Businesswoman of the Year Award

Denise Myers

Founder & CEO, Evenfields

Denise Myers is the Founder and CEO of Evenfields, a purpose-led organisation dedicated to building a more equitable, inclusive, and representative working world. With a background in recruitment and a lifelong commitment to social justice, she launched Evenfields to challenge systemic inequalities and create meaningful opportunities for underrepresented talent, particularly Black professionals. Through Evenfields Careers, she provides culturally competent coaching, mentoring, and access to inclusive employers. Denise is also the founder of the Black Talent Awards, a national platform celebrating the excellence and impact of Black professionals across every sector.

Dr Pauldy Otermans

Co-founder, Teddy AI

Dr. Pauldy Otermans is a multi-award-winning UK tech leader, neuroscientist, and psychologist, internationally recognised for her pioneering work in AI for education and social impact. She is Head of Research in AI Technology in Education and COO at Otermans Institute (OI), the UK-based organisation behind the world’s first public AI teacher. Under her leadership, OI has deployed “voice-first” and “offline-first” AI learning platforms in 17 countries, from UN refugee camps in Iraq to female students in Afghanistan. Her groundbreaking work in EDGE AI has enabled privacy-first, scalable education, reaching over 160,000 learners in Kenya and driving national initiatives across Africa.

Nadu Placca Rodriguez

Founder & CEO, The Zoo XYZ

Nadu Placca Rodriguez is the Founder and CEO of The Zoo XYZ, a global purpose-driven event agency dedicated to creating culturally significant and impactful experiences. With over 18 years of international experience, she has worked with leading brands including Red Bull, Spotify Africa, Afro Nation, and Afropunk, bringing complex ideas to life through creativity, expertise, and community. Under her leadership, The Zoo XYZ champions access, diversity, and representation in the events industry, equipping professionals with the training, resources, and opportunities to succeed. Nadu’s vision continues to shape global events with purpose, precision, and lasting impact.

Ona Newton

CEO & Founder, Tobams Group

Ona Newton is the CEO and Founder of Tobams Group, an organisation advancing talent development, leadership, and innovation across 14 countries. Through Tobams Group, she has supported over 100,000 individuals with skills for sustainable career growth, powered by AI-driven talent assessments and learning platforms. Ona is also the founder of Rare Eat, a premium food brand championing sustainability and local suppliers, and Laughing Women, a global NGO established in 13 countries that has impacted more than 200,000 women. She is currently leading Recycled Learning for Kids, an AI-powered platform piloted in 350 schools worldwide to transform children’s learning.

Shain Khoja

Founder & CEO, Thriving.ai

Shain Khoja is the Founder and CEO of Thriving.ai, a digital health platform transforming elder care and chronic disease management through proactive, community-based solutions. Inspired by her own caregiving journey, she created Thriving.ai to empower older adults, families, and caregivers with tools that promote independence, dignity, and quality of life. With a background in physical therapy and health technology, Shain has built and led enterprises across four continents, including serving on the founding team of Roshan, Afghanistan’s largest telecom operator. Recognised globally for her impact, she continues to champion technology that ensures aging is healthier, more connected, and more fulfilling.

Businesswoman of the Year

Future40 Members

Denise Myers

Dr Pauldy Otermans

Nadu Placca Rodriguez

Ona Newton

Shain Khoja

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