Polly exemplifies inspiring leadership within PBSA, achieving industry-leading 35-50 times ROI on advertisements whilst fostering significant team development. She advocates ED&I, supports colleagues’ life challenges, and is appreciated both internally and externally within the digital community. She is recognised for her commitment to continuous learning, mentoring, and cultivating future leaders.

Abigail Burt, RICS Fellow & Director at TSP, leads with strategic vision and compassion, propelling her Property & Asset Management team – 80% women – to remarkable success. She oversees £1.2bn of real estate, facing challenges head-on to improve efficiency and bolster team morale. Her ambition? A 20% income increase.

Sarah leads the Strategic Advisory EMEA team at Savills, specialising in advising investors on entering markets with which they are less familiar. Sarah is a passionate advocate for D&I volunteering as a board member for CREW UK and Pathways to Property and as co-chair of Savills Social Mobility Group.

Jozie takes an innovative, collaborative approach to providing the planning services for Devonshire Homes. She is leading on exemplary cross-sector and multi-organisational industry education initiatives to create better outcomes for all. A mentor and role model to many, she is an increasingly important leader for the residential sector.

Selena has returned from maternity leave, into a new role, in a new company. As Director, Real Estate Client Solutions of Federated Hermes’ $8.3bn AuM Real Estate business, she continues champion gender pay equity, inclusion and representation at all levels of the Real Estate industry.

After a traumatic maternity leave, my priorities had changed. I reflected on who I wanted to be when I returned to work and my enthusiasm for my job was still at my core with an extra passion to share my experiences, advocate for returning parents and sponsor women empowerment.

The ED&I team within AtkinsRéalis’ Project & Programme Services (PPS) division is leading the way in our global campaign #DifferentMakesADifference. From offering allyship training, to pioneering our brilliant sponsorship programme, the ED&I team are ensuring we are making a more inclusive working environment in the Built Environment and beyond.

JLL’S Menopause Programme provides emotional and practical support to colleagues. It combines a forum to share experiences, with an expert speaker series and practical help such as a ‘comfort cabinet’ of emergency items. A best-in-class programme, with industry participants asking JLL for help to emulate it.

Jane Crouch's leadership, as a co-founder, has been pivotal in establishing and expanding our Be Wellbeing Programme at Fresh. Recognising the rising challenges of student mental health, Jane spearheaded initiatives providing support and safe spaces. Under her guidance, our efforts have garnered industry recognition, setting a standard for wellbeing. 

As Chief People Officer at Puma Property Finance, Tarinee Pandey has singlehandedly spearheaded a market-leading DE&I programme, which has resulted in Puma being ranked 70th in the UK’s Best Workplaces 2024 (medium sized) by Great Places to Work UK - one of just seven firms in our sector

Chithra Marsh is an architect and Director at Buttress Architects. She is a strategic ambassador for social enterprise PLACED, former National Chair of Women in Property, co-chair of the RIBA NW’s EDI Committee, and NW representative to the RIBA’s National and Regional councils.

REDI is a virtual work experience programme led by Meta and JLL, working with Springpod encouraging underrepresented students to pursue real estate careers. The UK pilot reached over 3000 students and will expand with a REDI Hub on UCAS. The programme has also launched within the US with new modules.

Gemma Webb set out to make Barratt Developments not just a leader in inclusion for construction, but against its FTSE 100 peers. As a vocal innovator, Gemma has worked tirelessly to create behaviour changes through her influence at Barratt, our supply chain, business partners, in Government and out in communities.

Carrie Howey, Operations Data Manager at Catella APAM, has significantly enhanced the company's culture and success through her wellbeing, DE&I initiatives, and community engagement. Notable contributions include 'Tea & Talk' sessions, neurodivergence advocacy, and establishing mentorship programs. Her dedication exemplifies the spirit of this award.

When you meet Fiona, the first thing you will notice is the huge smile on her face and her warm, welcoming energy. No matter what the situation, Fiona approaches life with a glass half full attitude despite the many challenges she has faced throughout her life.

Paula Keirnan is the PA to the Industry Lead and a Project Support Officer at AtkinsRéalis. Having been with the business for 5 years, and been involved in many initiatives, Paula has developed a reputation as the gatekeeper to the region, if you want something done, go to Paula!

My mentorship approach involves listening, providing advice, and creating a nurturing environment. At Eos Surveyors, I support women in the surveying profession through hands-on learning. It's fulfilling to see them develop an interest in surveying and pursue careers, knowing that my mentorship and support have played a-part in their journey.

Since 2018, Setareh has been leading Westminster City Council’s (WCC) flagship development project, Church Street, and more recently, she has been working hard to secure a partner for the first phase of the project. 1,120 new homes will be delivered with new public realm and new market infrastructure.

Emily embodies the spirit of this award, demonstrating exceptional leadership skills in a dynamic and ever-changing commercial real estate sector. Her unwavering commitment to innovation, team development, and client service has transformed our rating department into a thriving powerhouse, consistently exceeding expectations and setting a new standard for excellence.

Throughout her 25 years at Gateley Legal, Rebecca has demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities by spearheading significant growth, driving award-winning D&I initiatives, breaking down barriers and acting as a role model for young women keen to pursue a legal career, all alongside her own client commitments and motherhood.

Kelly-anne is a dynamic MD with 9+ years experience in events, politics, HE, & real estate. She has built an influential network in the Student Housing sector & led impactful projects, driven by her passion for education & quality housing. Her leadership connects stakeholders & improves access to the sector.

Orbital Witness is a diverse, entrepreneurial and innovative business, all of these attributes are embodied by Aisha. She’s a true leader who galvanises people and empowers them to use their strengths to achieve phenomenal results. Aisha deserves the award for these and many more reasons.

Helen Bunch is the Managing Director of Wates Residential, part of Wates Group, the UK’s leading family-owned development, building and property maintenance company. She has led the business to achieve high growth in a challenging time, driven by her passion to provide high-quality housing to help people thrive.

In 2023/4 Emily Smith, COO of Argyll, London’s most exclusive office provider, delivered exceptional commercial results while leading on two vital initiatives: the successful retrofit and relaunch of seven iconic listed buildings, and a workplace transformation with staff engagement up five-fold and recognition as a Great Place to Work.