The Digital Woman of the Year Awards 2025 🏆

By Hannah McKernon, Head of Digital Marketing at Maybe*

On a day dedicated to celebrating Incredible achievements in digital, women across the UK were honoured for their exceptional contributions. Among them, Polly was Recognised in the 'Digital Woman of the Year' Award. This accolade not only underscores her impactful contributions to the field but also names her as one of the '60 Digital Women to Watch in 2025'.

 

A Day to Remember

The Digital Woman of the Year Awards is an event that brings together trailblazers in the digital space, recognising their hard work, innovation, and leadership. The event is organised and hosted by Digital Women, an inspiring organisation ‘built to help women stay visible, relevant, and ahead as technology transforms the way we work’.

Polly's recognition as a runner-up is a testament to her dedication and impact in the industry. The event, held in a vibrant atmosphere, was a celebration of talent and a gathering of some of the most inspiring minds in digital and tech.

 

Polly's Journey and Achievements

Polly's journey in the digital realm has been marked by her relentless pursuit of excellence and her commitment to pushing boundaries. Her work has not only driven innovation but also inspired others in the industry. Being named one of the '60 Digital Women to Watch in 2025' underscores her potential to continue making significant strides in the future.

 
I am honoured to be recognised at the Digital Woman of the Year Awards. Being in the company of so many inspiring women in digital and tech was a wonderful experience. It’s a privilege to be acknowledged alongside such talented individuals who are shaping the future of our industry. Thank you to the great team I work with, who make all of this possible.
— Polly Barnfield, OBE
 

Congratulations to All Winners

Digital Woman of the Year 2025

  • WINNER: Tania Gerard 

  • HIGHLY COMMENDED: Archana Dhankar, Polly Barnfield, and Elizabeth Booi

AI Specialist of the Year 2025

  • WINNER: Katrina Young

  • HIGHLY COMMENDED: Juliet Powell

Carer of the Year 2025

  • WINNER: Marie-Louise O’Neill

  • HIGHLY COMMENDED: Lisa Jackson

Content Marketer of the Year 2025

  • WINNER: Sym Jaj

  • HIGHLY COMMENDED: Emma Youell

Creator/Influencer of the Year 2025

  • WINNER: Livi Arnold

  • HIGHLY COMMENDED: Danielle Bayes

Digital Trainer/Educator of the Year 2025

  • WINNER: Lorna Tatham

  • HIGHLY COMMENDED: Annacristina Panarello, Sooz Young 

Entrepreneur of the Year 2025

  • WINNER: Heather Pownall 

  • HIGHLY COMMENDED: Emma Wharton Love, Kristin Marquet 

Innovator of the Year 2025

  • WINNER: Karolina Tądel

  • HIGHLY COMMENDED: Lama Massoud

Purpose-Led Podcast of the Year 2025

  • WINNER: Shelley Hayward, Lincslives natters 

  • HIGHLY COMMENDED: Angela Kingdon, The Autistic Culture Podcast

Role Model (Mentor/Coach) of the Year 2025

  • WINNER: Ziana Ayesha Butt 

  • HIGHLY COMMENDED: Lucy McCarraher

Role Model (Leadership Impact) of the Year 2025

  • WINNER: Dr Clara Cheung 

  • HIGHLY COMMENDED: Faith Johnson

Virtual Assistant of the Year 2025

  • WINNER: Tina Lunn 

  • HIGHLY COMMENDED: Caroline Marshall 

Web Developer of the Year 2025

  • WINNER: Angela Bamford

  • HIGHLY COMMENDED: Morena Fiore 

Community Champions 2025

  • Tigz Rice

  • Jaysica Marvell

  • Amy Walters

  • Michelle Newman

  • Karen Thatcher

  • Vikkie Richmond

  • Vardeep Edwards

  • Jessica Williams Chadwick

  • Hannah Spence

  • Christine Gritmon

  • Niki Hutchinson

  • Emmaline McAndrew

Agency Owner of the Year 2025

  • WINNER: Danni Osborne

  • HIGHLY COMMENDED: Sharlin Bissick

Business Podcast of the Year 2025

  • WINNER: Aoife O’Brien, Happier at Work

  • HIGHLY COMMENDED: Ellie Clogher, Rulu Virtual Ltd

Community Leader of the Year 2025

  • WINNER: Emma Redfern

  • HIGHLY COMMENDED: Lori Mihalich-Levin, Temi Kamson 

Copywriter of the Year 2025

  • WINNER: Abi Sea 

  • HIGHLY COMMENDED: Vikkie Richmond

Data Specialist of the Year 2025

  • WINNER: Lucia Dello

  • HIGHLY COMMENDED: Harriet Mathie

Digital Marketer of the Year 2025

  • WINNER: Emma Hodges

  • HIGHLY COMMENDED: Lily Azeez, Meriem Nacer

Digital/Graphic Designer of the Year 2025

  • WINNER: Mila Golomuz 

  • HIGHLY COMMENDED: Linda Bucksey, Joanne Higgs 

Freelancer of the Year 2025

  • WINNER: Thuha Wright 

  • HIGHLY COMMENDED: Hayley Louise Johnson 

Leader of the Year 2025

  • WINNER: Katharine Photiou

  • HIGHLY COMMENDED: Elizabeth Booi 

Role Model (Community Vanguard) of the Year 2025

  • WINNER: Liyana Shirin

  • HIGHLY COMMENDED: Becci McEvoy 

Social Media Manager of the Year 2025

  • WINNER: Izabela Bos 

  • HIGHLY COMMENDED: Esther Ocampo

Website Designer the Year 2025

  • WINNER: Lisa Rees

  • HIGHLY COMMENDED: Heather Hulbert

Woman for Good 2025

  • WINNER: Karolina McIlroy

  • HIGHLY COMMENDED: Fiona Williams, Jen Moore, Taryn Ellens

Women's Champion 2025

  • WINNER: Ikram Guerd

  • HIGHLY COMMENDED: Sarah Strickland, Lori Mihalich-Levin

Young Digital Woman of the Year 2025

  • WINNER: Leah Meirion Davies

  • HIGHLY COMMENDED: Ziana Ayesha Butt, Chisom Nwokwu

 

The Importance of Recognition

Events like the Digital Woman of the Year Awards play a crucial role in highlighting the achievements of women in tech, providing them with a platform to gain visibility and connect with peers. Such recognition not only boosts the confidence of the honourees but also inspires the next generation of women to pursue careers in digital and technology.

 

Looking Ahead

As Polly continues her journey, the recognition she received serves as a catalyst for further innovation and leadership. Her story is a reminder of the power of perseverance and the importance of celebrating success in the digital world. With her eyes set on future challenges, Polly is poised to make even greater contributions to the industry.

The Digital Woman of the Year Awards 2025 was more than just an awards ceremony; it was a celebration of talent, inspiration, and the transformative power of women in digital. Polly's achievements are a beacon of what is possible when passion meets opportunity, and her recognition is well-deserved.

 

We'd Love to Hear from You!

If you have questions, would like to find out more about Maybe* AI Agents, or simply want to say hello, you can reach our team at any time.

🗨️ Use the chat icon at the bottom right - we’re here for you 24/7.

Or reach out to Polly on LinkedIn.


With Maybe*,  Anything is Possible. Get started today.

 

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