It’s often said that when women support each other, incredible things happen. Nowhere was that more evident than at the 2025 Power of Women event, hosted by Dress for Success Greater London earlier this week. Held at Blue Orchid Hospitality’s The Skyline London, the event marked a decade of empowering women and advancing resilience, leadership, and progress. It was not just a night of awards and applause—it was a call to action, echoing this year’s International Women’s Day theme: #AccelerateAction.

2025 Power of Women event at Blue Orchid Hospitality’s The Skyline LondonPhoto Credit: Joseph Ajibade Photography

The theme is more than a hashtag; it’s a rallying cry for women to rise together, confront barriers, and drive meaningful change. From the boardroom to the high street, from politics to tech, the event spotlighted women who are inspiring others and reshaping industries.

The Power of the Collective

Women have historically faced systemic obstacles in business, leadership, and the workplace. Despite being the backbone of countless industries, they’ve often been underrepresented in decision-making roles and undervalued for their contributions. But the tide is turning—and fast.

At the heart of this shift is women empowering women, a force that was palpable during the awards. In her opening remarks, Juanita Ingram, founder and Chairman of Dress for Success Greater London, reminded the audience that empowering women isn’t just about opening doors—it’s about walking through them together.

“This is more than a celebration. It’s a movement,” Ingram declared. “Progress doesn’t just happen—we make it happen. And when women succeed, communities, businesses, and economies succeed.”

Ingram’s words resonated with the room, filled with trailblazers like Lord Simon Woolley, who has spent his career advocating for equality, and Kate Garraway, whose work has shone a spotlight on the challenges faced by carers. These aren’t just stories of individual triumph—they’re blueprints for collective change.

Power of Women in Carer Advocacy Award Winner, Kate Garraway with Juanita Ingram, Founder & Chairman of Dress for Success Greater London Photo Credit: Joseph Ajibade Photography

Women in Business: Breaking Barriers

Women in business were at the forefront of the evening. Take Hannah Colman, CEO of Jimmy Choo, who was honoured for her leadership in luxury fashion. As one of the brand’s founding members, her journey from assistant store manager to CEO is a testament to perseverance, vision, and the power of representation.

Then there’s Esi Eggleston Bracey, Unilever’s Chief Growth and Marketing Officer, whose efforts to champion diversity and inclusivity in the beauty industry have fundamentally altered the way we think about representation. Her co-founding of the CROWN Coalition to combat hair-based discrimination is changing laws and lives alike.

Dame Vivian Hunt’s, Chief innovation officer at United Health Group, visionary approach to corporate leadership and healthcare innovation was celebrated as she pursues new technologies and innovations within healthcare, focusing on making healthcare accessible to all.

These women’s leadership exemplifies the confidence, skills, and opportunity that Dress for Success has been championing for the past decade.

Esi Eggleston Bracey: Unilever’s Chief Growth and Marketing Officer Honoured with Power of Women in Beauty & Marketing Award. Photo Credit: Joseph Ajibade Photography