The 20 finalists have been recognised for their work supporting and improving the lives of people in Merseyside and beyond, through business leadership, voluntary work, activism, charitable organisations, and entrepreneurial and creative endeavours.

Category winners and the overall ‘Merseyside Woman of the Year 2024’ will be revealed at a glittering ceremony at the Crowne Plaza in Liverpool City Centre on Friday 28th June.

The finalists, who hail from Liverpool, Wirral, Sefton, St Helens, Knowsley and Halton, are (full biographies in editor’s notes):

● Abby Younis (Sefton) – Women Conquering Cancer
● Adele Connah (Liverpool) – Cancer survivor and creator of ‘healing baskets’
● Amanda Unsworth (Wirral) – Trinity Logistics
● Claire Morgans (Sefton) – YKids
● Donna Scully (Liverpool) – Carpenters Group
● Ema Quinn (Liverpool) – Choir With No Name Liverpool
● Emily McChrystal (Halton) – Restless Development
● Jacqui McAssey (Liverpool) – GIRLFANS
● Jayne Hughes (Wirral) – Amy and Friends
● Jen Deeney (Liverpool) – Liverpool Women’s Neonatal Partnership
● Joanne Henney (Sefton) – Nugent
● Kate Martinez (Liverpool) – Sefton Park Palm House
● Katie Gordon-Orr – (Liverpool) – Fighting to be Heard
● Kiera Vogel (Liverpool) – Senate Group
● Leanne Hobin (St Helens) – Merseyside Police & St Helens Bees Netball Club
● Lynne Akwei-Howe (Wirral) – Crea8ing Community
● Merfat Musleh (Liverpool) – Savera UK
● Paula Thompson (Knowsley) – Spectrum Connect CIC
● Serena Silcock-Prince (Sefton) – Silcock Leisure Group
● Tracey Roberts (Knowsley) – The Jade L Roberts Project

With judges’ votes already counted, the finalists will now be put to a public vote to determine who the overall Merseyside Woman of the Year 2024 will be, with voting open online now here: https://merseysidewomenoftheyear.co.uk/finalists-2024/

The annual celebration of exceptional women from across the region, will take place at the Crowne Plaza in Liverpool City Centre on Friday 28th June, with the event’s long-standing and much loved commère, Pauline Daniels hosting the event.

Founding Director, Ellie Kerr, said:

“This year we saw the largest number of entries we have ever received, and the quality was outstanding. It wasn’t an easy decision for our judging panel, being presented with nominations for so many inspiring women, but we are so excited to be able to reveal our 2024 finalists.

“The MWOTY movement is committed to providing a platform for women to be seen, heard and found. Our finalists are business and community leaders, volunteers, campaigners and creatives who are using their time, skills and expertise to help others, change whole industries and make our region a better place.

“Many do this away from the spotlight and ask nothing for themselves. However, we believe their work should be visible and celebrated, and that by stepping onto the MWOTY platform and becoming part of our community, we can work together to help make even more difference.

“Congratulations to all of our finalists, every single nominee, and thank you to everyone who took the time to make a nomination. It’s truly humbling to know how many brilliant women are out there in the region!”

Moira O’Shaughnessy, Managing Partner, FPC, said:

“As the headline sponsor of MWOTY for the second consecutive year, we’re both proud and excited to be sharing the stories of another round of inspiring finalists, each as deserving as the last.

“MWOTY shines a spotlight on women who demonstrate a remarkable commitment to their communities, making a meaningful difference in the lives of others. We can’t wait to celebrate these trailblazing women and honour their achievements with an unforgettable day at the awards next month.

“Our congratulations to the finalists and all those who entered this year. MWOTY wouldn’t be the movement it is without the incredible women who take part each year.”

Renowned for putting a spotlight on those women who do not seek the limelight or push themselves to the front, but instead work to make a difference to the people, sectors, and communities they serve, the awards have grown in popularity and impact since their re-establishment in 2010.

The overall Merseyside Woman of the Year 2024 will be selected from all finalists, following a public vote (contributing 50% of the overall score) and being marked by the organisation’s judging panel against its criteria, contributing the remaining 50% of the final score. The public vote is open until midnight on Sunday 2nd June 2024.

The coveted top prize will be presented by headline sponsor, FPC, and category sponsors for 2024 include Community Foundation for Merseyside, LawMed, Morecrofts, Investec Wealth & Investment (UK), part of the Rathbones Group Plc, Rise Construction Framework, Auteur Media, Neo Community and ADDvanced Solutions and the Institute of Directors (IoD).

To cast your vote for Merseyside Woman of the Year, visit: https://merseysidewomenoftheyear.co.uk/finalists-2024/

To book tickets or find out more, visit: https://merseysidewomenoftheyear.co.uk/