BWC Aberdeen Athena Awards 2025

The Athena Awards are a celebration of the incredible women entrepreneurs and leaders who are making a significant impact in the business community of Aberdeen. We firmly believe that their accomplishments deserve to be acknowledged and celebrated. By recognising these women, we hope to inspire others and create a more inclusive and supportive environment for women in business.

Are you interested in sponsoring the Awards for 2026?

Please get in touch with Karen@BWCAberdeen.co.uk

Contact Karen

Congratulations to the finalists and winners of BWC Aberdeen Athenas

Athena Awards 2025 Finalists and Winners

  • The Hospitality, Food, Drink and Tourism Award

    This Award showcases women who work in the broadest hospitality industry sector.

    FINALISTS

    Carol Angus

    Grace McDowell

    Leanne Flockhart

    WINNER: Grace McDowell

  • Women in Finance Award

    Sponsored by Buchan Wealth Management

    This Award showcases creative talent and celebrates a woman who has made an outstanding impact on the business landscape in Scotland.  This category includes women working across all areas of Law including Property.

    FINALISTS

    Adele Reid

    Amanda Henderson

    Christina Mark

    Louise Smith

    WINNER: Louise Smith

  • Hair, Beauty and Fashion Award

    Sponsored by Bloom

    This Award showcases creative talent and celebrates a woman who has made an outstanding impact on the business landscape in Scotland.  This category includes women working across all areas of Hair, Beauty and Fashion.

    FINALISTS

    Amanda Chappel

    Joy Kelikume Oziomaaka

    Sarah Costello and Laura Buchanan

    Sharon Watson

    Victoria Mutch

    Highly Commended: Amanda Chappel

    WINNER: Joy Kelikume Oziomaaka

  • Women in Law Award

    Sponsored by Laurie & Co

    This Award showcases creative talent and celebrates a woman who has made an outstanding impact on the business landscape in Scotland.

    FINALISTS

    Donna McKay

    Emma Robertson

    Amy McKay

    WINNER : Donna McKay

  • Health, Wellbeing and Lifestyle Award

    Sponsored by Acumen Financial Planning

    This Award showcases women who work within the health, fitness, personal coaching or supports everyone in their lifestyle (eg., interior design, home staging, etc.)

    FINALISTS

    Aleksandra McDiarmid

    Gael Simpson

    Jo Bell

    Julie Daly

    Laura Patterson

    Shabnum Hanif 

    Highly Commended : Laura Patterson

    WINNER: Shabnum Hanif

  • Women in Business Support and Consultancy Award

    Sponsored by DXD Media & Action Coach

    This Award showcases women who work as self employed Consultants supporting individuals in areas such as IT, Business Coaching, HR, Property, Estate Agency, Marketing, Social Media, etc).

    FINALISTS

    Brenda Hector

    Jen Markou

    Lisa Ironside

    Nicola Davidson

    Highly Recommended : Jen Markou

    WINNER: Nicola Davidson

  • Women in PR, Marketing and Communications Award

    Sponsored by Prospect13

    This Award showcases women who work hard to ensure their clients or stakeholders have excellent PR, Marketing and Comms across all media platforms.

    FINALISTS

    Amanda Inglis

    Chloe Giles

    Iska Walter

    WINNER: Amanda Inglis

  • Women in the 3rd Sector Award

    Sponsored by QA Vehicle Solutions

    This Award showcases women who work in the challenging 3rd Sector environment.

    FINALISTS

    Marion Montgomery

    Neve McPherson

    Phionna McInnes

    Zara Grant

    Highly Recommended : Zara Grant

    WINNER: Phionna McInnes

  • The Rising Star Award

    Sponsored by Hall Morrice

    This Award showcases a young woman who is taking the local area by storm and is one to watch!

    FINALISTS

    Ali Clark

    Bethany Smith

    Eilidh Rankin

    Maya Vertigans

    Sarah Wells

    Highly Commended : Eilidh Rankin

    WINNER : Maya Vertigans

  • Inspirational Woman of the Year

    Sponsored by The Bia Partnership

    This Award showcases creative talent and celebrates a woman who has made an outstanding impact on the business landscape in Scotland.  The nominated woman will have to display outstanding achievements in their field of work along with evidence of supporting the community she works within.

    FINALISTS

    Amanda Inglis

    Christina Sutherland

    Rosee Elliott

    Shona Robertson

    Tracy Franz

    Victoria Mutch

    Highly Commended : Victoria Mutch

    WINNER: Christina Sutherland

Congratulations to all our finalists and winners and to our Sponsors

Award Judges

Gillian Campbell
Partner and Head of Private Wealth – Shepherd & Wedderburn

Cerri McDonald
MD – Prospect13

Carol Munro
HR Director Consultant and Chair of ARCHIE Foundation

Margaret Brown
Owner of Margaret Brown Consulting Ltd

Sheona Hill
Owner of BLOOM

Sally Bryant
Owner of The Bia Partnership

Suz Bird
Owner Emmy & Bird

Sophy Copeland
CEO – Instant Neighbour

Fiona Lindsay
Owner – Bridge Communications

Lynne Hamilton
Owner – Planet Tasteful

Deborah McCombie
Owner – DXD Media

Debbie Mair
Director of Sales – Park Inn by Radisson

Rhian Morgan
Director – Acumen Financial Planning Ltd

FAQ’s

  • It is free to enter the awards.

  • Nominations can be made on someone’s behalf or by the nominee themself.

  • If the nominee meets the criteria, they can be entered into more than one awards category.

  • It is not necessary to be a member of BWC Aberdeen to enter the awards, but membership offers many benefits.

  • It is necessary for the business to be registered in Scotland, however we will also accept entries if the business or person has a head office outside of Scotland but is based in Scotland.

  • All nominations must be submitted by 6pm, Friday 15th August 2025. We will not accept any late entries.

  • We will make contact with those shortlisted by Friday 8th September 2025.