On March 19th 2026, the inaugural Female Boss Power List event took place at Masons in Liverpool, bringing together some of the most inspiring, resilient and impactful women in business from across the UK.
Created with one clear purpose — to shine a light on exceptional women — the Female Boss Power List exceeded all expectations. With hundreds of nominations submitted nationwide, the standard was incredibly high, making the judging process both exciting and challenging.
Our independent panel of judges — Kara Rose, Gemma Luxton, Beth Hope and Michelle Niziol — carefully reviewed every entry, ensuring integrity and transparency remained at the heart of the process. This was never about being just another awards event. Instead, the focus was on authenticity, celebrating real stories, real impact, and real women making a difference.
Set against the unique backdrop of Masons Liverpool, the event’s central stage and relaxed atmosphere created the perfect environment to honour and connect with the incredible women in the room.
As we look ahead to 2027, plans are already underway to make the Female Boss Power List even bigger, with new categories, a larger venue, and expanded opportunities to celebrate women in business across the UK.
For now, we proudly celebrate our 2026 winners.
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Change Maker Award
Winner: Deborah Garlick, Henpicked
A true pioneer, Deborah Garlick has been leading change long before conversations around menopause in the workplace became mainstream. Through Menopause in the Workplace (MITW), she has built the UK’s leading organisation supporting employers to become menopause and menstruation friendly — all without external funding. Her work continues to transform workplace culture across the country.
https://henpicked.net/
Highly Commended: Jo Proud, Mood Bears
Mood Bears is helping to normalise conversations around feelings through simple, effective tools used in schools and communities, reducing stigma and encouraging emotional wellbeing.
https://moodbears.com/
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Resilience Award
Winner: Samantha Leigh, We Are Vivere
A powerful, survivor-led initiative using immersive storytelling to raise awareness of coercive control and domestic abuse while empowering women to rebuild their lives.
Highly Commended: Nicola Creen, Phoenix Rising
Nicola’s personal journey through grief, loss and adversity has become a platform to inspire others, proving that resilience can lead to transformation.
https://phoenixrisingglobal.co.uk/
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Business Impact Award
Winner: Cien Solon, Launch Lemonade
A rising force in AI and digital innovation, Cien Solon is redefining how technology serves people. From building websites at just 11 years old to leading global digital transformation projects, her work bridges the gap between complex tech and real-world business impact.
https://launchlemonade.app/
Highly Commended: Rachael Parry-Jones, Emporia Marketing
Founder of a globally recognised marketing agency, Rachael continues to lead innovative campaigns that empower brands and deliver measurable results.
https://emporiamarketing.co.uk/
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Empowerment Champion Award
Winner: Jay Howard, The Weird Group
An award-winning disability advocate and TV personality, Jay Howard is breaking barriers and reshaping representation, using her platform to champion inclusivity and drive meaningful change.
Highly Commended: Giselle Gonzales, Equal Reach
Equal Reach is revolutionising access to global talent by connecting businesses with displaced professionals, creating opportunities while solving real business challenges.
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Trailblazer Award
Winner: Annabel Thomas, Nc’nean Distillery
Annabel Thomas has redefined the whisky industry with a sustainability-first approach, building a net-zero distillery powered entirely by renewable energy — setting a new standard for the future of spirits.
Highly Commended: Molly McDonald, Blue Door Productions
Molly has disrupted the media landscape with a YouTube-first production agency, working with major global brands and redefining how content is created and consumed.
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The Female Boss Power List 2026 is more than a celebration — it’s a movement. A reminder that women across the UK are leading, innovating and creating impact in every industry.
And this is only the beginning.
