of recognising the people who quietly make a difference behind the scenes. Throughout my career, I've believed that success isn't only measured by technical expertise or business results. It's also about supporting colleagues, encouraging confidence, creating positive workplace cultures and helping others develop in their careers.

Over the past year, establishing and leading our Wellness Hub, mentoring colleagues and helping strengthen collaboration across our business have been some of my proudest achievements. If sharing my story encourages even one woman to believe in herself, embrace new challenges or pursue a career in financial services, then entering the awards has already been worthwhile.

Toni Smith, Sesame Bankhall Group, Woman in Protection finalist:

I entered because awards like this give us a chance to pause and recognise the progress being made across the industry. I also think it is important for women in senior roles to be visible. When I started out, there were far fewer women around the boardroom table. That has changed enormously, and if sharing my experience encourages someone else to back themselves, then that is worthwhile.

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

I believe that the opportunities we create and the achievements we work hard for deserve to be seen. In specialist lending, so much of the impact happens quietly, behind the scenes, and it’s easy to overlook the value of what we contribute. I hope to show other women that their work matters, and they can feel confident sharing their successes.

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

I wanted to support this prestigious event and have pride in our industry.

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

Because it's fantastic to shine a light on the work being done to make finance a little less of a ‘blue gilet’ club. As much as I think my male colleagues are brilliant, and it's a privilege to work alongside them it's also pretty special to celebrate with the incredible women helping shape the future of our industry. Here's to championing more women in finance, while recognising the people who support us every step of the way.

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

We entered the Women's Recognition Awards because they reflect everything we stand for at Accord and YBS. Equity, diversity and inclusion are a key part of our strategy and central to the culture we're building for our colleagues and customers.

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

I entered the Women's Recognition Awards because I believe it's important to celebrate the women who are driving positive change and leading by example in our industry. Specialist finance has traditionally been a male-dominated sector, but that's changing, and it's encouraging to see more women taking on leadership roles and helping shape the future of the profession. Awards like these shine a spotlight on those achievements and, hopefully, inspire others to pursue their ambitions.

For me, this wasn't just about personal recognition. It was an opportunity to showcase the culture we've created at Aria Finance, where people are supported to develop, succeed and build rewarding careers. I hope recognition like this helps demonstrate that there are real opportunities for women to lead and succeed in specialist finance, and I'm proud to play a small part in that progress.

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

I entered because I believe it's important to celebrate the women who are helping to shape our industry and create opportunities for others. Throughout my career, I've been fortunate to work with and learn from some exceptional people, and I've always tried to pay that forward through mentoring, coaching and supporting greater collaboration across the industry.

If sharing my journey encourages even one person to step outside their comfort zone or pursue an opportunity they might otherwise have passed up, then that's a positive outcome.

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

I entered because I feel it’s important to celebrate hard working women in financial services who are building businesses and challenging the industry. This recognition means a great deal to me. It reminds me of all the late nights working, my resilience and genuinely putting clients first to get noticed. I’m honoured to be recognised alongside so many inspiring women.

The impact of others

Hayley Roberts, Foundation, Underwriter of the Year finalist:

I was actually nominated for the award, so entering wasn’t something I initially planned. Receiving the email to say that someone had put me forward was a complete surprise and a really proud moment.

It’s such a privilege to be nominated, particularly by people who have seen firsthand the work I’ve done to support colleagues, develop underwriting talent, and improve collaboration across the business. Being recognised in this way means a great deal to me, and I’m incredibly grateful to whoever took the time to put my name forward.

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

I was actually nominated by my manager, who wanted to highlight my hard work, my resilience as a woman in a male-dominated industry, and my continued success. I never take the opportunities I have for granted.

Coming from an Afghan background, where women are currently denied their basic rights, I am deeply conscious of the privileges I hold. Every single day, I make it my mission to fully embrace those rights, work hard, and leave a positive, lasting impact on the world around me by protecting families every day.

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

I was nominated by someone else, and they gave me the confidence to enter. I knew I had worked hard to support my team, and the wider industry so enjoyed the chance to share that.

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

I was nominated by a member of The Mortgage Chat community which was really amazing in itself. I thought I would give it a go as it gives some recognition to what an amazing community that we have too.

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

I was actually nominated, which gave me the confidence to enter. I thought, "Why not? What have I got to lose?"

I'm incredibly proud of the feedback I receive from my clients and professional introducers, and it made me stop and reflect on the difference I've made over the years. We often spend so much time looking ahead that we forget to celebrate what we've achieved. Entering the awards felt like an opportunity to do exactly that, and becoming a finalist has already made it all worthwhile.

Vicki Kingston, Coventry Building Society, Woman in Management finalist:

I was nominated by my manager and thought long and hard about entering but when I looked back at my 40-year career and how far we have all come in recognising the achievements of women being part of that is special and I wanted to put my story and journey forwards. Being nominated was great but being a finalist is a very proud achievement.

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

As I said in my submission, I've never really thought of myself as a mentor or consciously set out to become one. Irene Thomas, my managing director at Mint Property Finance, said she thought I should enter.

She pointed out that, without really thinking about it, I'd spent much of my career mentoring, coaching and supporting colleagues through change. I'd simply always seen it as part of my job. So, in many ways, this entry exists because someone else recognised something in me that I'd never stopped to recognise in myself.

Niki Cooke, Mortgage Brain, Woman in Fintech finalist:

The truth is, I didn't actually enter myself: I was nominated, which was a lovely surprise. If I'm honest, I hesitated at first because I'm much more comfortable shining a spotlight on other people than on myself. But the more I thought about it, the more I realised it's important to celebrate the work we're doing and to recognise the positive impact technology can have when it's used to help people.

If sharing my journey inspires even one other woman to back herself or pursue a career in fintech, then it's absolutely worth it. So, I'm incredibly grateful that someone believed in me enough to put my name forward, and I'm so glad I said yes.

Sara Freer, Legal & General Home Finance, Woman in Later Life Lending finalist:

I was extremely pleased to be nominated by a previous winner, Louise Stevens, Later Life Adviser 2025, which then prompted me to continue the application and submit further evidence. It's only when you get a prompt like that, you realise maybe what you have achieved!

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

After being put forward by my Business Lead within my company - even being nominated was something I was completely over the moon about! As a woman in this profession, I understand how important recognition is and how much it means to celebrate the achievements and contributions women make across the industry. After reading the stories of previous winners and finalists, I knew this was something I would love to be a part of.

Karen Rodrigues, TAB, Woman in Specialist Lending finalist:

Honestly, I was encouraged to enter by colleagues, new and old, who felt my experience and contribution deserved recognition. It pushed me to properly reflect on my career, which I don't always take the time to do, and I'm really glad I did.

Want to join us at #WRA26? Book your table and learn about sponsorship opportunities here.