Outstanding Woman in Arts, Media & Culture: Shanaz Gulzar, Creative Director of Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture
Shanaz is an acclaimed artist, producer, and presenter leading the ambitious Bradford 2025 cultural programme. Her work reflects the district’s rich heritage, diversity, and creativity. With a career spanning visual arts, film, theatre, and media, she has worked with Manchester International Festival and presented BBC shows like Yorkshire Walks. Formerly Chair of Bradford 2025, she collaborates locally and globally to shape a bold, inclusive vision of Bradford on the world’s cultural stage.
Businesswoman of the Year: Rukhsana Siddique, Proprietor Crossley Cars
Rukhsana transformed her family’s transport business after the sudden loss of her brother in 2020. In a male-dominated industry, she rebuilt the company and now operates Halifax’s largest private hire fleet, managing 135 drivers. A devoted mother of three, she balances entrepreneurship with community service, volunteering regularly for the local causes.
Entrepreneur of the Year: Lois Monks, Director at JWP Solicitors
Lois specialises in care law, representing children to ensure their voices shape decisions about their futures. She founded free legal clinics with local children’s centres and Together Women, offering vital support to vulnerable women facing abuse and poverty. Lois also co-led the launch of JWP’s Bradford office, expanding access to legal services in an underserved area. Her work champions justice, dignity, and support individuals in challenging circumstances.
Professional of the Year: Dr Saira Ali FLI FRSA, President Elect of the Landscape Institute & Team Leader at CBMDC
Saira has 30 years of award-winning experience in landscape architecture and urban regeneration. A bold leader, she transforms cities through inclusive, climate-resilient design that promotes biodiversity. A passionate advocate for diversity, she mentors emerging talent and speaks globally on sustainable placemaking. Her voluntary roles include the Yorkshire Regional Flood Committee, National Trust’s Advisory Board, and the Children’s Heart Surgery Fund.
Outstanding Woman in Education: Rizwana Mahmood MBE, Headteacher/Educational Consultant
Rizwana is a transformational educational leader with over a decade of success turning around underperforming schools. Her current school ranks in the top 1–3% nationally and is recognised by the Department for Education as a beacon of excellence. Awarded an MBE in 2024 for services to education, she champions equity, innovation, and social mobility. Rizwana co-created initiatives like Oxbridge Minds and Operation GenZ, inspiring academic aspirations and safeguarding vulnerable youth.
Outstanding Woman in Public Service: Dr Saghira Sharif, Principal Genetic Counsellor NHS Trust
Dr Sharif developed a groundbreaking framework to reduce disparities and improve diversity in genomic medicine. She collaborates with Born in Bradford, PHE, Genomics England, and UK Public Policy Projects to shape healthcare policies and pathways. Internationally, she advances genomics education and establishes services in Pakistan and the Middle East, driving equitable genomic care worldwide and transforming the field through her commitment.
Empowerment Champion of the Year: Sobiya Jawaid, Leadership Coach
Sobiya is a dynamic leadership coach and keynote speaker, known for empowering others through confidence and authenticity. As the first hijab-wearing Muslim black belt kickboxer to represent England at European level, she embodies resilience and barrier-breaking courage. Working with global clients in film, finance, and healthcare, Sobiya champions inclusion, belonging, and fearless leadership, helping others unlock their potential and thrive personally and professionally.
Community Champion of the Year: Rifhat Malik MBE, Co-founder/CEO Give a Gift
Rifhat is a respected community leader with over 25 years’ experience championing social justice. As Project Director at Give A Gift in Leeds, she supports refugees, asylum seekers, and disadvantaged families. She’s helped raise over £250,000 for children’s charities and volunteers with international causes. A former trustee of Martin House Hospice, she also contributes to race equality and health networks. In 2023, Give A Gift received the King’s Award for Voluntary Service.
‘Mover & Shaker’ of the Year: Humma Nizami, CEO of Race Equality Network
Humma’s leadership at REN, a Bradford-based charity supporting over 80 grassroots groups, has earned the organisation national recognition through impactful projects like Root Out Racism and the Covid-19 Prevention Project. A passionate advocate for equity, diversity, and inclusion, Humma has secured multiple awards and presented REN’s CERD report to the United Nations in Geneva, amplifying local voices on a global stage.
Young Achiever of the Year: Wania Ahmad, Member of Youth Parliament/Chair of Youth Select Committee
Even at 15, Wania embodies leadership through service, previously serving as Children’s Mayor of Leeds. As Chair of the Youth Select Committee, she led a national inquiry into social media’s impact on youth violence, producing a report now under government review. Passionate about amplifying youth voices, she volunteers with youth councils, charities, and boards, organising events and initiatives addressing critical issues facing young people. Whether speaking in Parliament or working locally, Wania dedicates her time and energy to empower youth, believing they are not just the future but the present, deserving to be heard in decisions that shape their lives.
Diversity Champion of the Year: Fatima Khan-Shah Mayor of WY Business Advisor & Mayor's Inclusivity Champion
Fatima is a nationally recognised leader, advising the Mayor and regional leaders on reducing inequalities. Named among HSJ’s top 50 health leaders from ethnic minority backgrounds, Fatima is known for her work in public involvement, compassionate leadership, and inclusion. Her award-winning initiatives have shaped national policy, and she serves on several boards, hosts a podcast, and contributes to the NHS Assembly and The King’s Fund.
Influential Woman of the Year: Noor Ali, Senior Commercial Manager
Noor Ali’s journey from supermarket checkout to industry change-maker is nothing short of inspirational. She transformed UK retail by creating the world foods category, introducing cultural celebrations in-store, and championing diversity in powerful, tangible ways. Noor mentors women, businesses, students, and prisoners through her Noor’s Den initiative. A passionate advocate for inclusion, she also serves as trustee for multiple organisations and charities.
Sport Champion of the Year: Aqsa Mushtaq, International Football Player
Aqsa Mushtaq is a dynamic attacker known for creativity, pace, and precision. Playing as winger or attacking midfielder, she has competed professionally across Europe, including Lewes FC in England and Napoli Femminile in Italy’s Serie A, where she became the first player of Pakistani heritage. Now at OFI FC in Greece’s Women’s Super League, Aqsa represents Pakistan’s National Team, inspiring South Asian women as a trailblazer in global football.
Excellence in the Legal Sector: Samreen Akhtar, Barrister at Aventus Chambers
Samreen Akhtar is a barrister and founder of Aventus Chambers in Huddersfield. The first in her family to attend university, she trained with the Crown Prosecution Service before specialising in criminal defence. Serving clients in the UK and UAE, Samreen is regularly ranked in The Legal 500. As a Social Mobility Advocate and Community Champion, she inspires the next generation by visiting schools and colleges to inspire the next generation of legal professionals and break down barriers to a career at the Bar.
Special Recognition: Naheed Akhtar, Head of Business Immigration at Batley Law Solicitor
In May Naheed unfortunately suffered the loss of her 20-year-old son Farhan Khan. Farhan sadly passed away in his sleep with no medical conditions or reason for concern. This devastating loss has shaken the family; Naheed has shown tremendous fortitude to support her husband and her other 2 sons that she has. Farhan had recently got married and his Mrs who is expecting, has been cared for by Naheed. For a mother to suffer this loss and still be standing, still be supporting everyone around her while she is still grieving herself is incredible. She is back in the office supporting her colleagues and clients, her professionalism is truly praiseworthy. Naheed has now made it her mission to do many charitable initiatives in Farhans memory starting with a relay walk led by the Batley Law Foundation, the team will walk from Naheed’s birthplace in Leeds to her sons resting place in the Wakefield cemetery all while raising funds to provide clean water to those that don’t currently have it.
Lifetime Achievement: Usha Parmar, CEO Sunrise Radio
Usha Parmar began as a teacher and later became a high-earning project manager before transforming Sunrise Radio (Yorkshire) into a respected voice for the Asian community. Her leadership earned national recognition and numerous awards. A tireless advocate for women’s rights, Asian youth, and social issues, Usha launched training initiatives and pioneered digital advancements. She challenges cultural and gender barriers with vision, courage, and unwavering commitment, inspiring others through fearless leadership.