Trailblazing Returners Award

Trailblazing Returners Award

The Trailblazing Returners Award celebrates the resilience, ambition, and talent of a woman who has successfully re-entered the workforce after a career break. This award recognises the courage it takes to restart or reinvent a professional journey, whether after maternity or parental leave, caregiving responsibilities, health reasons, or other personal circumstances and honours the remarkable contributions made upon return.

Eligibility Criteria:

Nominations are welcomed from those who meet the following criteria:

• Open to all individuals who identify as a woman.
• Nominees must have taken a break in employment and returned to work within the last 5 years.
• Nominees must have demonstrated professional impact since returning, such as innovation, leadership, collaboration, or mentoring others.

Nomination Process:

• Self-nomination: All individuals are encouraged to put themselves forward.
• Peer nomination: Colleagues, supervisors, managers, team members or collaborators can nominate a deserving woman who has inspired or influenced them through their efforts.

Evaluation Criteria:

1. Resilience and Adaptability: Overcoming barriers to re-entry and demonstrating commitment to growth with flexibility in learning, adapting, or shifting focus.
2. Impact Since Return: Making a positive difference within their organisation or industry by delivering results, innovation, or leadership since their return.
3. Inspiration and Mentorship: Serving as a role model for other returners or underrepresented professionals by supporting inclusion or helping others navigate transitions.

Submit a nomination today

Applications close at 11.30pm (IST) on Wednesday 27th August 2025.