In January this year, Bloom UK hosted our first-ever Bloom Awards – a momentous evening dedicated to celebrating the incredible women who make up the inclusive, vibrant community. It was a night filled with inspiration, recognition, and joy as we honoured the dedication, kindness, and empowerment that define Bloom’s membership. As President, I had the absolute privilege of sitting right on stage, witnessing first-hand the energy and excitement as we celebrated our winners!
A Night to Remember
The evening began on a high note with a slightly silly but liberating laughter therapy session – setting the tone for fun, joy and bit of a giggle after a long January! This was followed by an inspiring keynote speech from Lori Meakin, who highlighted the importance of engaging men and boys in our journey towards true equity. Her words were both thought-provoking and motivating, reminding us of the collective effort required to drive meaningful change.
Next, I had the honour of hosting a panel discussion featuring Bronac McNeill, Lee Chambers, Chris Dunne, and Lori Meakin, where we explored the theme of celebrating identity. The conversation was insightful, reflective and informative as the speakers told their unique stories and perspectives.
Honoring Our Winners
Of course, the heart of the evening was the awards ceremony itself. A huge congratulations to all our nominees and winners, each of whom embodies the spirit of Bloom UK. Among the honored individuals were:
✨ Nafissa Norris (née Jeetoo)
✨ Jules Castenskiold 🌻
✨ Britt Sarony
✨ Lucy Barker
✨ Sheryl Agyemang
✨ Jennifer Elworthy
✨ Molly Rajanathan
✨ Anne-Marie G.
A special mention goes to the winners of the Bloom Impact Award, Maninder Paul and Kelly Badal (née Chandaria), for their unwavering dedication and invaluable contributions to Bloom. Your impact is truly immeasurable.
Introducing the Honorary Membership
We also launched a brand-new Bloom initiative: the Honorary Membership. A prestigious recognition awarded to three remarkable women – Victoria Brooks, Emily Philp, and Elizabeth Anyaegbuna – whose influence and commitment to our mission have been truly exceptional.
Looking Ahead
The Bloom UK Awards were not just a celebration of individuals but a testament to the power of the Bloom community. Together, we continue to uplift, inspire, and champion one another. Here’s to more moments of recognition, empowerment, and unity. Together, we are Bloom. 💜🌺
