The INSPIRE Awards has named Black Women Rising as its official charity partner for 2025. Founded by Leanne Pero MBE, the organisation provides peer support groups, awareness campaigns and wellbeing initiatives for women of colour affected by cancer.
The partnership holds particular significance for INSPIRE Awards founder Dr Tru Powell. “Having lost two of my four Black maternal aunts to cancer, I've seen first-hand the devastating impact this disease can have,” Powell explained, adding that access to such community support could have made a meaningful difference for his family members.
Powell reached out to Pero earlier this year to explore collaboration opportunities. He subsequently met with several Black Women Rising community members and described being “deeply inspired by their courage, resilience and unwavering positivity.”
The 2025 awards, sponsored by Arden University and E.ON, feature categories designed to recognise emerging leaders and established executives. The Rising Star award highlights young people making significant industry impact, while the Outstanding Contribution to Leadership award celebrates those demonstrating exceptional leadership.
An expert judging panel selected the winners, comprising entrepreneurs, community leaders and public figures including Cambridge University Professor Jason Arday, broadcaster Simon Alexander Ong, and mental-health advocate Luke Vernon. The panel also includes cultural icons, business leaders and diversity champions.
The awards ceremony took place on 22 November 2025 in Birmingham.