Thirteen winners celebrated at the annual awards, with community development worker and social impact leader Saba Ahmed presented with the Fellowship Award 2026.
Michelle O’Dwyer, celebrated chef and founder of Bay Tree Cookery CIC, has been named the Merseyside Woman of the Year 2026.
Recognised for her unwavering commitment to eradicating hunger and fostering inclusivity through pioneering solutions such as recipe kits with virtual cookery classes, Michelle has enabled people to not only develop practical skills and connect with others, but also created welcoming spaces for diverse groups and promoted celebration, dignity, and inclusion by allowing people to come together and feel a sense of belonging.
The ‘Woman of the Year’ award was presented to Michelle by headline sponsors, Rathbones, at the prestigious annual ceremony at the Crowne Plaza in Liverpool City Centre on Friday 26th June 2026.
Receiving the award Michelle said: “All the way through the awards there was just so many amazing women and I was so in awe of everything that they’re doing. It was lovely to come together and just celebrate that. Then when they called my name out, I have never been so gobsmacked in my life, because everybody in that room was so deserving. There were many women that I’ve worked with who were up for awards, who won awards.”
“The more you see. The more you have to do and it’s the community that matters. My students, my volunteers, they believe in me so much and I want to help them. I think of when I was at my lowest and struggled with depression and so many other things. If it wasn’t for organisations and people and community just helping me when I couldn’t help myself, I wouldn’t be here today and that’s what drives me. I’m just paying it forward.”
MWOTY Founding Director, Ellie Kerr, said: “Michelle’s work is deeply rooted in her own experience of poverty, homelessness and adversity during her childhood. Developing her passion for cooking at an early age, learning from her grandmother while also being responsible for her younger siblings, she has transformed her lived experience into a mission to ensure that – in her own words – ‘no one goes hungry on my watch’.
“Since 2010, she has remained focused on that mission and has touched thousands of lives, not just by addressing food poverty and social isolation, but also championing inclusivity, empowering individuals and communities and allowing those facing adversity to reclaim hope and dignity.
In 2016, Michelle cooked and hosted her first Christmas Day dinner to combat festive loneliness. She welcomed 60 people to the first event to share food, stories and festive cheer. The event has grown each year and hosted more than 270 people in 2025. This year will mark the event’s 10th anniversary, and a large celebration is planned for it!
“Michelle has placed an indelible mark on the city region and beyond and epitomises the ethos and spirit of the Merseyside Women of the Year awards. She is a brilliant, compassionate and determined woman who has quietly and consistently dedicated herself to improving the lives of others. She thoroughly deserves to be in the MWOTY spotlight and celebrated for all that she does.
“This year has been another incredible year for MWOTY and I would like to also congratulate all of our winners and finalists and welcome them to our movement, which always seeks to celebrate, empower and raise up the incredible women of our region.”
Michelle was one of 13 winners revealed at this year’s MWOTY awards, celebrated across a range of categories for supporting and improving the lives of people in Merseyside and beyond, through business leadership, voluntary work, activism, charitable and community organisations and entrepreneurial and creative endeavours.
Marion Reilly, Senior Director – Wealth Planning, said: “Michelle’s story is incredibly powerful, and her work is truly inspiring. She has transformed her own life experiences into something profoundly positive, creating opportunities for people to come together, build skills and feel a real sense of belonging. Her drive and commitment truly embody the spirit of Merseyside Woman of the Year. At Rathbones, we are proud to celebrate Michelle’s achievement and to support an awards programme that recognises women making a meaningful difference to people’s lives.”
Throughout the afternoon, attendees heard from guest speaker, TV pundit and former professional footballer, Natasha Dowie, who spoke passionately about her legendary footballing career and post-retirement life as a coach, engagement worker and role model for the younger generation.
Jude McMaster was named winner of the Social Impact award, sponsored by Brownlow Health, for her work as the founder of Pearl’s Project. Jude has spent over 13 years supporting women involved in the sex industry who face trauma, substance use, homelessness, violence and profound social exclusion. Through one‑to‑one support, wellbeing groups and crisis intervention, Jude ensures women can access healthcare, attend vital appointments and receive the practical and emotional care they need.
Social Impact finalists: Kate Silcock, Flourish Training; Michelle O’Dwyer, Bay Tree Cooking Academy CIC
The award for Women in Professional Services, sponsored by Robertson was won by Suzanne Daley, Family Law Partner at Bell Lamb & Joynson. She became the youngest Partner in the firm’s 200-plus-year history. However, her journey took a profound turn when her son, Jonah, was diagnosed with cancer. She transformed personal adversity into a powerful catalyst for change and became a dedicated supporter of the Owen McVeigh charity, providing a beacon of hope for those in need.
Women in Professional Services finalists: Georgia Davidson, SGD Fire Protection; Amanda Martins, MICT Ltd; Jennifer Gallagher, Primas Law; Natalie Dickson, Hall Brown Family Law
Lucy Byrne, founder of dot-art, was celebrated as winner of the Arts, Culture & Media award, sponsored by The City of Liverpool College. Lucy established the Liverpool‑based social enterprise to make art accessible to all. Over two decades she has supported more than 600 artists, engaged 21,000 children through schools’ programmes and generated £5 million in social value. Dot-art celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2026.
Arts, Culture & Media finalists: Chantelle Joseph, Regal Entertainments Ltd; Dr Cristina-Steliana Mihailovici, Liverpool John Moores University
The Inspirational Women award, sponsored by the Community Foundation for Merseyside, was won by Sharon Munroe, the founder of Equilibrium Northwest CIC and the heart of Livingstone Street Community Centre in Birkenhead — the centre she visited as a child looking for food. In five years, Sharon and her team have provided thousands of free meals, run holiday clubs for up to 100 children a day and welcomed 12,000 people through the centre’s doors.
Inspirational Women finalists: Farida Laeeq BEM, Brownlow Health; Becca Lennox, North West Ambulance Service and Hope & Grace
The Women of Courage award, sponsored by Auteur Media, saw a rare joint winner as judges were unable to separate the achievements and bravery of both finalists. Hayley Smith, was celebrated for her work as founder of Northwest HIV Support CIC, a non-clinical, voluntary-led organisation supporting individuals affected by HIV and challenging stigma through education and advocacy. Drawing from lived experience and commitment to community, she provides a safe, inclusive space offering emotional support, peer connection and awareness initiatives. Her work transforms lives, fosters compassion and challenges misconceptions surrounding HIV. Also named winner in this category was Leanne Lucas, survivor of the 2024 Southport attack. Leanne sustained serious injuries and experiences lasting trauma, but has turned personal tragedy into purpose. She uses her voice and professional experience to influence national conversations around prevention, education and safety through Let’s Be Blunt CIC. She aims to reduce knife harm through practical, prevention-led change and advocates for trauma-informed approaches centred on young people, families and early intervention.
The Fellowship Award, whose winner is selected by MWOTY Founding Director, Ellie Kerr, was presented to Liverpool-based community development worker and social impact leader, Saba Ahmed, who supports grassroots organisations, activists and entrepreneurs to create lasting change. Through her work at the Kuumba Imani Millennium Centre and the L8 A Better Place initiative, she has helped strengthen local networks, empower community action and promote positive inclusion across Liverpool. Saba supports people to realise their potential and ignite confidence in their ability to make real change happen. An Acumen UK Fellow, board member, Scout Leader and campaigner for Liverpool Friends of Yemen, her co-founding work with LCR Muslims Women’s Strategic Network is yet further evidence of how Saba is committed to building stronger, more connected communities that brings together women for growth and inspire those who are leading change within their communities and beyond.
The Community Leader award, sponsored by Rise Construction Framework, was presented to Gillian Watkins, co-founder and finance manager of award-winning charity An Hour For Others. Gillian has faced adversity in her life but has overcome this to become an inspiring female leader, giving 100% of her energy to support people when they need it and making positive change in our city, now and for the future.
Community Leader finalists: Karen Blair, Aftermath Support; Dr Karen Groves MBE, Queenscourt Hospice
Liverpool Feds W.F.C was named winner of the Women’s Group award, sponsored by Morecrofts. For 36 years Janie Moore and Sue Carmichael have voluntarily led Liverpool Feds from a single team to a thriving women’s and girls’ club. Founded decades before girls’ football was trendy and when it was still frowned upon in some quarters, today over 180 girls and 60 adults play for Feds each week, mostly on a self-funded basis. Janie and Sue’s pioneering, community-first vision has created a true lasting legacy.
Women’s Group finalists: RASA Merseyside, Tomorrow’s Women
Debs Paterson, physiotherapist and founder of Pilates by Physio, was named winner of the Entrepreneurcategory, sponsored by FPC. She was recognised for creating a pioneering business that bridges the gap between healthcare and the fitness industry. Employing a team of more than 20 instructors and staff across two venues on the Wirral, she has created a thriving community of over 600 clients attending sessions every week, which empowers people to love and trust their bodies and improve their quality of life.
Entrepreneur finalists: Faye Boswell, Sensified Spaces; Hayley McCaughran, Butterflies Rising; Rachael Parry-Jones, Emporia Marketing & Public Sector Media;
Renatta Clerice-Ologbosere, Ever Present Care
The Women Making a Difference award, sponsored by Merseyrail, was won by Dr Deb Faint MBE. A GP Partner and leading champion of inclusion health for 30+ years, she leads Brownlow Health’s Homeless Team, supporting more than 1,200 patients. Her work has created employment and development opportunities for many local people and she has inspired a new generation of clinicians to work in inclusion health and serve vulnerable communities. She was awarded her MBE this month.
Women Making a Difference finalists: Anu Omideyi, National Gospel Music Centre at Liverpool Lighthouse; Jodi Whitehouse, Caring Matters Now; Gail Rickett, The Water Whisperer
Lindsey Kidd from HM3 Legal was named winner of the Business Leader award, sponsored by McIver Scott Recruitment. Since becoming the firm’s MD in 2017 Lindsey has been shaping a culture rooted in exceptional client service, empathy, innovation and inclusion where colleagues can grow personally and professionally. Under her leadership, HM3 Legal has achieved industry-leading Investor in Customers NPS scores, secured B Corp certification and won multiple awards.
Business Leader finalists: Caroline Munnelly, Birkdale Insurance Group; Jess Hampson, CEL Solicitors; Jordan Duggan, EFT Group; Julie Griffiths, Caring Connections
Full information on all winners and finalists can be found here:www.merseysidewomenoftheyear.co.uk/alumni/
The Merseyside Women of the Year Awards are a platform for women making a difference in the region to be seen, heard and found. The will return on Friday 25th June 2027, with nominations set to open in January.
To find out more, visit: https://merseysidewomenoftheyear.co.uk