From boardrooms and classrooms to courtrooms and community halls, a formidable new force has emerged: the’BPA Lionesses’ – a powerhouse of award-winning female leaders, entrepreneurs and change-makers rewriting the rules of leadership and collaboration across the North.
Born out of the ‘Business Power Awards Empowering Women 2025’ gala night (#BPAEW) held in July 2025, the BPA Lionesses began as a ‘winners’ circle’ – a glittering celebration of success and resilience.
But what started as recognition on stage has evolved into something far more enduring: a movement of solidarity, peer-ship and circle of trust.
From access to finance and leadership barriers, to confidence and cultural expectations, sessions have been carefully curated and designed to equip participants with practical tools, peer support, and confidence to thrive.
Led by the ‘BPA Lionesses Consortium’, the 20-strong BPA Lionesses will deliver a series of mentoring ‘Coffee & Collaborations’ women-only safe-space sessions tackling real-world challenges faced by women across all career paths.
“This isn’t just a network – it’s a movement of purpose – it’s a blueprint for empowerment,” says Andleeb Hanif, Chair of the Business Power Awards and Managing Editor of Asian Express Newspaper.
“Our incredible BPA Lionesses bring together consulting members from diverse professional backgrounds including law, education, health, finance, business, media and the creative industries – reflecting the richness and diversity of Yorkshire’s business landscape.”
Andleeb adds: “Many of us in this group had to grow in our careers challenging stereotypes, glass ceilings, facing cultural barriers, patriarchal restraints, and learning how to juggle career and family commitment all on our own – we don’t want that for the next generation.
“We’re creating spaces where women can grow, collaborate, offer intergenerational advice and support… not just for today, but for the future.”
At the heart of the initiative is a commitment to intergenerational mentorship – connecting established professionals with younger women seeking guidance in business, education and social enterprise.
Upcoming ‘Coffee & Collaborations’ sessions include ‘Work-Life Balance & Wellbeing’, ‘Money Matters: Financial Literacy & Independence’, ‘Leadership & Mentorship Circles’ and ‘Unspoken Barriers’ – each designed to equip women with the tools, confidence and peer support to thrive.
Get involved! Subscribe to the BPA Lionesses newsletter and events – email: bpalionesses@businesspowerawards.co.uk
What the BPA Lionesses Consortium Members Say
Andleeb Hanif
Chair BPA Lionesses
“All our BPA Lionesses are not simply professionals or pioneers – they are torchbearers. Women who challenge norms, dismantle barriers, and build ladders where none existed. They are, in every sense, leaders – regardless of title, status, or recognition. Each one a beacon of resilience – each one, a quiet revolution in motion, and I’m incredibly honoured, humble and grateful to be working in collaboration with these incredible women in lift others.”
Rizwana Mahmood MBE
Headteacher/Educational Consultant
“As a leader in education for the last 30 years, contributing outside of my profession and being a part of the BPA Lionesses Consortium is a privilege. Being surrounded by such talented, committed and authentic women is heartening and inspiring to say the least. With an amalgamation of such talent, I am certain that the consortium will become a movement to execute much needed positive change.”
Rifhat Malik MBE
Director & co-founder of Give a Gift
“Empowering women matters deeply to me because I’ve seen how confidence, opportunity, and support can transform lives – not just for women, but for entire families and communities. I’m passionate about the BPA Lionesses initiative because I believe every woman deserves the chance to realise her potential, use her voice, and create her own path without barriers holding her back.”
Sarah Khan-Bashir MBE
Solicitor & founder of SKB Law
“As a South Asian woman in the legal profession, I’ve seen first-hand how courage, community and representation can change the trajectory of a career. Being part of the BPA Lionesses Consortium allows me to champion those values in a meaningful way. This initiative celebrates everyday ambition and honours the people who quietly build, create and uplift others while balancing life’s many pressures. In the long run, I believe the BPA Lionesses can open doors for diverse entrepreneurs, give them the confidence to take up space, and spark a culture where success is shared, supported and truly inclusive.”
Dr Saira Ali FLI FRSA
President Elect of the Landscape Institute
“Being part of the BPA Lionesses is both a privilege and a purpose. As a landscape architect and change-maker, my work has always been about creating spaces where people feel seen, valued and connected – and that same ethos defines this incredible network. The BPA Lionesses embody solidarity and empowerment, showing how transformative it is when women come together to uplift one another. This network offers a circle of trust, collaboration and growth – shaping a more inclusive, equitable and connected future. When women lead and lift each other, we create lasting impact in our professions, our communities and the world we shape.”
Noor Ali BEM
Senior Commercial Manager P&B Foods
“As a business leader involved in the BPA Lionesses’s Consortium, allows me further opportunities on empowering women by fostering their overall wellbeing and supporting personal and career growth. With a strong team network, we can together access knowledge and resources, creating opportunities for professional development, training and mentorship. We strive to inspire confidence and resilience among our members, and drive positive changes within the community.”
Nominations for the BPA Empowering Women Awards 2026 are now open!
