“When women lead and lift each other, we create lasting impact in our professions, our communities and the world we shape.” Dr Saira Ali FLI FRSA
From boardrooms and classrooms to courtrooms and community halls, a formidable new force has emerged: the ‘BPA Lionesses’ – a powerhouse of female leaders, entrepreneurs and change-makers rewriting the rules of leadership and collaboration across the North.
Born out of the Business Power Empowering Women Awards 2025 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.
Led by the ‘BPA Lionesses Consortium’, the 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.
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.
“This isn’t just a network – it’s a movement of purpose. It’s a movement of intergenerational support – particularly for South Asian women,” said Andleeb Hanif, Chair of the Business Power Awards and Managing Editor of Asian Express Newspaper.
“Our incredible BPA Lionesses brings together consulting members from diverse professional backgrounds including law, education, health, finance, media and the creative industries – reflecting the richness and diversity of Yorkshire’s business landscape. We’re all on the same mission here: lifting up other women!
Andleeb adds: “Many of us in this group had to grow in our careers challenging stereotypes, glass ceilings, facing cultural barriers and patriarchy all alone – 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.”
“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,” Rizwana Mahmood MBE adds.
“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.”
A blueprint for empowerment
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 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.
Rifhat Malik MBE, director & co-founder of Give a Gift comments: “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 adds: “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 comments: “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 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.”
To subscribe to the BPA Lionesses Newsletter and events, send an email to: bpalionesses@businesspowerawards.co.uk
