Celebrating Community Leaders: Inspiring Changemakers
Community lead of the year 2024 Finalists
In the fast-paced world of change, certain individuals stand out for their remarkable contributions to their communities. These community leaders have not only excelled in their professional careers but have also dedicated significant efforts to creating inclusive, supportive, and transformative spaces for others.
Let's celebrate these inspiring changemakers and explore the reasons behind their well-deserved recognition.
Emma Degnan
Company: Thermo Fisher Scientific
Community Girls in Marketing, Chartered Institute of Marketing
About:
Emma Degnan is a Chartered Marketer with over 10 years of experience in various industries, currently serving as a Senior Marketing Campaign Specialist at Thermo Fisher Scientific. She is also a regional board member for the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) and a Coach & Mentor at Girls in Marketing. Emma is passionate about digital marketing, teaching, and inspiring others. She actively supports the next generation of marketers through guest lectures and mentoring programs.
Reason for Shortlisting:
Emma has significantly contributed to her field by pushing digital marketing boundaries, creating immersive customer experiences using augmented reality, and achieving substantial sales improvements. She has mentored over 20 young women, volunteered at multiple organizations, and delivered impactful events and guest lectures. Her dedication to nurturing talent and driving innovation makes her a standout candidate.
Ahanna Anaba
Company: Finverity
Community: Women in Trade
About:
Ahanna Anaba is the Head of Sales & Partnerships at Finverity, focused on empowering local and regional financiers with technology solutions to enhance global access to trade finance. She has a strong background in fintech and financial services, having managed significant transaction portfolios and collaborated with various financial institutions. Ahanna is also the founder of the Women in Trade networking group, promoting inclusivity and support for women in trade-related roles.
Reason for Shortlisting:
Ahanna's achievements include expanding Finverity's market presence into 11 countries, founding a supportive network for women in trade, and actively participating in initiatives to increase diversity in the industry. Her commitment to fostering inclusivity, implementing digital solutions, and driving positive change highlights her as an exemplary community leader.
Beverley Logan
Company: Badass Mother Runners
Community: Badass Mother Runners
About:
Beverley Logan is the founder of Badass Mother Runners, a global online community and clothing brand. Starting as a reluctant runner, Beverley has built a supportive online community for women runners. The community has been featured in major publications such as Forbes Online, Women’s Running Magazine, and Metro.
Reason for Shortlisting:
Beverley created a supportive online community for women runners, launched a clothing brand, and implemented digital strategies that revolutionized their production and sales model. Her efforts have led to the formation of a welcoming space where women can connect, find support, and build friendships, making her a true community leader.
Houriya Al Taheri
Company: UAEFA
Community: Legends Football Academy, Legend App
About:
Houriya Al Taheri is a pioneering sports coach, having achieved the first Professional football license for coaching in the UAE. She founded the Legends Football Academy and the Legend smartphone app to provide aspiring athletes with opportunities to pursue their dreams. Houriya is also an advocate for social change through sports, mentoring coaches and empowering athletes.
Reason for Shortlisting:
Houriya's dedication to sports and community development is evident through her coaching achievements and the establishment of initiatives like the Legends Football Academy. Her efforts in nurturing talent, promoting inclusivity, and driving positive change through sports have had a profound impact on individuals and communities.
Shelley Langan-Newton
Company: SQR
Community: Isle of Man Chamber of Commerce Digital Forum
About:
Shelley Langan-Newton is the CEO of SQR, an award-winning cybersecurity company, and the elected chair of the Isle of Man Chamber of Commerce Digital Forum. Her career spans performing arts, tech, space, and telecoms sectors, where she has led innovative companies and overseen critical tech developments.
Reason for Shortlisting:
Shelley has demonstrated exceptional leadership in various sectors, from tech and telecoms to cybersecurity. Her efforts in creating inclusive and impactful initiatives, such as SQR and the Isle of Man Chamber of Commerce Digital Forum, highlight her commitment to fostering positive societal change and supporting professional growth.
Becci McEvoy
Company: Be Heard Socials
Community: Boss Your Socials Club
About:
Becci McEvoy is an award-winning Social Media Marketer and international speaker specializing in Content Strategy and Organic Growth. She founded Be Heard Socials to help women-owned businesses simplify social media marketing and launched the Boss Your Socials Club, a supportive community for female entrepreneurs.
Reason for Shortlisting:
Becci's commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs through social media expertise and community building sets her apart. The Boss Your Socials Club provides valuable resources, support, and a sense of belonging for women in business, reflecting Becci's dedication to making a positive difference.
Erin Thomas Wong
Company: Life-Friendly Business
Community: The Cocoon
About:
Erin Thomas Wong is a Life-Friendly Business Mentor, helping women adopt a life-friendly approach to thriving in both business and life. She has created The Cocoon, an online community supporting female solopreneurs with business training and emotional support.
Reason for Shortlisting:
Erin's efforts in creating The Cocoon have provided a safe and supportive space for women entrepreneurs to connect and grow. Her focus on work-life balance, mental well-being, and business success has had a transformative impact on her community, making her an inspiring leader.
Victoria Marie
Company: GetYourBellyOut Community Interest Company
Community: GetYourBellyOut
About:
Victoria Marie is the founder of GetYourBellyOut, a charitable organization supporting people affected by Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). She is dedicated to raising awareness, providing education, and building a supportive community for those living with IBD.
Reason for Shortlisting:
Victoria's dedication to improving the lives of people with IBD through her organization, GetYourBellyOut, has garnered widespread recognition. Her efforts in advocacy, community building, and support have made a significant impact on the IBD community.
Tinevimbo Matambanadzo
Company: As I Am Foundation
Community: Zimbabwe Endometriosis Support Network
About:
Tinevimbo Matambanadzo is a community development practitioner, girl’s and gender advocate, and philanthropist from Zimbabwe. She founded the As I Am Foundation and the Zimbabwe Endometriosis Support Network to support women’s health and empower communities.
Reason for Shortlisting:
Tinevimbo's work in supporting women with endometriosis and advocating for menstrual health has been transformative. Her dedication to educating communities, providing support, and breaking stigma around women's health issues has had a profound impact on many lives.
Elisha Belden
Company: Twistid Ink & Twistid Arts Initiative
Community: Twistid Arts Initiative
About:
Elisha Belden is the co-owner of Twistid Ink and the founder of Twistid Arts Initiative, a nonprofit organization designed to bring exposure and access to the visual and performing arts to the community of Citrus County and Central Florida. She has worked in the performing arts industry for over 20 years.
Reason for Shortlisting:
Elisha's dedication to bringing arts education and opportunities to her community through the Twistid Arts Initiative has been inspiring. Her efforts in supporting young artists, providing workshops, and fostering a love for the arts have made a significant impact on her community.
Anikó Pető-Mordovski and Kelsey Frick
Company: #TeamTranslator
Community: #TeamTranslator
About:
Anikó Pető-Mordovski and Kelsey Frick are the co-founders of #TeamTranslator, a supportive online community for freelance translation professionals. They have created a positive and inclusive space where translators can connect, share knowledge, and support each other.
Reason for Shortlisting:
Anikó and Kelsey's creation of #TeamTranslator has provided freelance translators with a valuable resource for professional growth and community support. Their commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive environment has made a significant impact on the translation industry.
Claire Waite Brown
Company: Creativity Found
Community: Creativity Found Collective
About:
Claire Waite Brown is the host of the Creativity Found podcast and the founder of creativityfound.co.uk, helping adults tap into their creativity and supporting artists and crafters in their small businesses. She has created the Creativity Found Collective to promote and connect creative individuals.
Reason for Shortlisting:
Claire's efforts in creating the Creativity Found Collective have provided artists and crafters with a supportive community and valuable resources. Her dedication to promoting creativity and supporting small businesses has made a positive impact on the creative industry.
Molly Gifford
Company: Bookscape Books
Community: Bookscape Book Club
About:
Molly Gifford is the founder of Bookscape Books and has created a thriving book club community both online and in person. She works full-time in the ambulance service and is passionate about connecting people through their love of literature.
Reason for Shortlisting:
Molly's dedication to fostering a sense of community through her book clubs has provided a valuable space for book lovers to connect and support each other. Her commitment to inclusivity and creating meaningful connections through literature makes her a deserving candidate.
Danielle Meadows-Stinnett
Company: Octane Design Studios
Community: More Than Graphics Podcast, Kentucky Creatives
About:
Danielle Meadows-Stinnett is an award-winning entrepreneur, author, podcast host, and community builder. She has created the More Than Graphics Podcast and the Kentucky Creatives community to support women and people of color in tech and creative industries.
Reason for Shortlisting:
Danielle's efforts in creating supportive communities for women and people of color in tech and creative industries have been transformative. Her dedication to amplifying marginalized voices and providing resources for professional growth highlights her as a true community leader.
Claudia Guerreiro
Company: Conscious Marketing Movement
Community: Conscious Marketing Movement
About:
Claudia Guerreiro is a marketer who merges purpose and profit through the Conscious Marketing Movement. She has built a strong online presence and created a community focused on ethical and conscious marketing practices.
Reason for Shortlisting:
Claudia's commitment to promoting ethical marketing practices and creating a supportive community for marketers and entrepreneurs has been impactful. Her efforts to merge purpose and profit in marketing highlight her as an innovative and inspiring leader.
Jo O'Neil
Company: Business Success Network
Community: Business Success Network - For Disabled Entrepreneurs
About:
Jo O'Neil is the community leader of the Business Success Network for Disabled Entrepreneurs. She started her journey after a disability left her unable to work a regular 9-5 job, leading her to create a supportive network for disabled business owners.
Reason for Shortlisting:
Jo's creation of the Business Success Network for Disabled Entrepreneurs has provided a vital support system for disabled business owners. Her dedication to fostering an inclusive and supportive community has made a significant impact on the lives of many entrepreneurs facing similar challenges.
Helen Hill
Company: Be The Future IMMERS[ED] & UnlikelyGenius
Community: Climate education community, creative-educator community
About: Helen Hill is a creative-educator with over 20 years of experience. She co-founded Be The Future, which focuses on educating children and adults about climate solutions through immersive play, storytelling, and creativity. Additionally, she runs UnlikelyGenius, a company providing writing, design, and illustration for educational resources and books that focus on the environment, self-development, and mental health.
Reason for Shortlisting: Helen's significant risk-taking in addressing climate change through innovative educational tools is commendable. She has created a range of interactive experiences that merge physical and digital creativity to educate on climate solutions. Helen's efforts have led to the development of experiences that are adaptable for schools, communities, businesses, and co-working spaces, creating an ecosystem of change rooted in hope and action. Her initiatives have already engaged with major institutions and have received substantial grants and funding.
Karen Thatcher
Company: Thatch Creative
Community : Church and charity communications community, local business community, women's clothing boutique and support community (The Beehive)
About: Karen Thatcher is a Freelance Creative and Communications Consultant based in Kent. She specializes in charity and church communications, offering a variety of services including design for digital and print, videography, storytelling, marketing, web design, and training. She also runs a small Empathy Card shop and community book clubs in her town.
Reason for Shortlisting: Karen's transition from nursing to freelance communications consultancy exemplifies her resilience and innovative spirit. She has significantly impacted the local community through her work with The Beehive, a women’s second-hand clothing boutique and café that supports women in need. Karen's role in developing The Beehive into a franchise model and her extensive volunteer work demonstrate her dedication to community building and support. Her empathetic approach to communication and her commitment to excellence make her a standout leader.
These community leaders exemplify the spirit of innovation, support, and inclusivity. Their dedication to making a positive impact in their respective fields and communities is truly inspiring. We celebrate their achievements and the difference they make in the world.
The Digital Women Awards are proud to celebrate these extraordinary individuals.
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