Inspiring Women - Redcar and Cleveland

14/06/2025

A huge massive CONGRATULATIONS AND YAYYYY to our former chair and a previous winner of the Inspiring Women Awards Ruth Fox MBE

The work Ruth has done for our community with footprints in the community is beyond exceptional and we are so thrilled that she has received this very well deserved recognition

What can we say but WOW! 🤩
So well deserved! Starting with a ‘hobby’ to making Footprints 👣 what it is today. Ruth also dedicates her time to many other community projects and Charities, she is a true community champion! 👏👏👏
Footprints Community Cafe Redcar Area Foodbank First Steps, Redcar & Cleveland Lunchbox Project The Shed Redcar Next Step Shop Community Wellbeing Partnership CWP The Book Club

14/04/2025

Nici Moore says: 'Knowing that I am making a difference, not just in dance, but also in helping women discover their confidence and power, means the world to me'

15/03/2025

💚🤍💜 Highlights from our fabulous afternoon 💜🤍💚

11/03/2025

10/03/2025

Young Woman (under 21) sponsored by Beyond Housing and Mo Mowlam Overall Winner

Eva Hambley

Eva is a young woman who has overcome significant barriers and chosen to use her own challenges and experiences to be an advocate and support for young women who have survived sexual assault and domestic abuse. Aspiring to become a lawyer in this field, her dedication to others is evident in her work at The Junction, where she plays a key role - actively advising the police on issues affecting young people and women, offering valuable insight on how they can improve their approach. Her unwavering commitment to social change is admired and championed by all who know her.

10/03/2025

Community Contribution award sponsored by Anglo American

Debbie Powlay - Ladies of Steel

Debbie is one of the founders of The Ladies of Steel group, and volunteers significant amounts of her time each week - running a regular Youth Club as well as fortnightly pensioners’ social afternoons. From organising food hampers during Covid, to running affordable children’s Christmas parties, and even cleaning up the streets using her own initiative, Debbie inspires so many people to care about their community. She doesn’t expect any praise, just wants to make her town a better place.

*Debbi was unable to attend the award ceremony, pictured is Helen Kennedy collecting on her behalf

10/03/2025

Inspiring Others sponsored by Cygnet Law

Katie Coates

At age 17, Katie found herself pregnant while studying for her A-levels. Stressed and concerned she decided to pause her education and return after the birth of her son. But issues with childcare made this impossible. She’d lost her mum years ago, and was being brought up by her working father. Rather than giving up, Katie went to the Tees Valley Women' s Centre to continue her education as a Teaching Assistant while her son was cared for in the on-site nursery. A work placement led to a job and she is now Student Engagement Manager of North Durham Academy, and also volunteers on the management committee at Tees Valley Women's Centre to help inspire other young women to overcome obstacles.

10/03/2025

Woman in Business sponsored by Sima Union

Ruth Smith The Feel Amazing Therapist -

Everyone agrees that Ruth truly lives up to her title of ‘The Feel Amazing Therapist’! Embodying everything she advocates, and despite struggling with multiple sclerosis on a daily basis, Ruth supports and inspires people from all walks of life. Her fun and engaging vision-boarding workshops are in great demand, helping people to set and achieve both personal and professional goals. A single mum, and qualified therapist, Ruth also offers a range of holistic therapies providing physical and mental health benefits. An integral member of the Good Vibes Beach Community, and regional host for Redcar’s Assist Women Network, Ruth is always ready with support, advice and a warm heart inspiring everyone she meets.

10/03/2025

Julie Donaldson Volunteer Award sponsored by Zetland FM

Denise Basham Ladies of Steel

Denise inspires others in so many ways. As volunteer for the Ladies of Steel, she helps out at the pensioners social get togethers, and also supports organised community days and seasonal parties - even dressing up as an Elf on Santa’s Sleigh! Full of surprises and achievements, Denise was the very first female crew member for the Redcar Lifeboat; has fundraised for charity by riding motorbikes; is the Treasurer for the Redcar Lifeboat Ladies Guild; and is a fabulous baker! Denise never lets her mobility issues stop her from helping others, she just says “‘I’ll do it, as long as I can sit down now and again!”

10/03/2025

Let's introduce you to each of our exceptional winners!

Woman in Leadership Award sponsored by SABIC Corporate

Nici Moore - ConfiDance

Nici is an incredible example of resilience, courage and compassion. She has faced significant challenges, including navigating complex family dynamics, supporting her son with autism, and battling her own struggles with depression. Deciding to turn her experiences into opportunities to help others, Nici set up ConfiDance and is now deeply involved in her community, advocating and supporting women’s mental health and confidence. Her engaging personality and positivity towards life is infectious - and her ability to find light even in the darkest times sets her apart.