Women in Management (WIM), a renowned global organization dedicated to fostering professional networking and empowerment, proudly announces the inauguration of its 5th international chapter in the United Kingdom. Established in Sri Lanka in 2011, the Top50 Professional and Career Women Awards, a flagship initiative of WIM, has evolved into a prestigious global brand, honoring approximately 980 women and a select few men across 27 countries for their exceptional contributions to leadership, innovation, diversity, inclusion, equality, and sustainability.

Scheduled for March 16, 2024, at the iconic House of Lords, the Women in Management United Kingdom Chapter will host the Top50 Curtain Raiser event. This gala celebrates the accomplishments of British women and men who are trailblazers in their respective fields. The event signifies a significant milestone in WIM's ongoing mission to acknowledge and uplift exemplary professionals who are driving positive change in their communities and industries.

Adding to the grandeur of the occasion, the WIM Top50 UK Curtain Raiser is privileged to have HRH Prince and Princess Michael of Kent as Guests of Honour. Their presence underscores the importance of recognizing and promoting diversity and gender equality in leadership roles.

Among the distinguished supporters of this event is Lord Raj Loomba CBE, founder of The Loomba Foundation in Britain, who serves as its patron. The Loomba Foundation has been at the forefront of advocating for International Widows Day, observed annually on June 23rd since its inception in 2005. This initiative sheds light on the myriad challenges faced by widows worldwide, including poverty, illiteracy, and health issues such as malaria and HIV/AIDS, as well as social injustices and conflicts. Notably, Lord Raj Loomba's personal connection to this cause, stemming from his mother becoming a widow in 1954, underscores the foundation's commitment to making a tangible difference in the lives of widows and their families.

Ambrish Bansal, Director of WIM Top50 UK Chapter, expressed his enthusiasm for the launch, stating, “I am thrilled to be part of the vibrant community of women who have played a pivotal role in establishing the Women in Management London Chapter. The journey thus far has been incredibly rewarding, and I am eager to witness the potential impact our initiatives can achieve.” Bansal further highlighted the diversity of nominations received, acknowledging the challenge it poses to the esteemed panel of judges tasked with selecting the award recipients.

On March 16, the Top50 Curtain Raiser will honor fifteen outstanding individuals, who will be eligible for the prestigious Top50 Global Awards, scheduled for November in Malaysia. The event's primary objective is to inaugurate the WIM Chapter in the UK while opening membership to connect with the global network.

Reflecting on the organization's ethos, Women in Management Founder Dr. Sulochana Segera emphasized, “in embracing women in management, we transcend gender boundaries and focus on creating pathways where individuals from all backgrounds can fearlessly pursue their aspirations and realize their fullest potential.”

Professor Eunice Simmons, Vice Chancellor at the University of Chester and Chair of the Judges Panel, commented, “it is a privilege to chair the panel for UK / Global Top50 Professional and Career Women Awards, an outstanding opportunity to recognize female leaders and inaugurate the UK Chapter of Women in Management; inspiring and supporting our success.”

The esteemed Panel of Judges for this edition comprises a diverse group of accomplished professionals, including Professor Eunice Simmons, Vice Chancellor of the University of Chester; Ngozi Oyewole, Managing Director/CEO of Noxie Limited; Kasturi Chellaraja, Executive Director and Group CEO of Hemas Holdings PLC; Roger Bradburn, Author, Teacher, and Consultant affiliated with Heriot-Watt University; Anecke Aarnæs, International Educational Leader at the International School of Rimini, John University, Bologna; Aradhana Khowala, CEO of Aptamind Partners; Linda Johnson, Managing Director of LD Training Services Limited; Dr. Titilola Banjoko, Board of Trustees member of IRC; and John Jeffcock, Author of The Suite Spot and CEO of Winmark (C-Suite Networks).

Online: https://www.wimtop50awards.co.uk/