Huge congratulations to all of the finalists of this year's Women in Defence Awards. The ceremony held at London's Guildhall recognised the women working across the Defence industry who are working to make Defence a better place.
Universal Defence and Security Solutions joined the awards festivities as guests of Accenture, a company which works with 89 of the Fortune Global 100 for the annual Women in Defence Awards 2022.
British Army Officer Captain Preet Chandi – known as Polar Preet – was named Woman of the Year at the Women in Defence annual awards ceremony.
Capt Chandi wasn't present to collect her honour – or the Inspirational Award she also won – as she is currently on her latest challenge in the Antarctic in which she hopes to become the first woman to cross the frozen continent solo and unsupported.
In a pre-recorded message played at the Women in Defence Awards 2022 at London's Guildhall, the explorer said: "It is an absolute privilege and honour to receive the Woman of the Year Award."
The Army captain, who less than a year ago became the first woman of colour to reach the South Pole solo and unsupported, went on: "There are so many women who have helped me every step of the way, especially when it got tough. So, to me, you are all women of the year!"
Her message continued: "It's really important to help and support one another. I really believe that nothing is impossible.
"Wherever we're from, whatever we look like and whatever our experiences – we really can achieve anything. And I really want to inspire more people to believe that."
The awards, run by Women in Defence UK, recognise and celebrate incredible work, provide inspiration and promote the value of women in defence.
(From left: Phillippa Spencer OBE, Catherine Watson, Meredyth Grant, Beth Shehata, Richard Allen, Smita Ghosh Elizabeth Collins, Mark Smith, Vicki Trundle)
This is the awards' seventh year and they received 2,700 nominations in 11 different categories from awards for Inspiration and Outstanding Achievement to an award for Equality of Opportunity.
The full list of the 2022 Women in Defence UK Awards winners are:
• Woman of the Year: Captain Preet Chandi, British Army
• Inspirational Award: Captain Preet Chandi, British Army
• Outstanding Contribution Award: Tpr Sally Faulkner, British Army
• Most Collaborative Award: Lt Cdr Annabel Roberts, Royal Navy
• Resolute Spirit Award: Azaria Coupe, QinetiQ
• Equality of Opportunity Award: Caroline Paige, Fighting with Pride
• Emerging Talent Award: Cadet WO Zoe Webb, RAF
• Unsung Heroines Award: Mo Bingham, DE&S
• Innovation and Creativity Award: Dr Alison Hawks, Common Mission Project
• STEM in Defence Award: Elcin Ada Sayin, Radius UK Ltd
• Inclusive Teamwork Award: HMS Artful, Royal Navy
This year, for the first time, the awards also included a presentation for the Most Improved Charter Signatory, which was open to organisations who have signed the Women in Defence Charter.
