OVER 200 North-east businesswomen gathered for the inaugural Business Women Connections Aberdeen (BWC) Athena Awards, a celebration of women entrepreneurs and leaders who are making a significant impact in the business community within the area.
Across ten categories, the Athena Awards honoured the achievements of women in business who are paving the way for the future.
As part of the Business Women Scotland (BWS) network, founded over 18 years ago by Lynne Kennedy MBE, BWC Aberdeen launched in June this year, welcoming a thriving community of dedicated, empowered women who make vital business connections built on trust, and fostering an environment where women can connect, learn and grow.
Creator of the cHeRries Awards and business owner of BWC Aberdeen, Karen Smith said, “I believe that the accomplishments of our local women entrepreneurs deserve to be acknowledged and celebrated. I am extremely proud to have established such a supportive community so quickly in Aberdeen that will provide such a platform. By recognizing our entrepreneurs, I hope BWC Aberdeen will inspire others and create a more inclusive and supportive environment for women in business.”
The BWC Aberdeen Athena Awards winners are: Rising Star – Kirsty Hardie, Personal Trainer and Sports Massage Therapist; Women in Design – Nikki Ritchie, Hyve Architects Ltd; Women in Hair, Beauty and Fashion – Lynne Hamiton, Planet Tasteful; Women in Technology – Suzanne Bird, Bird & Emmy; Women in Fitness, Health and Wellbeing – Kerry Smith, Fit 4 Life; Women in Hospitality, Tourism and Food – Lynne Duncan, Duncano’s; Women in Law – Annabelle Cowie, Ledingham Chalmers LLP; Women in Finance – Sally Bryant, Gary Walker Wealth Management; Inspirational Woman of the Year – Anne Bone, Charity Sector.
Lynne Kennedy MBE, Founder of Business Women Scotland, said, “As women, together our mission is to support and uplift entrepreneurial journeys. BWS, through regional and national engagement, provide a range of resources, mentorship opportunities and community engagement to foster success and equality in the business world. I am delighted to see our ethos embedded into the Aberdeen community.”.
The Athena Awards, named after the Greek goddess, symbolises wisdom and righteousness. BWC Aberdeen collaborated with Stonehaven and District Men’s Shed to design and create their award. The award, hand crafted by their members featured an olive branch as its centrepiece, symbolizing peace. The Athena Awards raised over £4,500 for BWC Aberdeen’s chosen charity, Charlie House, as well as local charity Aberdeen Cyrenians, who provide care and support for vulnerable people in the North-east.
BWC Aberdeen support women through their morning business connections, after work engagement, corporate lunches, Power Hour and a mentoring programme. For more information on BWC Aberdeen contact Karen Reid, karen@bwcaberdeen.co.uk or visit www.bwcaberdeen.co.uk.
