The search is on for Redcar and Cleveland’s local heroines who have made a significant impact on the community.
This is for the annual Inspiring Women Awards where local women are nominated in a number of categories. The nominees come from many sectors, from hard-working volunteers and guide leaders to dedicated women in business and leadership. These are ordinary people who do extraordinary things.
The overall winner of 2022’s Mo Mowlam Award was Jo Yaldren, who also received the Inspiring Others Award, sponsored by Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council. Jo worked as a nurse specialising in cardiology for 30 years. During her career, she became a Senior Lecturer and then a Principal Lecturer at Teesside University while being part of the editorial board for the British Journal for Cardiac Nursery.
She was forced to retire after being one of the youngest people in the country diagnosed with early-onset Parkinson’s’ Disease. However, this did not stop her from wanting to help and make a difference in her community and so she founded the Keeping It Clean At Saltburn Group.
This year’s award categories and sponsors are as follows:
- The Julie Donaldson Volunteer Award – sponsored by Zetland FM
- Woman in Business Award – sponsored by Taylor Wimpey
- Woman in Leadership Award – sponsored by Anglo American
- Young Woman Award – sponsored by Beyond Housing
- Inspiring Others Award – sponsored by PD Ports
- Environmental Champion Award – sponsored by Sugar Noms
- Mo Mowlam Award - sponsored by SABIC
The Inspiring Women project was launched in 2015 in response to a call sent out across the borough by former Redcar MP Anna Turley to commemorate Mo Mowlam.
In partnership with the Council, the project also inspires the next generation by providing school pupils with work shadowing opportunities with leading women in business, local government, and the community.
Joanna Andrews, Managing Director for Charm Productions and Chair of the Inspiring Women Group said:
“As Redcar and Cleveland continues to grow and develop, it’s important to recognise the achievements of the women in this area who are doing extraordinary things in their community. We are thrilled to have Stacey Phoenix joining the steering group this year as she was the first ever winner of the Mo Mowlam award. The Inspiring Women Awards Redcar and Cleveland 2023 promises to be the biggest event yet and we continue to be bowled over by the generosity of our sponsors and the nominations we get from people in our area.”
Cllr Mary Lanigan, Leader of the Council, said:
“We are so proud to support this event every year. It is a fantastic initiative recognising often unsung heroes who do amazing work in our community.
“The project also supports young girls who are readying themselves for the world of work and provides them with an excellent work shadowing opportunity.
“If you can think of an Inspiring Woman in your community, please consider nominating them for an award, I’m sure they will deserve the recognition.”
The Inspiring Women Awards is taking place on Friday 10 March 2023 at The Pavilion at Kirkleatham Museum.
To nominate a local, inspiring woman, please visit: www.inspiringwomenrc.co.uk