Inspirational Women’s Award shortlist

The Inspirational Woman Award judges have shortlisted five women for the two categories, Community and Business.

The judges had a difficult task again this year. Out of over 60 nominations they have shortlisted five women.

The winners will be announced at ceremony on Saturday, 5 March at 2:30pm. 

This year’s event is by invitation only as we were unsure whether there would be any restrictions at the time of planning.

However, it will be filmed and live streamed onto the big screens in the Great Hall and Court Room of the Guildhall during the International Women’s Day event taking place during the day and over the Council’s You Tube channel.

Community award shortlist

Maisie Summers-Newton

There can’t be many people in the county who have not heard of Maisie following her success in the Paralympics last year winning Gold in S6 200m Individual Medley and 100m Breaststroke.

Following which she was awarded an MBE in the Queen’s New Year Honours. Maybe not so many know that she is investing in the next generation, currently studying to be a teacher at Northampton University and has made time to visit local schools with her medals to inspire the next generation to dream big!

Maisie is a true inspiration.

Rufia Ashraf

Most people know Rufia as a Councillor and the current Mayor of Northampton Town Council. As Northampton’s first female Mayor of Bangladeshi heritage, she certainly is an inspiration, she is not afraid to get involved, often being seen out and about in Northampton helping with litter picks or helping serve hot food to the homeless.

However, her nomination was for the invaluable help and support she has given one of the town’s resident’s in setting up the Albanian Cultural Association.

Angie Kennedy

Founder of Baby Basics in Northampton which she ran for 7 years, Angie is now the Chief Executive of C2C Social Action. C2C’s Northampton Women’s Centre supports women offenders build a life away from crime as well as women who are homeless or suffering mental health challenges. There are now centres in Kettering and Milton Keynes along with an allotment project.

On top of all this, Angie was the main driver behind the Knife Angel (National Symbol Against Violence and Aggression) coming to the county this May.

Business award shortlist

Jo Burns-Russell

Founding her own business, Amplitude, and growing it from a one-woman-business to employing 12 people.  5% of the company’s profits are pledged to environmental causes and 2021 saw a donation of over £1,500 to Your Plant Choice campaign for clearing the ocean of plastic, sponsoring 104 orangutans and planting 460 trees.

Jo also created the Catapult Sessions in 2020 inviting Northampton’s businesses affected by Covid to apply for month-long marketing boosters delivering of £14,000 of free marketing support to date.

Jo champions every member of her team, supporting them to grow and develop professionally and personally. And all of this is achieved despite a series of health challenges. Jo is a vocal advocate for women’s health issues, engaging in fundraising and campaigning activities.

Milly Fyfe

A former NFYFC Chairman, RABI regional manager and CEO of the Shorthorn Society, a mum, a farmer, an entrepreneur, commentator, organiser, Milly is a true food and farming ambassador!

She can often be seen/heard on local radio or programmes such as Country File as well as writing a monthly column in the Daventry Express. During the pandemic she created a food blog ‘No Fuss Meals for Busy Parents’ and more recently a podcast called ‘The Countryside Kitchen meets’ providing a connection between UK produced food and tasty meals.

A Marketing and PR specialist Milly works with rural businesses helping them build their brand, increase their social media presence, reach their business targets, and empower their own staff.