There are moments in the She Inspires journey that quietly hold everything together — and our annual Judges’ Meet is one of them.
This year’s gathering was more than a date in the diary. It was a celebration of shared purpose, a reaffirmation of community values, and a space to hold the sacred work of judging with care, clarity, and heart.
With over 90 remarkable people in the room — finalists, judges, exhibitors, supporters — the energy was unmistakable. What brought us together wasn’t just process. It was trust.
Trust is the cornerstone of She Inspires. With over 100 judges involved across all categories, transparency is not a nice-to-have — it’s essential. Every finalist, every nominee, every story shared deserves to be seen and heard with fairness, with empathy, and with integrity. And that’s why this event matters.
The evening opened with a judges-only session, led with her usual calm wisdom by Jackie Hyde — a true pillar of our process. She brings structure, but never forgets the soul. Her voice has become synonymous with fairness, and in that room, she reminded us all that judging is not about perfection — it’s about presence, perspective, and purpose.
Then came the panel — and the room shifted again. The stories shared were real, raw, and moving.
Victoria Melling, a finalist, winner, judge, and now finalist again, showed us the circular nature of She Inspires in action.
Ashley White, recipient of Stacey’s Stepping Stone Award, brought courage, grace, and honesty that left many of us in tears.
Louise Walden-Edwards, last year’s winner and now a judge, reminded us why we ask winners to return: because those who’ve walked the journey give back with unmatched understanding.
Ray Hanks offered clarity and grounding insight, and of course, Jackie Hyde anchored the conversation with strength and sincerity.
All masterfully moderated by Jenny Matthews, whose warmth and skill brought every voice into the light.
This is what She Inspires is built on — a circle, not a stage.
Winners become judges. Judges become mentors. Finalists return with new stories.
And the integrity of that circle is protected by the care we put into moments like this.
We also extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped make the evening run so smoothly — from registrations to the raffle, to the gentle logistics that hold an event together. It’s always a team effort. Always.
Because She Inspires isn’t just an awards platform. It’s a living, breathing community.
And the Judges’ Meet is where we pause, gather, and remember the weight — and the wonder — of what we’re building together.
P.S. Early bird tickets for the She Inspires Gala Awards Night are now live.
Come celebrate what happens when stories are heard, judged fairly, and honoured with love.
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