Announcing the Winners of the 2025 PRECIOUS Awards
For 19 years, the PRECIOUS Awards have shone a light on excellence that too often goes unrecognised. We celebrate Black women, women of colour, and allies who are building businesses, leading change, shaping culture and creating lasting impact across sectors.
Today, we’re proud to announce the winners of the 2025 PRECIOUS Awards. Each recipient was chosen not just for what they’ve achieved, but for how they’ve achieved it, with integrity, purpose and a commitment to lifting others as they rise.
The 2025 PRECIOUS Awards Winners
Start-Up Business of the Year
Sponsored by the British Library Business & IP Centre
Winner: LocaeRise
Founder: Yvonne Buluma-Samba
Building a purpose-led business takes vision. LocaeRise demonstrates that early-stage ventures can combine ambition with impact, creating meaningful change from day one.
Outstanding Woman in Public Sector
Winner: Dr Olajumoke Jummy Okoya
Dean, Office for Institutional Equity, University of East London
Dr Okoya’s leadership exemplifies what it means to advance equity within institutions. Her work creates pathways where barriers once stood.
Creative Business of the Year
Sponsored by Brand By Me
Winner: Louder Than Words
Founder: Myvanwy Evans-Davis
Great storytelling changes conversations. Louder Than Words transforms creative vision into sustainable business, proving that originality and commercial success can go hand in hand.
Outstanding Woman in Professional Services
Sponsored by Wealthways
Winner: Barbara Ruffett
Associate Director, Assystem
Barbara’s influence within professional services and engineering demonstrates that leadership is about opening doors and creating space for others to thrive.
Outstanding Woman in STEM
Sponsored by The Ilesha Trust
Winner: Dr Kalpana Surendranath
Associate Professor, University of Westminster
Dr Surendranath’s academic leadership and commitment to representation are reshaping what’s possible in STEM, inspiring the next generation of innovators.
The Leadership Award
Winner: Felicia Mattis-Rome
CEO, Business Launchpad at Tooting Works
Values-led leadership leaves a legacy. Felicia’s decades of supporting young entrepreneurs have created ripples of impact across communities.
The Social Impact Award
Winner: Carol Akiwumi
The AVOCADO Foundation
True impact reaches beyond profit margins. Carol’s community-centred work demonstrates that meaningful change happens when we put people first.
Coach of the Year
Winner: Shareen Sinclair
Trades Angel
Coaching at its best transforms lives. Shareen combines practical support with confidence-building, empowering others to step into their potential.
Man of the Year
Winner: Lee Chambers
CEO, Male Allies UK
Allyship requires action, not just words. Lee’s advocacy and leadership show what it means to champion equity with consistency and courage.
Judges’ Prize
Winner: Leila Pilgim
Secretary to the Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry
This special recognition honours exceptional public service. Leila’s integrity and dedication during a critical inquiry exemplify the highest standards of professional excellence.
Why These Wins Matter
The PRECIOUS Awards aren’t about polish or performance. They recognise what often goes unseen: the daily work of building something meaningful, the quiet persistence of leadership with purpose, and the impact that accumulates over time.
Our 2025 winners embody what PRECIOUS has always championed; excellence rooted in integrity, resilience and community. These are people who show up, do the work and lift others along the way.
What Comes Next
For our winners, the journey continues beyond Awards night. They are now part of an ongoing community connected through conversations, collaborations and future gatherings. As we approach our 20th year, our commitment remains unchanged:
- Creating more spaces for community connection throughout the year
- Building bridges between moments of celebration
- Amplifying voices and visibility where it matters most
Congratulations to all our 2025 winners. Your work matters and we see you.
