Each year, the WOI board and Action for Children gather to celebrate inspirational women across Scotland.
This year, on the 17 March, we celebrated the 22nd year of the event. We welcomed over 400 guests to the Hilton Glasgow for an afternoon of entertainment by Scotland legend, Karen Dunbar, and vital fundraising for Action for Children. The day was hosted by Susie Cormack Bruce and Alex Fleming.
Thanks to the incredible support of sponsors and guests, 2024 Woman of Influence Awards raised £108,500 for vulnerable children and young people.
A huge thank you to our headline sponsor, The GAP Group.
Ready to book your place for 2025?
Action for Children deliver 1-1 counselling and Blues Programmes in every local authority high school in Glasgow.
This year, The Woman of Influence Awards 2024 raised £18,000 to help councillors reach children across Glasgow in the summer holidays. They can help them enjoy activities like rock climbing, pottery painting, and outdoor adventures. And by doing so, support their mental health.
What is the Blues Programme?
Woman of Influence 2024 Winner
This year’s Woman of Influence was Scottish world record breaking weightlifter and award-winning Dominos’ Pizza Franchisee, Lisa Tobias.
On Ms Tobias achievements, Fiona Steel, National Director for Scotland at Action for Children, said: “What I loved about hearing Lisa’s story was her commitment to working hard and being able to see how it’s led to her amazing achievements. She is a great role model.
“From working her way up during her time at Dominos’ Pizza to build her skills and confidence before taking the leap into franchising. Then again in her athletic ability where she did the hard work in training to defy the odds and shift the expectations on her as a working mum.
“She shows our young people what they can achieve through hard work, all while remaining committed to giving back in the local community and her compassionate values.”
The mum of two was shortlisted as a finalist for the award alongside Doctor Freda Newlands, Dr Liz Cameron CBE, and Judith Cruickshank.
Woman to Watch Award 2024, sponsored by Lagom Aesthetics
Julie Lin took home the ‘Women to Watch 2024’ accolade for demonstrating her values and leadership in Scottish society, creating several successful community focused businesses and galvanising her network into positive causes.
With a long career in hospitality, Julie is a highly acclaimed restaurant owner, chef, broadcaster, and during that time has worked alongside many famous faces including cooking for Dame Judi Dench.
She is a passionate advocate on holding the door open for other women in the industry and using her network and access to allow a next generation of chefs and entrepreneurs into the kitchen, including cookery lessons in local schools.
Inspirational Young Woman Award 2024, sponsored by Dalziel Home Design Ltd
Nicole was named the ‘Inspirational Young Women 2024’ with a hugely powerful story of overcoming barriers and commitment to choosing a new life path.
After the death of her mum, Nicole grew up in kinship care where a family breakdown meant she became homeless then began alcohol and substance misuse. At 17-years-old she accessed Action for Children’s supported accommodation New Horizons Housing Service in Haddington where she built close relationships with staff and what felt like a stable home.
Following several mental health diagnoses, and support for addiction and depression she has now secured her own tenancy and gone on to study social care at college choosing to do her weekly professional placement at the New Horizons service.
She plans to join the staff team upon graduation and ultimately aims to be manager at what she describes as an ‘exceptional’ and ‘life changing’ service.
For more information on the Woman of Influence Awards and how you can support, contact Nicole Tweeddale: [email protected]
Want to join our 2025 event?
