Yorkshire’s professional scene is about to get a major dose of glamour and grit as the shortlist for the BPA Empowering Women Awards has been unveiled — shining a spotlight on the region’s most remarkable individuals.
Celebrating Asian Express’ 25 years as a powerhouse ethnic media publication, the awards promise a night of glitz, glory, and genuine game-changers. The event will take place on Sunday 13th July 2025 at the Cedar Court Hotel, Bradford, with a black-tie affair that’s already sending ripples through the business community.
Drawing on decades of insight, storytelling, and unwavering support for dynamic businesses and individuals through its renowned ‘Business Power’ editorial section, Asian Express steps into the limelight with Business Power Awards (BPA) as a full-fledged awards platform and movement, championing leadership, innovation, and empowerment across diverse communities.
BPA fuels the ‘Empowering Women Awards’, and shines the spotlight on trailblazing females across all sectors, the shortlist features women who have smashed glass ceilings and redefined what it means to lead in Yorkshire’s vibrant and diverse communities and economy.
Chair of Business Power Awards, Andleeb Hanif says: “These finalists embody the power, resilience, and ambition that make Yorkshire a beacon of brilliance.
“We’re thrilled to honour their achievements and give them the stage they deserve in the midst of the rich cultural tapestry that makes Yorkshire’s business and professional community so unique.
“These inspiring women are not only a testament to the strength of females in Yorkshire, but who are also influential leaders, change-makers and community champions regardless of gender, full stop!”
The event promises more than just trophies. Guests will enjoy a glittering reception, featuring live entertainment, networking opportunities with Yorkshire’s most influential movers and shakers, and moments of inspiration that will fuel the next generation of entrepreneurs, change-makers and leaders.
To book tickets, or to find out more, please visit: https://businesspowerawards.co.uk
SHORTLIST
Outstanding Woman in Arts, Media & Culture
- Song Geet – Women’s Ensemble
- Shanaz Gulzar – Creative Director, Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture
- Sara Daniel – Publicity Manager, Bradford Festival Choral Society
- Nabeela Ahmed – Writer/Poet/Educator
Businesswoman of the Year
- Amberine Nawaz – Director at Pink Ladies
- Prity Farooq – MD of Prity Salon
- Dally Kaur – CEO of Ideas That Work
- Asma Tariq – CEO of Design Quarter
- Rukhsana Siddique – CEO of Crossleys Cars
Professional of the Year
- Heena Mahmood – Digital Health Consultant/Author
- Dr Farak Sadiq – GP Partner
- Maryam Mir – Barrister
- Dr Saira Ali FLI FRSA– President Elect of the Landscape Institute
Entrepreneur of the Year
- Hannah Din – CEO of Thrive Social/MD of Forbes Collective Ltd
- Elena Nikolova – CEO of Muslim Travel Girl
- Lois Monks – Director at JWP Solicitors
- Binny Sandaal – Founder/Coach Shakti Yoga
Outstanding Woman in Education
- Shazia Younis – Director at A2Z Learning Centre
- Rizwana Mahmood MBE – Headteacher/Educational Consultant
- Saeeqa Rehman – Lead Pastoral Manager
- Nabeela Ahmed – Writer/Poet/Educator
Outstanding Woman in Public Service
- Lilly Butt – Chair of West Yorkshire Police’s VAWG Strategic Group
- Dr Saghira Sharif – Principal Genetic Counsellor NHS Trust
- Tanz Rayaz – Lead Nurse NHS
- Dr Saira Ali FLI FRSA– President Elect of the Landscape Institute
Empowerment Champion of the Year
- Sabah Achhide – Director of (MEMEC) CIC
- Milly Rohman – Project Coach – ISSE
- Sobiya Jawaid – Leadership Coach
- Lilly Butt – Chair of West Yorkshire Police’s VAWG Strategic Group
Community Champion of the Year
- Kaneez Khan MBE – Faith in Communities/Wellsprings Together
- Rizwana Mahmood MBE – Headteacher/Educational Consultant
- Rifhat Malik MBE – Co-founder/CEO Give a Gift
- Humera Khan – CEO of Happy Healthy You Bradford and Beyond
‘Mover & Shaker’ of the Year
- Humma Nizami – CEO of Race Equality Network
- Hannah Din – CEO of Thrive Social/MD of Forbes Collective Ltd
- Freda Shafi – Food author/Chef/Entrepreneur
- Shanaz Gul – Director at The Heritage Cooking Company CIC
Influential Woman of the Year
- Fatima Khan Shah – West Yorkshire Inclusivity Champion
- Noor Ali – Senior Commercial Manager
- Zohra Nazir – Bradford Stronger Together
- Fatima Mejbil – Architectural Designer/Lead Illustrator
Young Achiever of the Year
- Wania Ahmad – Member of Youth Parliament / Chair of Youth Select Committee
- Kiran Hussain – Pharmacist/Muslim Youth Forum
- Noor Afasa Jahangir – Poet/Project Assistant
Sport Champion of the Year
- Aqsa Mushtaq – Football player at OFI Crete Women FC
- Kiran Matharu – Professional Golfer
- Harleen Kaur – CEO of Club Ekta; Project Manager at Asian Sports Foundation
- Halima Khan – Cricket Coach / EDI Project Manager
Special Recognition
- Naheed Akhtar – Solicitor at Batley Law
- Kiran Hussain – Pharmacist/Muslim Youth Forum
Excellence in Legal Sector
- Frida Hussain KC – KC Counsel, Barrister
- Asma Iqbal – Partner at Chadwick Lawrence LLP
- Samreen Akhtar – Barrister at Aventus Chambers
- Sara Khan-Bashir MBE – Lawyer & Founder of SKB Law
Lifetime Achievement
- Kama Melly KC – Deputy Head of Chamber KC
- Professor Adeeba Malik CBE, DL – Deputy Chief Executive QED Foundation
- Usha Parmar – CEO Sunrise Radio
- Nazreen Ahmed – Director at The Accounting Company Ltd
