Committee and volunteers

our committee

The Cheshire Woman Awards Comittee work very hard every year to organise the awards and the annual event. They are all volunteers.

Alison Blackler

Hi, I’m Alison. I’ve been part of the Cheshire Woman Awards since 2010, and each year my passion for it grows. For me, it’s all about celebrating a room full of inspiring women from every walk of life. The stories shared, the courage and grit on display, and the glass ceilings shattered never fail to move me. I love bringing the event to life alongside a fabulous, dedicated committee, and we’re always striving to make it even better. This year, I’m honoured to step into the role of Chair—and I can’t wait to help create our most unforgettable event yet.

In my day, I run a business called 2minds where I support leaders, managers, teams and individuals to be their best. I am a published author, TEDx speaker and podcaster.

Lisa Harper

Since joining the Cheshire Woman Award committee in September 2023, I’ve felt incredibly honoured to contribute to a cause that celebrates the remarkable women of our region.

This role has given me the opportunity to support and recognise those who lead with courage, compassion and commitment—values that sit at the heart of the award and mirror much of what matters to me personally.

While my background involves coaching and building my own community which supports women through various stages of life, my involvement in the award is first and foremost about collective celebration—creating space for stories to be seen, voices to be heard, and achievements to be shared.

Working alongside such a thoughtful and inspiring group of committee members has been a privilege, and the connection to the NSPCC’s work brings an even deeper sense of purpose to our shared mission.

Lyndsey Charnley

Hi, I’m Lyndsey — a mum of two, wife, dog lover, counsellor, clinical supervisor, and business owner. I’m passionate about celebrating, supporting and empowering others and am a strong advocate for mental health support. I’m truly honoured to be part of the committee for the Cheshire Woman Awards.

After being nominated and experiencing first-hand the incredible work of this wonderful organisation, I knew I wanted to contribute and support such a fantastic event alongside an inspirational group of women. For me, it’s an amazing privilege to celebrate and celebrate women across Cheshire. I cannot wait to be involved in this year’s awards and to continue championing the achievements of such inspirational women.

As a committee we all have areas which we support in the build up to the awards, I will be supporting with our social media.

Karen Taylor

Hi – I’m Karen. At the beginning of 2025 I was asked if I’d like to help with the Cheshire Woman Award website. How could I refuse to be part of such empowering and rewarding organisation, highlighting women doing extraordinary things throughout Cheshire!

A little about me…I run my own business working with women business owners to give them a website they will love and that reflects them and their business. I am also a business mentor, the author of ‘101 Business Tips’ and a big supporter of local charities and Cheshire small businesses.

I have been creating websites since 2000 using my business and technical knowledge. I’m very happy to support and share in any way I can to help.

I must have done a good job the CWA website, as I’ve now been asked to join the committee!

I’m looking forward to working with the lovely professional women on the committee and taking a more active role in the Cheshire Woman Awards.

Becky Cummins

I have been a member of the Committee since 2017.  I have the back-office function of Treasurer and Secretary, which keeps me on my toes!   The committee is a group of like-minded fabulous women who volunteer their time to this event, each bringing their own gifts and skills to the table.

For me, the Cheshire Woman Award is a truly humbling and inspirational event with many fantastic women in the one space.  Their stories spark hope, courage and determination, with lots of laughs too.

NSPCC is our nominated charity and pivotal in our funding raising efforts that we do all year round.

I am passionate about empowering women and The Cheshire Woman Award provides that platform.

Debbie Parry

I have been involved for the past 6 years. I feel very privileged to be in the same room as some amazing women. I feel very humbled. I started being involved after my friend, Alison asked me to help. I am so glad I did.

I enjoy being part of the committee with so many hard-working women. It is great to be involved and also raise money for the NSPCC, a charity very close to my heart.

Sue Higginson OBE DL

I had  the great privilege of being awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Cheshire Woman Awards’ 2024. Meeting so many wonderful women and seeing the impact of the awards, inspired me to get involved. I have followed a professional career (in Further and Higher Education) for over 35 years and, now semi-retired, I also hold a portfolio of non-executive, voluntary and trustee roles, including CWA.

I am passionate about supporting and encouraging women to aspire and achieve. Through the work of CWA I can make a contribution to recognising the exceptional women who make a difference in our community and I look forward to meeting them at this special event to celebrate their success.

Tasmin Purssell

I have worked in the voluntary and healthcare sectors for over 30 years and was delighted to be asked to join the committee in 2022. The committee is full of dedicated women – balancing jobs, families and busy lives giving their time freely to recognise and celebrate the accomplishments of women from all walks of life. It is truly a privilege to be able to contribute in a meaningful way to this special event – learning so much about the unsung heroes who make an immeasurable difference to people’s lives in their communities, as well as raising funds for the valuable work the NSPCC provide across our region.

Caroline Hodson

Caroline, who is originally from Wallasey but now calls Chester home, has a real passion for volunteering and fundraising. She’s been doing this for almost two decades, both in her personal and professional life. She felt truly honoured when invited to join the committee. As a woman in the business who passionately gives back through her time and resources, this role really resonated with her beliefs. She’s really enjoyed every moment of these past 6 years as a committee member.

Estelle
Estelle Maher

I am an editor, writer and podcaster. I also run a publishing company based on the Wirral and help bestselling authors develop and publish their writing.

I am also part of a team whose purpose is to promote literacy across the Liverpool region. I also co-host a podcast that features breast cancer guests who wish to share funny stories.

It was through the podcast that I was nominated for the CWA and then subsequently became part of the committee. These awards are unique as they celebrate all women and their achievements, not just the winner. They are judged on the impact these individuals make in their community. These awards are not about how great your business is; they are about the difference you make to other people. In addition, the awards support the marvellous work done by the NSPCC.

Freya O'Brien

Hi, I’m Freya, mum of 3 young boys. I’m a former charity fundraiser and events organiser and was incredibly lucky to also be a previous nominee at this wonderful event. I firmly believe there should be no barriers in today’s society and am keen to help showcase a range of fantastic local role models whilst raising money for a wonderful charity.

Louise Jamieson

I’m Louise Jamieson – a compassionate, detail-driven Executive Assistant and wellness ambassador whose work is rooted in clarity, empowerment, and heartfelt connection. With over 20 years of experience in administrative, PA, and customer relations roles – including eight years supporting the NHS – I founded Sunflower PA to offer bespoke executive support to growing businesses across the UK. My services include inbox and diary management, event coordination, travel planning, and social media coordination, all delivered with warmth, confidentiality, and strategic precision.

Inspired by the loyalty and strength of my late best friend Lisa, whose favourite flower was the sunflower, I built my business as a tribute to resilience and positivity. I’m known for helping clients reclaim their time, streamline their systems, and focus on what they do best.

Beyond my EA work, I’m also a proud Tropic Skincare Ambassador, sharing award-winning, cruelty-free products that reflect my values of natural wellbeing and ethical living. I serve as a Director of The School Coat Charity, helping ensure children have access to warm, dignified outerwear, and I’m honoured to be an Ambassador for the Butterfly Breast Cancer Awards, celebrating courage and community in the face of adversity.

I am delighted to join the Cheshire Woman Awards Committee to help celebrate the strength, compassion and achievements of women across our region, values that deeply align with my work in advocacy, wellbeing and community empowerment.

Volunteers

The following people volunteer their time, expertise and experience to help make the Cheshire Woman Awards a huge success.

Andrew Collier

Photographer

Meg Ostle-Andrews

Photographer

Karen Taylor

Website Creator