Creating opportunities through the enduring power of legacy and belief.
Some people leave a legacy through the things they build. Others leave a legacy through the lives they inspire.
Stacey Withington did both.
Stacey was one of those remarkable young women whose warmth, kindness and determination left a lasting impression on everyone she met. She had dreams, ambition and an infectious enthusiasm for life. She believed in making the most of every opportunity and embodied the very qualities that She Inspires has always sought to champion: courage, resilience and the confidence to build a brighter future.
When Stacey received one of the early Stepping Stone Awards, it was in recognition of her potential and the exciting journey that lay ahead. She represented so many women at the beginning of their entrepreneurial and personal journeys—full of ideas, hope and determination to make a difference.
Tragically, that journey was cut short.
Following her diagnosis with breast cancer, Stacey faced every challenge with extraordinary courage and grace. Even during the most difficult moments, she continued to inspire those around her with her positivity, resilience and unwavering spirit. Her determination to live each day with purpose became a lesson in itself, reminding everyone who knew her that strength is often found in the most difficult circumstances.
When Stacey passed away, the She Inspires community was heartbroken. It felt impossible that someone with so much promise would never have the opportunity to fulfil the dreams she had worked so hard to achieve. But those who loved Stacey also knew that her story could not end there.
Among them was Jackie Hyde, Managing Director of Stanmore Insurance Brokers and a passionate advocate for women’s enterprise and leadership. Jackie had long believed that talented women deserve practical support as well as encouragement, and she wanted Stacey’s story to become a source of hope rather than sorrow. It was Jackie’s suggestion that the Stepping Stone Award should be renamed in Stacey’s memory. It was a beautifully simple idea with a profound impact. If Stacey could no longer realise all of her own potential, then her name would become the inspiration for helping other women realise theirs.
That decision transformed the award into something far greater than financial support. It became a living legacy—one that continues to create opportunities in Stacey’s name year after year.
Today, the Stacey’s Stepping Stone Award provides funding to help women invest in the next stage of their journey, whether that means developing a website, purchasing equipment, strengthening their marketing, undertaking specialist training or taking the next bold step in growing their business. Alongside that financial support, every recipient benefits from a year of mentoring with Jenny Matthews, whose experience, encouragement and practical guidance help women turn ambition into sustainable progress.
Together, the award provides more than funding. It provides belief, encouragement and a community that walks alongside women as they build their futures. Every recipient who grows a business, launches a social enterprise, creates employment or serves their community adds another chapter to Stacey’s legacy.
Women’s Economic Agency in Action
Women’s Economic Agency is built on a simple but powerful belief: when women are given the confidence, support and opportunity to fulfil their potential, the benefits extend far beyond the individual. The Stacey’s Stepping Stone Award embodies that belief. It demonstrates that investing in one woman’s future is never just about one business or one career. It creates a ripple effect that reaches families, communities and future generations.
Although Stacey was unable to fulfil all the dreams she held for herself, her legacy continues through every woman who receives the award that bears her name. Every new opportunity created, every business launched, every social enterprise strengthened and every life changed is a testament to the enduring power of hope, generosity and believing in someone before they fully believe in themselves.
Stacey’s story reminds us that the greatest legacy we can leave is not measured by what we achieve for ourselves, but by the opportunities we create for others.
That is Women’s Economic Agency in Action.
