Celebrating the Finalists for Entrepreneur Of The Year at Digital Women Awards
The Digital Women Entrepreneur of The Year Award recognises women who have taken significant risks to operating successful businesses in the digital space. Here are the finalists, their backgrounds, and detailed reasons for their shortlisting:
Helen Hill
Company: Be The Future IMMERS[ED]
About: Helen Hill has a rich background in the design and education industries. She merges these skills to focus on creating innovative digital education tools.
Reason for Shortlisting: Helen is recognis ed for addressing climate change through her immersive educational tools. Her work stands out due to her commitment to merging creativity with technology to create engaging educational content. She has taken significant risks by developing new methods to educate the younger generation about environmental issues, demonstrating both innovation and dedication.
Anupama Bhardwaj
Company: SHEQONOMI
About: Anu Bhardwaj has a diverse background, growing up in the US and India. She is a global entrepreneur who focuses on empowering women through digital platforms.
Reason for Shortlisting: Anu’s creation of SHEQONOMI, the world’s first podcast streaming platform tailored specifically for women, highlights her bold and innovative approach. She has taken significant risks by targeting a niche market, aiming to provide both entertainment and empowerment for women globally. Her work reflects a commitment to leveraging digital strategies for women’s economic empowerment.
Hollie Whittles
Company: Purple Frog Systems
About: Hollie Whittles is an award-winning TEDx speaker and digital strategist. She has extensive experience in helping businesses grow through digital transformations.
Reason for Shortlisting: Hollie has taken significant risks by leading business growth initiatives as the National Policy Skills champion. Her strategic implementation of digital transformations has had a profound impact on the businesses she works with. Hollie’s ability to drive business growth through innovative digital strategies showcases her leadership and entrepreneurial spirit.
Gabriela Kouahla
Company: BEYOND WORDS LINGUISTIC SERVICES
About: Gabriela Kouahla is a certified translator, avid linguist, and digital entrepreneur. She balances her professional role with being a mother of two.
Reason for Shortlisting: Gabriela has taken substantial risks in establishing and maintaining BEYOND WORDS LINGUISTIC SERVICES as a leading digital linguistic service provider. Her innovative approach to combining technology with linguistic services has set her apart in the industry. Gabriela’s dedication to providing high-quality services through digital platforms highlights her commitment to excellence and innovation.
Rinju Rajan
Company: Tech4Good Community
About: Rinju Rajan is the Co-Founder & CEO of Tech4Good Community and a former Project Manager at Amnesty International. She has a background in development and a passion for technology.
Reason for Shortlisting: Rinju’s initiative, Tech4Good Community, uses technology to drive social change. She has taken significant risks by focusing on digital solutions for social good, emphasising her innovative approach to digital entrepreneurship. Rinju’s work in leveraging technology to address social issues showcases her impactful contributions and dedication to making a difference.
Shelley Langan-Newton
Company: SQR
About: Shelley began her professional path as a performing arts instructor and transitioned into entrepreneurship.
Reason for Shortlisting: Shelley has revolutionised the performing arts industry with her digital platform. By providing innovative solutions for artists and educators, she has taken considerable risks to foster creativity and technological integration in the arts. Shelley’s commitment to enhancing the performing arts through digital tools highlights her innovative spirit and dedication to the arts community.
Chloe Jessamy
Company: Supportal Business Services
About: Chloe Jessamy is known for her dedication to supporting small businesses.
Reason for Shortlisting: Chloe has established Supportal Business Services as a leader in digital business support. She has taken significant risks by developing innovative strategies and comprehensive services that help small businesses thrive in the digital age. Chloe’s focus on providing extensive support to small businesses highlights her commitment to their success and her innovative approach to business support.
Heather Pownall
Company: Heather's Media Hub
About: Heather is an award-winning digital marketing expert and strategist. She founded her own media hub after a long-standing role in the industry.
Reason for Shortlisting: Heather took a significant risk by leaving a stable role to found her own media hub. Her innovative digital marketing strategies and entrepreneurial spirit have driven engagement and growth in the digital media landscape. Heather’s ability to adapt and innovate in the digital marketing field highlights her as a standout entrepreneur.
Sophie Griffiths
Company: Sophie Griffiths Co
About: Sophie Griffiths is a digital marketing strategist and the Managing Director of her company.
Reason for Shortlisting: Sophie’s digital marketing journey began in 2017 and has involved significant risks and innovative approaches. Her dedication to client success and impactful strategies have made her a notable entrepreneur in the digital marketing field. Sophie’s ability to implement effective digital marketing solutions showcases her innovation and commitment to excellence.
Danielle Meadows-Stinnett
Company: Octane Design Studios
About: Danielle is an award-winning entrepreneur, author, podcast host, and digital strategist.
Reason for Shortlisting: Danielle has taken substantial risks by building Octane Design Studios into a successful digital agency. Her unique vision, leadership, and commitment to digital design and strategy highlight her entrepreneurial spirit. Danielle’s ability to grow her business through innovative digital solutions demonstrates her dedication and impact in the digital space.
Lucia Dello
Company: Dello Data Analytics Limited (t/a Dello Insights)
About: Lucia is passionate about helping companies achieve their goals through data-driven insights.
Reason for Shortlisting: Lucia’s move into the e-commerce sector with innovative data analytics solutions highlights her entrepreneurial skills. She has taken significant risks to leverage data for driving business success, showcasing her leadership in digital analytics. Lucia’s ability to provide valuable insights through data highlights her as a leader in the field.
Mandy Idol
Company: Indigo Collective Group
About: Mandy Idol is the Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer of Indigo Collective Group.
Reason for Shortlisting: Mandy's journey over the past year has been marked by remarkable achievements and significant risks. Her work in integrating marketing and technology for business growth exemplifies her innovative approach to digital entrepreneurship. Mandy’s leadership and ability to drive business growth through digital strategies highlight her as a distinguished entrepreneur.
These women exemplify digital entrepreneurship, showcasing innovation, dedication, and significant risk-taking in their fields. Their achievements are celebrated as they continue to impact the digital space. Join us in celebrating these women at the Digital Women Awards and Conference on the 18th of September.