Outstanding professionals in the female talent pipeline, their employers and senior leaders championing gender equality in the workplace are invited to enter 2023’s Rising Star Awards.
Now in their ninth year, the Rising Star Awards are the first to focus on the female talent pipeline and recognise achievements of women below Senior Management or Director level. Organised by WeAreTheCity, the Rising Star Awards also recognise the efforts of senior leaders and employers who are championing gender equality.
The categories cover multiple industries and professions, focusing on shortage of female representation making it through to senior level. The diverse range of industry categories include banking, charity, defence, diversity, energy, infrastructure, law, media, transport and technology.
OUTSTANDING TALENT
The Rising Star Awards were established in 2015 with a strategic goal to showcase 1,000 outstanding women by 2025. Each year, the awards recognise 100 female individual contributors from over 20 different industries. The 2023 winners will join the awards’ alumni of 800 previous winners.
As a female development organisation that helps companies to attract, retain and develop their female talent pool, WeAreTheCity provides resources for women looking to develop themselves personally and professionally. A unique aspect of Rising Star Awards is a commitment to support the winners through continual learning and networking opportunities, even after the awards process has concluded.
Winners receive ongoing mentoring and support through the WeAreTheCity Thrive Membership. They also get access to the Warwick Business School and the Chartered Management Institute to help further their bright careers.
“We are looking for Rising Stars across a wide range of industries who together go from the back to the front of our society,” said Vanessa Vallely OBE, Founder of WeAreTheCity. “Importantly, after shining a spotlight on their achievements, we then continue working closely with our winners to offer additional support. Many Rising Stars go on to achieve even greater things, often in the public eye where they act as fantastic role models to encourage others to follow in their footsteps.”
SEEKING TRUE EQUITY
For true equity, those in the female talent pipeline must be fully integrated into their workplace and supported by employers and colleagues of all genders. Recognising this, WeAreTheCity rewards organisations and business leaders who are investing in women as the leaders of tomorrow. The Rising Star Awards reflect this by having male and company categories including:
- The Champion Award which recognises the achievements of five senior individuals, of any gender, who are actively supporting the female pipeline outside of their day job.
- The Men for Gender Balance Award for men who are championing women and gender balance either inside or outside their organisation.
- The Company of the Year Award which recognises the achievements of a company which can clearly demonstrate that they are actively supporting its female talent pipeline.
INDUSTRY SUPPORT
The headline sponsor of the 2023 Rising Star Awards this year is Royal Bank of Canada. “Royal Bank of Canada is delighted to be powering the Rising Stars Awards for the fourth year,” stated Dave Thomas, CEO of RBC Europe. “As an organisation, we are committed to helping clients thrive and communities prosper. Diversity and inclusion is more than just a value for us. It’s our strength, so supporting these awards is a great way to celebrate and showcase incredible talent across multiple industries.”
Other supporting companies include 3M, Accenture, Barclays, Bloomberg, Citi, CMI Women, Dentsu, HSBC, IHG Hotels & Resorts, Lloyds, National Grid, Northern Trust, Oliver Wyman, Reed Smith, Refuge and Warwick Business School. Marie Claire returns as the media partner, amplifying the achievements of rising female talent.
AWARDS TIMELINE
The nominations process for the 2023 Rising Star Awards are open until 22 March 2023. A shortlist of 10 women from each industry category will be chosen by a panel of judges. The shortlist will be published in April. The winners will be announced on 22 May 22 and be invited to a prestigious awards ceremony in July.
To nominate or find out more about the awards and categories, click here.
RELATED ARTICLES
Check out last year’s Rising Star Wards Winners here.
Check out 2021’s Rising Star Awards winners here.
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