Awards night honours women from across business, healthcare, education, community and public service
Some evenings are remembered for who was in the room. Others are remembered for how they made people feel. The BPA Empowering Women Awards 2026 will undoubtedly be remembered for both.
On Thursday 25th June, 500 guests filled the Cedar Court Hotel in Bradford for what has become one of the UK’s most inspiring celebrations of female achievement.
From the moment guests arrived, there was a palpable sense of anticipation. The Cedar Court Hotel ballroom quickly filled with business leaders, NHS clinicians, charity founders, academics, creatives, lawyers, councillors and campaigners, while families, friends and colleagues gathered to celebrate women whose dedication has often gone quietly unnoticed.
Hosted by broadcaster Tommy Sandhu, the evening balanced celebration with reflection, recognising not only professional success but the personal journeys behind it. As if the evening needed another unforgettable moment, guests were treated to a spectacular surprise.
Acclaimed British Asian music sensation Gubi Sandhu took to the stage for an exclusive live performance that completely transformed the atmosphere. Within moments the ballroom erupted with cheers as guests sang every word back to him, and the celebrations reached another level.
Joining the celebrations was an outstanding line-up of distinguished guests, and a powerhouse of female speakers including, Rebecca Fitzgerald – Director Yorkshire Building Society & President Bradford Chamber of Commerce, Alison Lowe OBE – Deputy Mayor for Police and Crime at WYCA, MP Naz Shah, and Deputy Leader of Leeds City Council councillor Salma Arif.
The evening also provided a platform for some of the region’s most influential male advocates for gender equality reinforcing the importance of championing female leadership, and included Dr Hanif Malik OBE, Equity Ambassador for the BPA Empowering Women Awards, Asif Khan, CEO and Managing Director of Janan, and Younis Chaudhry, CEO and Managing Director of Regal Foods Plc.
‘The challenge wasn’t finding talented women’
Long before the applause, the standing ovations and the celebrations, organisers faced the most difficult part of the process.
Hundreds of nominations arrived from across the country, each telling a story of resilience, innovation, compassion and leadership.
Judges, Sarah Khan Bashir MBE, Dr Saira Ali FLI, Rifhat Malik MBE and Rizwana Mahmood-Ahmed MBE, described this year’s standard as the strongest yet, with many categories decided by the narrowest of margins. Every finalist had demonstrated exceptional commitment within their field, making the process of selecting winners both rigorous and deeply rewarding.
For co-founder and Chair of BPA Empowering Women Awards, Andleeb Hanif, one message became impossible to ignore: “When the nominations began arriving, we expected to be inspired,” she said.
“What we didn’t expect was to be overwhelmed by the sheer depth of talent, leadership and determination behind every story. There is no shortage of talented women. The challenge wasn’t finding them – it was deciding which extraordinary stories to recognise,” she said.
“To every nominee, finalist and winner, thank you. Your stories have inspired us, challenged us and reminded us of what is possible. You have set a remarkable standard, and it has been our absolute honour and privilege to celebrate your achievements.”
More than an awards ceremony
While trophies were presented to outstanding individuals, the evening carried a message that reached far beyond the winners’ stage.
Looking around the ballroom, guests saw women from different faiths, cultures, professions and generations celebrating one another’s achievements.
Entrepreneurs applauded teachers. Doctors stood to recognise community volunteers. Senior leaders celebrated young achievers beginning their own journeys. It was a reminder that leadership comes in many forms.
Sometimes it is found in the boardroom. Sometimes in a classroom, a hospital ward or a community centre. Sometimes it happens quietly, away from public recognition, through years of service that rarely make the headlines.
That diversity was not presented as a talking point. It was simply the reality of the room.
For many attending, that was one of the evening’s most powerful messages. Representation is not simply about visibility; it is about creating opportunities for others to believe that leadership is within their reach.
Nadim Hanif, co-founder and CEO of the BPA Empowering Women Awards, said: “The success of these awards is built on the commitment of many people who believe in recognising excellence.
“My sincere thanks go to our outstanding judging panel for the professionalism, integrity and care they brought to an incredibly difficult process. I would also like to thank our headline sponsor, Janan, and every one of our valued event partners. Your support enables us to shine a light on remarkable women whose achievements deserve to be recognised and celebrated.”
WINNERS BPA EMPOWERING WOMEN AWARDS 2026
- Outstanding Woman in Arts, Media & Culture – Eyarun Nessa, Content Creator/Photographer
- Businesswoman of the Year – Sofia Younis, COO & Co-Founder of Serenity Specialist Care
- Community Champion of the Year – Hana Agha, Project Co-Ordinator, Give a Gift Charity
- Outstanding Woman in Education – Shaheen Myers, Founder & Director of Balance-ed
- Empowerment Champion of the Year – Lucy Ndlovu, Founder of Progressive Talent CIC
- Entrepreneur of the Year – Kiran Khan – Founder of Chakelet
- Healthcare Professional of the Year – Dr Farzana Khan, Doctor in Regenerative Medicine & Womens Health
- Influential Woman of the Year – Aaliya Khan, Founder & Director Women of Fortitude CIC
- Excellence in the Legal Sector – Eram Malik, Employment Solicitor, Islamophobia Response Unit (IRU)
- Professional of the Year – Farah Qureshi, CEO & Founder Global Diversity Practice
- Outstanding Woman in Public Service – Sajda Shah MBE, Public Service and Communities Leader
- Sport Champion of the Year – Humera Khan, CEO of Happy Healthy You
- Young Achiever of the Year – Maryam Jazeem, Founder of Quran30Global & #iWill Youth Ambassador
- Runner Up Young Achiever of the Year – Miran Almass, Air Cadet 168 Squadron Leeds
- Special Recognition Award – (Awarded Posthumously) Bana Gora, Chief Executive of Muslim Women’s Council
- Lifetime Achievement Award – Bushra Nasir CBE DL FCCT
- Trailblazer of the Year Award – Samaira Tanveer Yasin, CEO & Director, Ranis Foods
- Pioneering Woman in Business – Mrs Imtiaz Ahmed, Founding Partner & Retired Director, Mr T’s
