RISING STAR AWARDS 2026
SPONSORED BY
THE PUBLIC VOTE IS NOW OPEN FOR THE 2025 Rising Star Awards
RISING STAR AWARDS 2026
Now in their twelfth year, the Rising Star Awards continue to be the first to spotlight the achievements of women below the Senior Management or Director level – showcasing the female talent pipeline and the next generation of future leaders.
The awards also recognise the efforts of senior leaders who are championing gender equality, as well as putting the spotlight on a “company of the year” that is actively supporting its female talent pipeline above and beyond industry norms.
Over the past ten years and with the support of leading organisations, WeAreTheCity has been able to highlight the achievements of over 1000 women (1050 in the UK, 100 in India) through the Rising Star Awards.
EDUCATION PARTNERS
THE PROCESS
Nominations will open online on 27 January via the Rising Stars’ website. Nominations will close after a seven week period on 10 March.
All winners will be announced in May and will be invited to celebrate at an awards ceremony in July.
WHO CAN APPLY?
A female individual who works within one of the categories whose current position is below director level, within the UK.
- Someone who is or who has the potential to be a role model in their business or sector
- Someone who strives to achieve success and results
- Someone who gives back or inspires others
- Someone who is recognised by others as having the potential to become a future leader in their industry
This award is open to all women, regardless of age, however nominees must be working in the UK.
A senior individual of any gender who is championing gender equality, either inside or outside their organisation, within the UK.
The individual must be able to demonstrate that they have actively supported the female pipeline either through their current work role or external activities.
A UK based company that clearly articulates their commitment to supporting their female talent pipeline.
A senior man who is championing women and gender balance either inside or outside their organisation, within the UK.
PREVIOUSLY SUPPORTED BY
AWARD CATEGORIES
- Rising Stars Advertising & Media
- Rising Stars All Other Industries
- Rising Stars Banking & Capital Markets
- Rising Stars Charity & Not-for-Profits
- Rising Stars Defence
- Rising Stars Digital
- Rising Stars Education & Academia
- Rising Stars Energy & Utilities
- Rising Stars Entrepreneurs & Start-Ups
- Rising Stars HR & Recruitment
- Rising Stars Inclusion and Belonging
- Rising Stars Insurance
- Rising Stars Law (Lynne Freeman Award)
- Rising Stars Public Sector
- Rising Stars Technology
- Rising Stars Champions
- Company of the Year
- Men for Gender Balance