Best efforts have been made to ensure the biographical information is accurate as of the publication date. We have consulted with the chosen women and their nominators where possible.

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Nicola Adams OBE (born 1982) is a female boxer and Olympic champion. First openly LGBTQ+ person to win an Olympic boxing gold.

Photograph by Richard Gillin

This resource is licensed under Creative Commons BY-SA 2.0

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Taneesha Ahmed, lives and works in Leeds, and has recently joined the British Library as their new Community Engagement Manager, working alongside the Leeds Presence team, on the British Library Temple Works capital project. Prior to this, she was the Community and Partnerships Producer at LEEDS 2023 where she delivered a co-creation programme engaging communities across all wards of the city to support and amplify the creative skills and ambition of local people. She is a board member of Yorkshire Contemporary, specialising in community, participation and equity. Taneesha was also the Participation Producer at The Tetley, Leeds and has extensive experience in supporting the region's cultural sector and creative community. With over twelve years’ experience in the visual arts sector, Taneesha has a proven track record of developing audiences across different cities in the U.K. 

Photograph by Jules Lister

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Valerie Ainley, née Debbage trained as a teacher at Beckett Park, Leeds. She was a well-known and respected teacher at Bramley St Peters C Of E Primary School, where she eventually became Acting Deputy Head, she taught generations of the same families retiring in the late 2000’s. Her teaching career lasted over 30 years.

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Wendy Ali worked at Vernon Street building at Leeds Arts University on the cleaning team for more than 25 years. Wendy is working-class, tough, straight-talking and has a great sense of humour. Entering into a mixed-race relationship and getting married sixty years ago, Wendy fearlessly overcame the racism of the times to have a successful 51 year-long marriage. Wendy was a cleaner for over 40 years, and celebrated her 80th birthday in May 2020. Now retired, Wendy continues to be both anti-racist and a defender of the disabled.

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Ellie Andrews founded The Gallery at 164 and Cafe 164 (2011 - 2023). Curating interesting and experiential events and exhibitions through her gallery work and feeding the workers, residents and students of the Quarry Hill area of Leeds through her cafe. Whether it was at the gallery itself or site specific to another space in Leeds, Ellie’s curatorial work focussed on the experiential aspect of art exhibitions. Playing with space, light, sound and sometimes taste. Highlights include Leeds Through a Lens (The Gallery at 164, 2012), The Edible Art Exhibition (The Gallery at 164, 2015) City of Cake (Trinity Shopping Centre, (2016) The Victorian Dinner Party, Leeds Central Library, (2016). Ellie founded Leeds Drawing Club in 2007, a space to learn to draw, support your existing practice and give creative time and space for yourself, providing weekly life drawing classes and tutored courses. Alongside running the Leeds Drawing Club Studio, Ellie works on her own art practice.

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Jackie Appleton is a volunteer at Leeds Baby Bank which helps struggling families across Leeds.

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Belinda Archer is a Breast Care Nurse at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust. Belinda was the first Breast Care Nurse in Leeds for the NHS Breast Screening Programme. Belinda went on to be appointed the first Breast Care Nurse in Leeds for the symptomatic breast service - this post was funded by Macmillan for the first two years. Belinda has been supporting women and men following their breast cancer diagnosis since then. 

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Angela Denise Atkinson, MBE (1947-2016), Leeds Lord Mayor. She represented Bramley for over four decades, becoming a Labour councillor aged just 22 in May 1971. In 1992 she became Lord Mayor of Leeds, using her time to raise more than £862,000 to help create Leeds Children’s Charity at Lineham Farm, providing residential activity breaks for the most disadvantaged and vulnerable children in the city.

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Alice Bacon, Baroness Bacon, CBE (1909 - 1993). British Labour Party politician. First female MP for Leeds, elected in 1945. Minister of State at the Department of Education and Science (1967-70).

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Lynn Bailey, Founder & Manager for Better Action for Family's. A charity aiming to improve the lives of people with learning disabilities and their families in Leeds.

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Corinne Bailey Rae (born 1979). Singer-songwriter nominated for 3 Grammy awards, she also won two MOBO awards. She became the fourth female British act in history to have her first album debut at number one for her album 'Corinne Bailey Rae' in 2006.

Photograph by Raph_PH

This resource is licensed under Creative Commons BY 2.0

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Maureen Baker MBE (1932-2012) fought throughout her life for social justice and for racial and gender equality. She was highly regarded as both a formidable opponent, when challenging institutional and state level inequality, and as a respected and stalwart friend to the many individuals from across the diverse community of Leeds who sought her advice and support. In 2004 she received an MBE for services to the community.

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Brodie Bannister (Campbell), Youth Development Lead for the Prince's Trust in Leeds. Brodie previously worked as a Safeguarding Officer at Leeds City College and the Student Wellbeing Leader at University of Leeds.

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Trisha Barker, Volunteer for Bloomin’ Yorkshire a CIO raising funds and awareness for organ donation and kidney disease. Trish is an inspirational and much loved Mum, wife, sister and friend. She has lived with kidney disease since her twenties and has never let this stop her, she helped to set up Bloomin' Yorkshire, a fund-raising initiative to raise awareness of kidney disease and contribute to charities and their work. Trish had a kidney transplant in 2020 and continues her support for charities working with people affected by kidney disease.

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Wilhelmina Barns-Graham (1912-2004), artist and contemporary of Barbara Hepworth, one of the foremost painters working in St Ives after moving there in 1940. Her paintings, alongside those of her contemporaries that comprise the St Ives School, contributed greatly to the development of Modernist British painting in the mid to late twentieth century. She taught at Leeds College of Art under Head of Art Harry Thubron from 1956-1957.

Photograph by Ross Irving

This resource is licensed under Creative Commons BY-SA 4.0

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Irene Bashan, an inspirational teacher and Headteacher at Fairfield infants Farsley (1980s). She gave many Leeds children a great start to education and did much to support the local community.

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Emma Bearman is the founder of Culture Vulture and Playful Anywhere. Promotes play for everybody, regardless of age, background or wealth and facilitates play in venues in and around Leeds.

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Caitlin Beevers, professional rugby league player and referee. Runner up in the Young Sports Personality of the Year 2019. Member of the Leeds Rhinos team that won the 2018 Women's Challenge Cup final.

Photograph by Allan McKenzie / SWpix.com

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Florence Bell (1913-2000), Pioneering scientist. Her work paved the way for the discovery of the structure of DNA. She made the first x-ray studies of DNA that proved crucial to understanding how it copies hereditary information.

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Michelle Bell is a caring mother of two children and wife to her husband Chris. She works hard to support her young children. On top of the usual challenges of being a Mum she cares for their daughter who has Cystic Fibrosis.

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Miriam (Miggy) Bennett, for more than 40 years, Miggy and her husband Victor have fostered hundreds of children, including those on short- and long-term stays, and emergency and pre-fostering children. In 2007 Mrs Bennett was named Carer of the Year at the Pride of Britain Awards and also received a Local Heroes Pride of our Nation award from ITV Yorkshire. Miriam was appointed MBE for services to children and families in 2014.

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Ivy Benson (1913 – 1993) musician and bandleader, who led an all-female swing band which was established during WW2. Headlined variety theatres, London Palladium and became the BBC's resident house-band.

Photograph courtesy of Leeds Civic Trust

This resource is licensed under Creative Commons BY-SA 4.0

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Carol Bilbrough, Retired Nurse who worked in chemotherapy, IV therapy and haematology. She returned as a research nurse following her retirement. Honorary Secretary of The Friends of the Leeds Centre for Leukaemia, Lymphoma and Myeloma, to provide financial support to patients and fund new equipment not available on the NHS.

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The Rt. Hon Lady Black DBE (b. 1954, née Currie) is a Family law specialist who became second woman to be a Supreme Court Judge. She began her legal career in Leeds also teaching law at Leeds Polytechnic. In 1986 she co-authored A Practical Approach to Family Law, which is now considered an essential guide to the field. She was appointed a Queen’s Counsel in 1994. She was appointed to the Court of Appeal in 2010, and to the Supreme Court in 2017.

Photograph courtesy of the Supreme Court of United Kingdom

This resource is licensed under the Open Government License v3.0

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Lilian Black OBE. Lilian was a dynamic force in the field of Holocaust education and remembrance. Chair of the Holocaust Survivors Friendship Association in Leeds and founder of the new Holocaust Exhibition and Learning centre in Huddersfield. Since 1996, the Association has enabled these survivors to share their testimonies with the next generation. She was awarded an OBE for services to Holocaust Education. Lilian died in Oct 2020 aged 69.

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Judith Blake, Baroness Blake of Leeds CBE (born 1953). Labour politician and the Leader of Leeds City Council since May 2015. She is also the first woman to hold the position. In December 2020, it was announced that Blake would be conferred a Life Peerage after a nomination by Labour Party Leader Keir Starmer.

Photograph by Roger Harris

This resource is licensed under Creative Commons BY 3.0

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Maura Blakeborough is a Mental Health Nurse who has worked within Leeds CAMHS and latterly in the MindMate Single Point of Access Service for the past 35 years and has dedicated her career to improving children’s mental health in the city.

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Catherine Blanshard was the Chief Officer for Culture at Leeds City Council and campaigned for bringing Tour de France, Rugby World Cup and the Olympic Torch Relay to the city. She also supported the establishment of The Tetley art gallery, Studio 12 and Leeds Inspired. Catherine is a passionate champion of libraries and believes that everyone should have access to the arts.

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Jodie Boyd-Ward is captain of Leeds Rhinos Wheelchair Rugby League Team. She is also co-captain of the Welsh international team. Previously she has represented England at international level. She has numerous accolades from her 16 years in the sport, including being a world cup silver medallist, treble winner and most recently league leaders with Leeds Rhinos. She is an advocate for both mental health and inclusion in sport and has led the way for more women to take up wheelchair rugby league in recent years. 

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Mary Brennan is the best neighbour anyone could hope for. She has long campaigned for a better life for her community of Cross Green and is proud of its diversity. She helped found 'Cross Green Growing Together' that runs Healthy Holidays, and 'Community Unity' that provides weekly lunches at St Hilda's and does outreach. Every neighbourhood needs a Mary Brennan!

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Kathleen Bretherick (1917-2005) was a florist who worked in Leeds for over 60 years.  Bretherick’s Flower shop was a household name in Chapel Allerton until it closed in 2008.

Kathleen served on the Yorkshire committee for Interflora, organising all the flowers for the Interflora Conference in 1987 in Harrogate. She taught at Wakefield College for 30 years and was President of Society of Floristry. She also ran the floristry section of the Leeds Flower Show and the Spring and Autumn Flower Shows in Harrogate. She was a much loved mother, grandmother, aunt and friend.

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Author Frances Brody’s three historical novels are set in working-class Leeds in the last century. She writes a murder mystery series featuring Leeds detective Kate Shackleton, and novels centring on the governor of a Yorkshire open prison for women. Frances taught at Leeds Trinity University and Leeds College of Building.

Photograph by Richard Noble.

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Lucy Bronze is an English Footballer. Lucy plays as a right-back for Manchester City and England women's national football team. Named BBC Women's Footballer of the Year in 2018 and 2020 and the Best FIFA Women's Player in December 2020.

Photograph by James Boyes

This resource is licensed under Creative Commons BY 2.0

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Melanie Brown (born 1975). Singer, songwriter, rapper, television personality, and actress. She rose to prominence in the 1990s, known as Mel B, as a member of the girl group the Spice Girls.

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Carolyn Brown, dedicated primary school teacher serving the communities of Moortown and Alwoodley for 40 years, whilst raising her own two children as a single mother. She devoted her free time to the church and was a pianist for the St Stephens and St Barnabas congregation for 30 years.

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Tashi Brown is a multi-talented individual who has excelled in various fields, making a significant impact in her chosen professions and has a diverse range of skills and a passion for helping others. Tashi appeared on the reality TV program Britain’s Next Top Model where she secured a place in the semi-final. After a change of career and further studying, Tashi became a funeral professional who studied the art of embalming and long-term preservation. With over 16 years’ experience in the sector, in 2016 Tashi studied a degree in Media Makeup, where her creativity and attention to detail shone through. Her expertise in the art of makeup led her to work on several film sets, collaborating with industry professionals. Tashi studied a master's degree in Humanitarian Crisis and Disaster Management. This advanced education equipped Tashi with the necessary knowledge and skills to respond effectively to international crises. She has now worked internationally on numerous disasters and crisis globally and is making a name for herself in Disaster and crisis response management. Tashi is currently the CEO of The Black Health Initiative charity fighting for equitable health for ethnic minorities through education, advocacy and empowerment.

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Louise Bryant, Professor of Psychological and Social Medicine at the University of Leeds, and a Chartered Psychologist. She holds leadership roles for the NHS and Public Health England, is Deputy Dean in the Faculty of Medicine & Health, and lead for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.

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Leanne Buchan, during Leanne's time as Principal Officer of Culture & Sport for Leeds City Council, she created positive changes for Leeds 2023, the city’s bid for European Capital of Culture.

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Sue Buckle, Community Campaigner and retired teacher, active in community initiatives in the Hyde Park area for many years and often provides a voice for residents. She is the chair of South Headingley Community Association and member of Friends of Woodhouse Moor.

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Catherine Mary Buckton (née Williams, 1826-1904) was a British campaigner and writer. She was based in Leeds and strongly believed in the education of women, and promoted hygienic practices. She was elected to the School Board in 1873 and was the first woman to hold an elected office in Leeds. Prior to election she ran a series of evening courses in the poorest areas of Leeds on health, nutrition and hygiene. As an elected member she established a scholarship scheme supporting girls to go on to further education and professional qualifications.

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Ruth Bundey is a civil rights lawyer and founded law firm Ruth Bundey & Co in 1986. She has developed a national reputation for work within and outside the community, notably defending victims of domestic violence and those facing injustice by virtue of race, gender or political belief.

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Jan Burkhardt leaves her indelible mark on Leeds as founding member of DAZL (Dance Action Zone Leeds) a dance and health programme commissioned by Leeds Public Health which was recognised by the Chief Medical Officer as an innovation in public health in 2002 and won a Health Service Journal Award in 2008. She became the country’s most notable expert on Dance and Health and worked tirelessly across both sectors offering training and consultancy to improve investment in dance programmes. She’s since set up JU:MP with Born in Bradford, carrying out world leading research piloting “a whole-systems approach’ to improving children’s health through physical activity. Jan has a brilliantly creative and unique brain which, combined with her passion for dance and physical activity has made a huge impact on thousands of people.

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Nichola Burley (born 1986) is an actress, best known for her roles in Born Equal, Drop Dead Gorgeous, Goldplated, Death Comes to Pemberley, Donkey Punch, and StreetDance 3D.

Photograph by Lee James

This resource is licensed under Creative Commons BY 2.0

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Dr. Eileen Burns, MBE has been a geriatrician in Leeds for more than 30 years at Leeds General Infirmary and later St James’ Hospital, eventually becoming Clinical Director for Elderly Services and leading on the integration of health and social care. She served as president of the British Geriatrics Society and as National Specialty Advisor for older people at NHS England. She has advised on government health and social care for older people. She is the very proud mother of three (now adult) children which she regards as her greatest achievement.

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Stephanie Burras is the founder and Chief Executive of Ahead Partnership, a social enterprise that focuses on how business can contribute more effectively to combating social and economic inequality, narrowing the skills gap by enabling young people to prepare more effectively for the future. Stephanie was awarded a CBE in 2014 for services to business.

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Beryl Burton OBE (1937 - 1996) was an English racing cyclist who dominated women's cycle racing in the UK, winning more than 90 domestic championships and seven world titles, setting numerous national records.

Photograph by Jack de Nijs

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Katrina Burton is Project Manager at The West Yorkshire Destitute Asylum Network (WYDAN) Night Shelter in Leeds. The shelter provides bed spaces to meet the most very basic needs of asylum seekers living in destitution, giving them a safe place to sleep, a meal and a place to recover and receive support. Katrina is an inspiration to the community, working to ensure the running of the shelter, managing volunteers and raising funds.

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Donnamarie Butler trained to be a nurse in 1982 and has worked in the profession for over 40 years, specialising in dermatology. She began her career at St James's University Hospital before moving to Leeds General Infirmary and Harrogate Hospital. She now leads in NHS dermatology clinics in West Yorkshire.

Photograph by Josh Hall

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Ethel Butterfield kept the home fires burning during World War II. She dealt with baking and delivering bread on the Middleton Estate while her husband and brothers were abroad. Getting up early, baking, sorting out the ration admin, bringing up a child made her into the strong mother, grandmother, and great- grandmother she became. She took her wagon and horses out on the streets of the new council estate in an era of dislocated families, prisoners of war, back street abortions and awol husbands. She was and is an inspiration.

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Dee Caffari MBE (born 1973), Yachtswoman began sailing while studying at Leeds Metropolitan University. In 2006 Dee became the first woman to sail solo, non-stop, around the world and was awarded an MBE in recognition of her achievement. Dee recently led ‘Turn the Tide on Plastic’ – the first mixed gender youth team to compete in the Volvo Ocean Race 2017/18.

Photograph by Nick Dee

This resource is licensed under Creative Commons BY 2.0

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Liz Cahill (Rymer) is a Director, Leeds International Film Festival; Manager and Programmer, Hyde Park Picture House; CEO of Yorkshire Screen Commission; Acting CEO of Screen Yorkshire.

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Amy Campbell, a wife and mum who set up Campbellinas, after the premature birth of her twin daughters Charlotte and Esme in 2016, and the death of Esme a few days later. Campbellinas is a non-profit organisation set up to help and support neonatal units across the Yorkshire region.

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Ann Carr (1783-1841) lived and worked in Leeds, an evangelist, she founded the Female Revivalists Society and Friendly Sick Society, preaching the gospel, setting up chapels, schools, and supporting women in the poorest areas of Leeds.

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Emily Carrigan is a community organiser and activist who founded Rainbow Junktion in Hyde Park. The pay-what-you-can Community Cafe uses surplus food to combat food poverty and during covid became a food bank serving hundreds of people across the city.

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Dorothy is 93 & still teaching Yoga. Dorothy trained with the British Wheel of Yoga some 55 years' ago. The course ran over a 3.5 year period covering the Eight Limbs of Yoga;- Asana, Pranayama, Dharana, Samadhi, Yama, Niyama, Dhyana & Pratyahara & so much more. Dorothy has completed many more CPD courses over the years. She has guided her students in Parish Hall settings & Leeds City Council Sports Centers with thoughtful lesson planning, clear demonstration & safe guidance. She has taught M.S. Classes, Chair Yoga & is a Retired Practitioner of Aromatherapy, Reflexology & Massage.

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Liesel Carter, nee Meier was born in Hildesheim, Germany in 1935. Her Father, David was the first victim of the Holocaust in the town and in late 1939, aged four, she travelled alone across Europe on a Nansen passport before arriving in Britain in January 1940. She was 1 of only 7 survivors from an extended family of 250. She married her husband, Terry in 1958, enjoying a happy life in Leeds with their 3 children and later grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She maintains strong links with the Holocaust Exhibition at Huddersfield University, and regularly shares her remarkable story to school children and groups as part of wider education and profile raising about the Holocaust atrocities from someone who lived through it.

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Pat Case, founder of Beyond Cancer, a charity to raise awareness and provide help and assistance to individuals and families who have been affected by cancer. For many years Pat also worked in Children Services and Safeguarding for Leeds City Council.

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Heidi Cawthraw, inspirational teacher, mum and friend.

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Anne came to the Leeds General Infirmary in 1971 to work with Professor Verna Wright as Senior Registrar and was appointed Consultant Physician in Rheumatology and Rehabilitation in 1974. She immediately set about opening a rehabilitation unit at the Ida Hospital near Horsforth, which quickly expanded to 20 beds, moving to a purpose-built unit in Chapel Allerton in 1994. During this time, Anne helped to establish the William Merritt Disabled Living Centre, which she chaired for 13 years. Anne was appointed the foundation Charterhouse Professor in Rehabilitation Medicine in 1988 in recognition of her capabilities and the success of the rehabilitation research which she led. Her research has been recognised internationally with numerous prizes, and in 1998, Anne was awarded an OBE in recognition of her contribution to rehabilitation.

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Nicola Jane Chapman, Baroness Chapman (1961 – 2009) was a British peer and disability rights activist. Born with a congenital disability, Osteogenesis imperfecta (brittle bone disease), she was expected to survive only a few hours after her birth, but lived into her 40s. She campaigned for independent living and access to public buildings and was Chair of the Leeds Centre for Integrated Living and the Leeds United Disabled Organisation. She was appointed to the House of Lords in 2004 and was the first person with a congenital disability to sit in the House of Lords.

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A Leeds-based writer, performer, educator, and facilitator, Becky Cherriman has actively collaborated with communities, individuals, and artists since 2003. She has a poetry pamphlet, Echolocation and collection, Empires of Clay, and is often published in journals and anthologies including by Seren, Mslexia, The North, Stand and Bloodaxe. Her work features in film, audio trails and libretto, and has been named in prestigious prize lists such as the Women’s Poetry Competition, The Ilkley Literature Festival Open Mic, and the Forward Prize. Becky’s writing often delves into the rich history of Leeds as with Corseted, the theatre show and fashion project that explored the life of suffragist Alice Cliff Scatcherd, and My Sisters Hugged Me to Work, a Leeds 2023 textile piece made with Becky Moore.

Photo by Jaimes Moran

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Pamela Clark has been involved in Girl Guiding for over 30 years as a leader and as District Commissioner. Runs residential trips at home and internationally. Formerly a Justice of the Peace at Leeds Court. She is well known in the community and is involved with the organisation of local events. Worked as church treasurer and served as a school governor.

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Linda Clarkson (1956 - 2010) trained as a radiographer at St. James' University Hospital in Leeds and became part of the team for gynaecological cancer, sponsored by Cancer Research UK. Linda later became a lecturer and postgraduate course leader at the University of Bradford. Her work was published and presented internationally; covering topics such as enhanced scanning techniques and improving patient experience. She scanned thousands of patients and taught hundreds of radiographers, whilst also raising her family. Linda's passion, humour and joy for life was evident in everything she accomplished.

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Jean Clennell began her teaching career at John Smeaton Community School before joining Roundhay School in 1987, as the first female Deputy Headteacher.

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Margaret Cliff (1923-1993) County Councillor for Bramley and Stanningley, became Deputy Chair of the West Yorkshire County Council. A Director of the Leeds Industrial Cooperative Society (LICS) and member of the Women’s Coop Guild. She was awarded the Labour Party’s Order of Merit in 1993. A working-class women, who gave 40 years of her life, to help the people of Leeds.

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Leonora Cohen OBE (1873 – 1978). Suffragette, trade unionist, and one of the first female magistrates. She was known as the "Tower Suffragette" after smashing a display case in the Tower of London and acted as a bodyguard for Emmeline Pankhurst.

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Sue Coluccio worked in inner city schools in Leeds for over 40 years and ensured that vulnerable and disadvantaged young people got the best education possible. Deputy Headteacher at Mount St Mary's High School, Leeds. In recent times being integral in seeing student academic success place them in the top 10% nationally.

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Annie Connolly is a food poverty campaigner for End Hunger UK. The charity works with over 40 national charities, frontline organisations, faith groups, academics and individuals working to end hunger and poverty in the UK.

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Geraldine Connor (1952 - 2011) was a British ethnomusicologist, theatre director, composer and performer. She produced numerous theatrical and musical productions including her best known work, 'Carnival Messiah' which was premiered at The West Yorkshire Playhouse.

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Lizzie Coombes is a photographer, academic and researcher. Her work explores the camera and photography as socially engaged and participatory, mainly through pop-up portrait studios. She has worked locally and nationally with many groups, schools, communities and arts organisations, creating exhibitions, books, and installations in various spaces. Lizzie also teaches photography at universities and makes daily stories on Instagram under her alter ego @bettylawless.

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Emma Cooper is a Charity worker at Dogs Trust, Leeds where she is Assistant Manager. She has dedicated 14 years of her professional working life to the Trust, rehoming animals with new families and fundraising for the charity.

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Liz Cottam, chef and restaurateur. After reaching the semi-finals of Masterchef in 2016 she opened the Leeds restaurant ‘Home’ and continues to contribute to the Leeds Food scene.

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Megan Cowan has spent her life working to provide opportunities in her community, whether as a young political activist knocking on door steps, a mature student creating innovating visual art or as an Acting teacher, director and caring tutor. Megan worked in Further Education for many years, initially at Keighley College and then at Leeds City College. She continued to teach well into her 70's and was inspiration for her students, her colleagues and her friends. Megan continues to be involved in drama and acting therapy in the local community.

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Kadeena Cox, MBE (born 1991) is a British parasport athlete born in Leeds. A sprinter from an early age, she entered Para-athletics in 2015 after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. She was part of the 2015 IPC Athletics World Championships and the 2016 UCI Para-cycling Track World Championships, in which she won world titles in the T37 100m and C4 500m time trial respectively.

Photograph by Fernando Frazao

This resource is licensed under Creative Commons BY 2.0

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Margaret Croll (née Ibbetson), community volunteer and lifelong resident of Richmond Hill.

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Anna is a physiotherapist, whose clinical and research work focused on helping women experiencing pelvic health problems.

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Violet Mary Crowther (1884 – 1969) was a pioneering museum curator. She was the Assistant Curator at the Abbey House Museum in Kirkstall for more than two decades retiring in 1949. She played a key role in running the Leeds Schools' Museum Scheme in the early 20th century, supporting school children's learning through access to museum collections, her work was ahead of its time and anticipated later developments of partnerships between museums and local education authorities across the country.

Photograph courtesy of Kirkstall Abbey House Museum

This resource is licensed under Creative Commons BY 3.0

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Jessica Cusworth is a respected charity worker and community activist providing outreach services to people of Leeds who are homeless, are vulnerable due to complex needs or families and individuals in need of support. She ran the Leeds charity Community Kitchen 'People Helping People', which helped to feed people as well as get them back on their feet. Jessica also led a healing centre 'People Healing People' which was a safe space where people could go for support. She is a passionate campaigner for the homeless community in Leeds.

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Sylvia Ann Ibbetson MBE (1939-2017) known professionally as Elizabeth Dawn or Liz Dawn, was an English actress, best known for her role as Vera Duckworth in the long-running British soap opera Coronation Street.

Photograph by Raintheone

This resource is licensed under Creative Commons BY-SA 3.0

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Michelle de Souza works in safeguarding within the Leeds local authority, in particular Modern Slavery and Trafficking People, she has managed Safer Leeds Domestic Violence Team for 15 years.

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Jessie Dean set up the Women's Section of Leeds City Police and became the first female Chief Inspector of the force in 1955.

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Lizzie Deignan (nee Armitstead), athlete. An English professional world champion track and road cyclist. 2015 World road race champion and 2014 Commonwealth Games road race champion. 2012 road race Olympic silver medallist. Winner of Women’s World Tour and inaugural women’s Paris Roubaix 2021.

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Gertrude Dennison, Conservative Councillor and the first women to be (jointly) elected as a local councillor in Leeds with Labour candidate Maud Dightam in 1921.

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Jean Dent, OBE, retired as Director of City Development at Leeds City Council in 2010. Jean is a Fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and, in January 2011, was awarded an OBE for services to local government. She is a governor at Shadwell and Bramham Primary Schools Federation.

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Hansa Dhabi, Restaurateur. In 1986 she opened Hansa's Gujarati Restaurant with her husban Kishor, it was the first vegetarian restaurant serving Gujarati food in Leeds. The restaurant was successful for 33 years. Hansa has won countless awards, written several cookery books and runs her own cookery school.

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Maud Dightam (1876-1932) Socialist and activist. The first women to be (jointly) elected as a local councillor in Leeds with Gertrude Dennison in 1921. She was a key figure in the local political movement, forming the Leeds Women’s Labour League and the East Leeds Socialist Sunday School.

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Rachael Dixey was Professor of Health Promotion at Leeds Beckett University until retiring in 2016. Over 25 years there, she made a significant contribution, along with other inspirational women including Mary Green, Sylvia Tilford, Sally Foster and Jane South, to developing the public health workforce in the UK and most significantly in Zambia, Gambia and Ghana. With an emphasis on inequalities in health, and on the social determinants of health, this work helped to shift the debate about how to create healthier communities.

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Harriet Dow was a proud ambassador for Maggie's Cancer Centres in Leeds. Harriet passed away in August 2021 and will always be remembered with joy and pride.

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Barbara Doyle is an Advanced Instructor at Tai Chi Leeds. Despite living with rheumatoid arthritis she continuously remains positive and an inspiration to her students.

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Wendy Doyle has worked as the Operations Manager at Leeds South and East Foodbank for over seven years. The charity is part of the Trussell Trust network, which supports communities and churches to open foodbanks across the UK.

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Joanne Draycott is a respected physiotherapist working mainly in Leeds and a Clinical Specialist working within the Spinal Neurosurgery team at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust. Joanne is also a Mum of two and a school governor at Colton primary school.

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Kathrin Dunning is a recently retired mental health nurse, Kathrin has done invaluable work at Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) in Leeds. She is also a scout leader, volunteers for food bank drives and community gardening projects.

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Pauline Durnell, supports St. George‘s Crypt and provides food, clothes and toys for those less fortunate. She raises charitable donations for St George's Crypt and is a much loved member of Quarry House.

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Rosie Dutton is a nature photographer and filmmaker. Her film about St Aidan’s Nature Reserve, Leeds showcased at Millennium Square. Rosie also currently works for the EIA, an environmental and wildlife investigation organisation, who are working to project the world's oceans, forests, climate and wildlife. Her role here is a visual communications editor, creating content for the world to see.

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Dr. Jen Dyer is an inspiring teacher, activist and researcher. She recently left her position as an Associate Professor in Sustainability at the University of Leeds to focus on her work with Nifty Sustainability, a community interest company which supports individuals, organisations and communities to create meaningful change for the benefit of people and planet. Jen is also an active volunteer and ambassador for IMAS (International Mixed Ability Sports), who use sport to create a more inclusive and equitable society.

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Anna Dyson co-founded Toast Love Coffee, Harehills in 2012. A pay as you feel community café which brought together different communities, religions and cultures through providing a space for community groups, meetings and friendship. ToastLoveCoffee closed in March 2020 and unfortunately never reopened, but the legacy lives on in the friendships and stories from when the cafe was open. Anna is now preparing for a new career as a rabbi - a spiritual Jewish leader and teacher, and hopes to integrate her passion and learning from running ToastLoveCoffee with her passion for sharing the wisdom and values of Judaism in a new social enterprise and environment.

Photograph by Claire Bartfield

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Jane Earnshaw ran the I Love West Leeds Festival, an annual arts festival rooted in the community of Leeds. The Festival was a mix of professional arts events, new commissions and community participation projects. She is also the Co-Director of Foxglove and works for Bradford 2025 UK City Of Culture.

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Lyn Easton, now retired, worked as a Health Care Assistant for NHS for 32 years, she continues to puts everyone else first. Lyn is the much loved wife of Mark Easton.

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Jane Edwardson founded Gay Abandon in 1997 when she took the bold step to set-up the first LGBT choir in the North of England. Since then hundreds of LGBT people have sung with the choir, and under her leadership performed in concerts both here and abroad. Her popular choral arrangements are enjoyed by singers and audiences alike. She was Gay Abandon’s Music Director for almost 26 years, making her the longest serving leader of an LGBT choir in the UK and Ireland. At her final concert Jane was presented with the Proud Voices Inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award for her contribution to the LGBT choral community. Jane has also lead singing groups and choirs for people with mental health problems, addiction issues and dementia. Jane has also just been awarded the Making Music Lady Hilary Groves Prize for 2024.

http://uk-ireland.proudvoices.org/briankennedy.html

Photograph by Dawn Kilner

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Jayne Everiss, Artist, Teacher and Widening Participation Coordinator. For 29 years she was a dedicated teacher for art, craft and design at Dixons City Academy as well as serving as lead advocate for art across the Multi Academy Trust. She has recently joined the Leeds Arts University team as Widening Participation Coordinator. Jayne is also an exhibiting artist and member of PRISM textile inspired art group as well as being part of a team of volunteer artists who support the charity, Supershoes.

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Lisa Farrar has been tidying the streets of Pudsey and surrounding areas since 2017, weeding, sweeping, litter picking, cutting overgrown hedges, painting green telephone cabinets, removing graffiti and washing street signs- anything where she can help to make her town look pleasant where we live. Lisa has also run Pudsey Community Craft Group for the community since 2017, knitting and crocheting for Pudsey Poppy Display, Christmas display, Coronation display and smaller displays throughout the year too.

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Patricia Farrell has lived and worked in Leeds for over 55 years. She had taught at several institutions including, York St John University, University of Leeds and Bradford College. Patricia has also been a magistrate for over 40 years and works towards fighting knife crime and was involved in the Stephen Lawrence enquiry. Patricia studied as a teacher in theology, and religious studies, and is a hard-working, passionate woman. Patricia does not see the impact she makes to people’s lives, because to her it’s her job. On every occasion she incites creativity whether we like it or not. Patricia is a success, although it may not be monetary, she has consulted so many people all over the world and her payment is to hear how people are doing. Patricia encourages others to turn to God and have faith.

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Maria Fearne (1784-1854) was a philanthropist and early collector of fossils. She was an early member of the Leeds Philosophical and Literary Society, founded in 1819. She collected fossils which she donated to the society, one of these, a plesiosaur, is still in the Leeds museum's collection. On her death her collection was given to the museum.

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Lorraine Fearnley works at Crawshaw Academy supporting school children and six form pupils with severe learning difficulties and disabilities.

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Sue Feather, inspirational wife, mum and friend who lived in Ilkely where she set up an activity club and contributed to helping children with Down syndrome through the Down Syndrome Association.

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Mary Fellowes, advocate for women’s rights and fierce defender of human rights, particularly for the more vulnerable in society. Involved with a women’s refuge in Leeds, taking emergency calls and supporting women moving into hostels. She taught in various areas of special education including adult literacy and arts provision for young people with disabilities. She was also well-known as a folk singer and composer, leaving a legacy of folk songs documenting many aspects of local history.

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Helen Fielding (born 1958) is an English novelist and screenwriter, best known as the creator of the fictional character Bridget Jones. Awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Literature by the University of York.

This resource is licensed under Creative Commons BY 4.0

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Jacky Fleming came to Leeds University in the 1970s. She established herself as a leading feminist cartoonist, initially with a popular range of postcards, followed by the publication of seven books of her work. The most recent, 'The Trouble with Women' has been published in many languages. Her work has also appeared in several national newspapers. She was invited by her friend Carry Franklin to collaborate on Leeds Little Free Libraries, which can now be seen on streets throughout Leeds.

Photograph by Kevin Hickson

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Celia Foote is a dedicated teacher of children with special needs and a lifelong union activist. Founding member of Leeds Left Alliance which merged with Green Socialist Network in 2013, to form Alliance for Green Socialism.

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Emily Ford (1851-1930). Artist and campaigner for women’s rights. An active member of the Leeds Ladies' Educational Association and the Manchester Society for Women’s Suffrage. Her work is held in several collections including The Hepworth Wakefield and The Stanley & Audrey Burton Gallery, University of Leeds.

This resource is licensed under Creative Commons BY-NC-SA

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Isabella Ford (1855 - 1924) was an English social reformer, suffragette and writer. She became a public speaker and wrote pamphlets on issues related to socialism, feminism and worker's rights.

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Lois Forsell (born Leeds, 1991). Rugby League player who became the first captain of Leeds Rhinos in Women's Super League, winning the Challenge Cup in 2018. She later also became the team coach and led them to become the 2022 Super League champions .She started as a junior at East Leeds and also represented England in the 2013 and 2017 World Cups. She also played for Bradford Bulls and Hunslet at club level.

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Catherine Foster (1921-2012) Piano teacher and well known community volunteer. Catherine fundraised for Guide Dogs for the Blind and helped at her local church and children’s club.

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Carry Franklin (1972 - 2019) founded Leeds Little Free Library. A mission to celebrate local artists and to make books available to everyone.

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Dawn Fuller is the co-founder of Space2, an award-winning arts and social change charity, based in inner East Leeds, working alongside fellow co-founder Emma Tregidden for over 20 years.  Space2 focuses on arts and health inequalities and the social impact of creative practice, co-producing programmes of work with its local communities. Her favourite initiative is Clothing Rebellion, led by local volunteers to address the environmental impact of the fashion industry and using craft and recycling skills to generate affordable clothing sold at a weekly community pop-up shop.

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Suzy Gallagher is a passionate and inspiring teacher and education leader who is committed to delivering education which transforms the lives of young people and adults in Leeds. As the inaugural principal of the Quarry Hill Campus of Leeds City College, she has created a space and place which is welcoming and inclusive to all.

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Yvonne Gallagher, environmental advocate, Yvonne continuously looks after all the common wildlife in the local area.

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Al Garthwaite is currently councillor for Headingley and Hyde Park (Labour) and was the organiser of the 1977 Leeds Reclaim The Night march, a watershed moment for women’s rights activism in the UK.

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Mary Gawthorpe (1881 - 1973) socialist and suffragette. Member of Women's Social and Political Union in 1905 and secretary for Women's Labour League in 1906.

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Norah Gibson, co-founder and coordinator of the West Leeds Debt Forum since 2004, supporting those struggling with debt and fighting illegal money lenders (loan sharks). Norah holds/has held various church positions including Secretary of Churches Together in Leeds 13 and in Headingley. She is active in Interfaith work including Light for Leeds, that holds annual events at Kirkstall Abbey, celebrating what the different faiths have in common and jointly working for Peace and Understanding.

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Helen Gilbert is an inspiring colleague and NHS professional. She is currently Director of Improvement at North Bristol NHS Hospital Trust but worked for over a decade at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust where she was a passionate, dedicated and influential leader in developing and embedding their patient centred approach to continuous improvement.

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Dr Di Gilson, Clinical Oncologist, St James's University Hospital, responsible for Total Skin Electron Beam Therapy in Leeds and the Supranetwork Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma MDT Leader.

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Jean Gittins, poet. She lived in Kippax and wrote poetry during the 1984-85 Miner's Strike and wrote five short poems for a BBC2 documentary in December 1985. Her two youngest sons worked at the nearby Ledston Luck Colliery. She was an active member of North Yorkshire Women Against Pit Closures and had a collection of poems 'Striking Stuff' published by Bradford’s 1 in 12 Publications Collective in 1986.

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Reeva Gordon was born in 1927 and spent her life volunteering and helping others. Reeva lived 11 years in sheltered housing provided by Leeds Jewish Welfare where she is remembered for making tea in the afternoon for all of the elderly residents. Reeva passed away in 2023.

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Kate Miriam Granger MBE FRCP (1981 - 2016) was an English geriatrician and campaigner for better patient care. In 2011 she was diagnosed with desmoplastic small-round-cell tumour, a type of sarcoma, and subsequently started the "#hellomynameis" campaign encouraging healthcare staff to introduce themselves to patients.

Photograph by Paul Clarke

This resource is licensed under Creative Commons BY 2.0

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Sally-Anne Greenfield was appointed the founding Chief Executive of the Leeds Community Foundation in 2004, and during her 14 years as Chief Executive it became one of the top performing Community Foundations in the UK.

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Jayne is the founder of Jayne's Joggers with over 200 new runners coming through the programme over the last 10 years, she is inspirational and never gives up on anyone. Her chit chat none stop ‘did I ever tell you…’ conversations never stop - the miles certainly go by faster! Jayne has shared her passion and enthusiasm to succeed throughout her 20-year career with LCC, supporting others to be their best, receiving a number of nominations for leader of the year and also recently receiving apprentice of the year award having taken up a new 3-year challenge in the way of a Management & Leadership Apprenticeship at 50 years old! Jayne is also very much a supporter of the Jane Tomlinson, Run For all Charity often volunteering at races, giving up her time to support those raising money and on race day always shouting the loudest encouraging athletes and fundraisers. Jayne has been involved with the team volunteering since 2007! Jayne is such an inspirational woman of Leeds, and thoroughly deserves this recognition.

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Tracey Greig has worked in national, regional and local government for almost 40 years. The last 30 in Leeds promoting community economic development, supporting businesses with recruitment and skills needs, encouraging inclusive employment and working with schools to provide careers advice. She is also very active in the city and local community through work with her church and also a number of charities including St. Georges Crypt.

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Paula Guthrie is a dedicated and loving mother, who has lived with Cerebral Palsy since birth. She has always looked after her family and is a role model to her children.

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Jill Haigh has worked for the past 20 years in Leeds City Council’s Support Care Scheme, a service that aims to prevent family breakdown and keep children living safely in their own families, reducing the number of children needing to be looked after on a full-time basis.

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Brenda Hale, Baroness Hale of Richmond (born 1945) is a British judge who served as President of the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom from 2017 until her retirement in 2020, and serves as a member of the House of Lords as a Lord Temporal. She is one of only three women appointed to the UK's Supreme Court and is the first ever female President of the Supreme Court. She is also the first ever woman to have been appointed a Lord of Appeal in Ordinary to the House of Lords, the first woman to be appointed to the Law Commission, and the second to be appointed to the court of appeal.

Photograph by Roger Harris

This resource is licensed under Creative Commons BY 3.0

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Nel Hales, dance teacher. Respected dance teacher working in Leeds, Nel has trained and specialised in teaching various styles of dance Nel prides herself on having a love for teaching dance alongside dancing herself. Nel has coached street dance teams who have won 1st and 2nd places (Beginner and Inter sections) at BDO and UK Street Dance competitions, and has worked with Alford Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School's Creativity Day as a Dance Leader and has been involved with street dance workshops in partnership with Lepra.

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Gloria came to England in 1968 aged 18 from St Kitts, she arrived in Leeds in the 70's and became a midwife.

Gloria had to overcome a lot of racism and did so with humour. Gloria opened a charity stall in the Reginald centre where she worked for the community running a pass it on scheme where people came and picked up new or nearly new clothes for free. Gloria ran a soup kitchen every Friday in the Leeds West Indian centre. Gloria is a pastor and is part of a bereavement team offering comfort and words of wisdom. She volunteers in the Fusion Café at the Reginald Centre and is involved in the renovation of the Mary Seacole memorial gardens on Chapeltown Road.

Gloria is now retired from midwifery but she is still an active and well respected member of the community.

Photograph by Josh Hall

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Ruth Hannant worked at Leeds Playhouse from 1997-2021 within the Creative Engagement sector. She was at the forefront of the pioneering work to make Leeds Playhouse a Theatre of Sanctuary for Refugees and people seeking asylum. Ruth was intrinsic in the bid for the Playhouse to gain First Floor, a dedicated space for young people in the city. And was a long-standing member of the Playhouse to run Beautiful Octopus Club, a club night run for, with and by people with a learning disability. While working for the Playhouse Ruth retrained and qualified as a counsellor and now has a private practice based in Horsforth. As well as working with individual clients Ruth also works with theatre companies and artists to support their wellbeing during the creative process. In her spare time Ruth co-runs an award winning music school, LS18 Rocks and is also a hard-working mum of two boys. Most of all she is an incredible woman. 

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Bridie Hannon is a defender for Leeds United Ladies. She is the embodiment of the club and its values and an inspiration to women and girls across the country. Whether it be always making time to speak to and advise young girls, championing LGBT inclusion or being the first female footballer to be included in Leeds United’s Goal of the Month competition. Amongst teammates she is known for “story time”, amongst fans she is renowned for being a formidable presence on the pitch and a caring, cheerful ambassador of the club off the pitch. Recently she moved from playing football to punditry on LUTV then back to football after giving birth. Proving that pregnancy doesn’t have to stop a woman footballers’ career.

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Yvonne Hardman, Head of Collections and Programmes at Leeds Museums & Galleries. Yvonne has enabled the development of art and culture within Leeds City Council. She has worked in the arts and cultural sector since 2000, primarily with collections, curating exhibitions and audience engagement programmes.

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Dr Rebecca Hardy studied medicine at the University of Leeds. She lived at worked in the city before going on to open her own successful GP practice in Halifax, which has been part of the community for over 30 years.

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Dr Kerry Harker is a curator and researcher working in the visual arts in Leeds and across the North for nearly 30 years. She was Co-founder of Project Space Leeds with Diane Howse and Pippa Hale (2006) and Co-founder of The Tetley with Pippa Hale in 2013, where she was inaugural Artistic Director until 2015. Since 2017 she is the Founder and Artistic Director of the East Leeds Project.

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Di Harkness, for her outstanding and positive work with the grassroots football community in Pudsey for Stanngingley Albion JFC. She worked tirelesly to improve and better the dreams of young and talented footballers in the area. Her determination for them to succeed and enjoy the sports from 4yrs old onwards introducing Soccer Tots to some now very inspiring and talented players is second to none. Her positive attitude made the football community for kids go from strength to strength, alongside raising money for the local community.

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Ailith Harley-Roberts, co-founder and Service Manager at Sunshine and Smiles - Leeds Down Syndrome Network, supporting families in Leeds with a child or young person with Down syndrome.

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Veryl Harriott, née Cruise (1934 – 2018). Equal rights campaigner, founding member of the West Indian Brotherhood. In 1975 she was appointed managing director of the Chapeltown Citizen’s Advice Bureau. Veryl is a nationally respected champion for young people, the homeless and community empowerment.

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Dr. Linda Harris OBE, Chief Executive of Spectrum Community Health CIC. Spectrum is a key provider of healthcare services in Health & Justice, Sexual Health and Substance Misuse, developing a local organisation into one with a footprint across the North of England. Linda began her career in London’s East End before coming to Yorkshire. She is a Fellow of the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) and also chairs NHS England/Improvement’s Health and Justice Clinical Reference Group.

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Abigail Harrison Moore is Professor of Art History and Museum Studies at the University of Leeds and was Head of the School of Fine Art, History of Art and Cultural Studies until August 2019. Her research focuses on art and design history, particularly the Arts and Crafts Movement, and she co-leads an international project on gender in histories of energy. In the UK, she is focused on creative education in schools, helped develop the curriculum in her subject areas and has written widely on the educational challenges for young people from low social and economic groups and the ‘problem’ of cultural capital. She is currently working with Leeds Museum’s Preservative Party on Whose Power? - a participatory research project to co-produce overlooked histories of energy in the home.

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Emily Harvey co-founder of Skippko Arts Team, an arts charity based in Holbeck, Leeds. The organisation was formed in 1988 by Emily Harvey and Tamsin Spain. They devised and delivered creative arts projects with a wide range of community groups, using visual arts and movement to help build confidence, express ideas and share experiences. Skippko is still based in Leeds, and the team of artists continues to develop creative projects with communities across the North of England, inspiring many thousands of participants.

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Sasha is a hardworking mother of two and a dedicated partner to her husband Robin. Although she has recently had a baby, she has supported and helped her husband with the new developments at Leeds Playhouse while looking after her children. She is an inspiration that with kindness and love you can achieve anything.

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Ellen Heaton (1816-1894) patron of the arts, social reformer and feminist. She campaigned for greater access to higher education for women. As secretary of the Sanitary Committee of the Yorkshire Ladies Council of Education she arranged lectures for working-class women on matters relating to health, child-rearing and domestic economy. The Ellen Heaton art collection is now held by Tate Britain.

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Dame Barbara Hepworth DBE (1903-1975) was an internationally renowned English artist and sculptor. Her work exemplifies Modernism and in particular modern sculpture. Along with artists such as Ben Nicholson and Naum Gabo, Hepworth was a leading figure in the colony of artists who resided in St Ives during the First and Second World Wars. Hepworth studied at Leeds school of Art from 1920–1921 alongside fellow Yorkshire-born artist Henry Moore.

Photograph Erling Mandelmann

This resource is licensed under Creative Commons BY-NC-SA

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Val Hewison retired in 2021 from her role as CEO of Carers Leeds, where she led the organisation to local and national acclaim as a beacon of best leadership and support to unpaid carers.

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Angie Hitchman is a caring mother who works in a secondary school supporting children with special educational needs.

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Amy Hodson is a Lecturer in BA (Hons) Visual Communication at Leeds Arts University. Previously, she taught for over 10 years on the Foundation Diploma in Art and Design. Amy recently completed a research project with Leeds students, centring their voices to reimagine Relationships and Sex Education (RSE). Using participatory design methods, she created brave spaces for students to share experiences and co-develop solutions. The research aims to improve RSE policies and practices to better meet the needs of today's young people. In addition to her academic career, Amy is a caring mum and volunteers her spare time for Leeds City Council as an independent visitor, a befriending role for looked-after children and recent care leavers.

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Jan Holdstock (1940-2017) was a gifted musician, creative and resourceful music educator, witty lyricist and prolific composer of music for young people. She inspired a generation of teachers, lecturing at James Graham College and Leeds Polytechnic. Her engaging and brilliantly crafted songs continue to delight children and teachers in schools and music groups nationwide. Jan was an inspirational founder of the still thriving Yorkshire Association of Music for Special Educational Needs and had long associations with the Sing for Pleasure movement and with Sinfonia of Leeds, with whom she played viola. She continued to compose, teach and sing right up until she died. 

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Jean Hollings was born and raised in Bramley. Jean is a retired nurse and Community Health Visitor who worked for the NHS for 41 years; 21 of these as a Health Visitor in Bradford. Jean is the Event director for Bramley Parkrun, a core member of Bramley junior Parkrun, a walk leader for Bramley Breezers, secretary for Friends of Bramley Park, and a regular volunteer at other charity sporting events in the district. Jean is also a volunteer community contributor for West Leeds Dispatch, and volunteers at BEA as a telephone befriender and became a trustee last year. Jean is part of the Bramazon team that deliver items/gifts on behalf of BEA by Bramley Breezers. Jean enjoys knitting for Hookers and Clickers making items for local and nationwide charities. 

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Rachel Hollis is a retired paediatric oncology and haematology nurse and World Child Cancer trustee. On her retirement she was Lead Nurse on the Paediatric Oncology and Haematology Unit.

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Sheila Howarth is Duty Manager at Leeds Playhouse where she has driven for inclusion, especially encouraging black and Asian people to engage in the arts. She is a long standing member of Leeds West Indian Carnival Committee, through which she works to encourage community cohesion.

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Beryl Huffingley, leading figure in the labour, trade union and peace movements in Yorkshire. Held numerous positions in support of the peace movement including President of the National Assembly of Women, chair of Labour Action for Peace and vice-president of the British Peace Assembly.  She was on the Leeds Trades Union Council and the first woman to be appointed Yorkshire regional secretary of the Trades Union Congress making her the first woman regional TUC secretary in Britain. Beryl died aged 92 in 2018.

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Shirley Hughes-Rowlands, a founding member of Guiseley in Bloom. Shirley helped to transform an unloved green space into a place residents and visitors can reset and enjoy.

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Anne was born in County Durham & Sarah & Grace were born in Middleton, Leeds. Upon Anne's death in 1835, St Anne's Church was dedicated in her honour & opened in 1838. It became a Cathedral in 1878. Their generosity in our City also built St Anne's School in 1841, considered at the time to be the finest in Yorkshire. Upon Sarah's death Grace commissioned A.W.N. Pugin to design a High Altar in her memory. This is now in the Lady Chapel at Leeds Cathedral, built in 1904 & which celebrates its Centenary this year. The Sisters are buried at Holy Trinity Church, Rothwell.

This resource is licensed under Creative Commons BY 3.0

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Anne was born in County Durham & Sarah & Grace were born in Middleton, Leeds. Upon Anne's death in 1835, St Anne's Church was dedicated in her honour & opened in 1838. It became a Cathedral in 1878. Their generosity in our City also built St Anne's School in 1841, considered at the time to be the finest in Yorkshire. Upon Sarah's death Grace commissioned A.W.N. Pugin to design a High Altar in her memory. This is now in the Lady Chapel at Leeds Cathedral, built in 1904 & which celebrates its Centenary this year. The Sisters are buried at Holy Trinity Church, Rothwell.

This resource is licensed under Creative Commons BY 3.0

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Anne was born in County Durham & Sarah & Grace were born in Middleton, Leeds. Upon Anne's death in 1835, St Anne's Church was dedicated in her honour & opened in 1838. It became a Cathedral in 1878. Their generosity in our City also built St Anne's School in 1841, considered at the time to be the finest in Yorkshire. Upon Sarah's death Grace commissioned A.W.N. Pugin to design a High Altar in her memory. This is now in the Lady Chapel at Leeds Cathedral, built in 1904 & which celebrates its Centenary this year. The Sisters are buried at Holy Trinity Church, Rothwell.

This resource is licensed under Creative Commons BY 3.0

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Gillian Hunter worked for Leeds City Council for over 40 years, latterly in the area of community safety working alongside West Yorkshire Police. She passed away in 2019 and was posthumously honoured by Leeds City Council with a lifetime achievement award.

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Robina Zamir Hussein (born Leeds, 1981). Commercial Lawyer specialising in Sports Law, Dispute Resolution, Reputation Management and Business Law. Working tirelessly for her clients she rose to Partner at Leeds based boutique niche firm Front Row Legal in 2016. She now works as a Consultant Lawyer for London based niche firm Cohen Davis Solicitors specialising in social media, internet law, defamation and harassment issues. An inspiration and role model for women from minority backgrounds pursuing a career in law.

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Clare Hutton is an Operating Theatre nurse with 20 years’ experience of working in the hospital and health care industry, she is an inspiration to her colleagues and patients.

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Lauren Huxley, former Union Affairs Officer at the University of Leeds. She was responsible for governance, finance and democracy in one of the largest students’ unions in the UK. She now works at the University of Leeds supporting under-represented students, particularly mature students, and ensuring that their voices are heard at every level of the institution. She also volunteers as a trustee for multiple charities in the arts and education sectors.

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Sue Ingle is currently a consultant for Stanningley Slimming World Group. Sue also organises an annual event on Boxing Day for thirty elderly and isolated people in the local community.

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Joan Ingram, Head of Nursing at Leeds Teaching Hospitals for Theatres and Anaesthesia since 2013. Leading a team of over 900 people in the delivery of care within the perioperative pathway for patients of Leeds and surrounding regions.

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Patricia Jackson, née Hickes, was one of Leeds pioneering women journalists. Born in 1931 and known professionally as Pat, she became the Yorkshire Evening Post's women's page editor after Barbara Taylor Bradford. Pat is still filing copy for a local online news site, concentrating on environmental issues.

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Olive Jakusz (1919-1999), Headteacher Burley St. Matthias infants where she worked for fourteen years, retiring in 1979. Olive taught thousands of inner-city Leeds children in a career spanning forty years, she also taught at St. John’s Whitehall and St. Michael’s Headingley.

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Maureen Octavia James was born in 1958. She set up Maureen’s Caribbean Takeaway on Roundhay Road in Leeds, her Café is at the heart of the community cooking authentic Caribbean food.

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Rachel Jenkins has worked in the NHS Operating Theatres for over 25 years. Rachel has worked hard to improve service, reduce wastage and influence workplace culture through positive leadership, helping deliver the best care possible.

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Sue Jennings is Director at Left Bank Leeds and has been a resident in Leeds her entire life. For the past two years she has taken a relatively underused space like Left Bank and realized its potential in developing a multi generational community space that is providing space for different parts of the surrounding community, and allowing people to access a non threatening space to explore their creativity. She works tirelessly for her community.

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Melinda Johnson is currently the Chief Operating Officer at Ofgem, a director general role in the civil service. She was the first female commercial director in government and worked to enable approximately half of the commercial directors to be women. She is a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS); a Chartered Procurement professional and was recognised in the first CIPS Procurement Power List celebrating the top 35 commercial professionals in Europe. Melinda founded the Government Commercial Function Northern Hub, to link commercial professionals across the North of England. She was recognised in Baroness Verma’s House of Lords ‘10 Women of Influence’ in 2023 and joined the World Commercial and Contracting Association Inspiring Women Programme 2024. Melinda is a long standing diversity and inclusion champion – especially focusing on women and social mobility.

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Kathleen Johnstone worked as a Speech and Language Therapist in the NHS for 36 years - 31 of them in Leeds in both hospital and community settings. In 2015, Kathleen and her husband took on respite foster caring for children with special educational needs, and took in twelve children over nine years working for the council. Kathleen and her husband retired from fostering in 2023 and Kathleen now volunteers with Conversation Club Leeds which supports asylum seekers and refugees, and encourages them to practice and improve their spoken English.

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Denise is an Honorary Chaplain at Leeds Teaching Hospitals, she has worked for the NHS for 62 years, in various jobs. She is an inspiration to many and is loved and appreciated by staff and patients alike.

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Becky Joyce is the Co-founder and Director of Homeless Street Angels. Becky is a vocal advocate for the homeless in Leeds City Centre. Becky and sister Shelley's support centre assists people with rehousing and getting many back into education and work. The pair also operate a foodbank to help the local community.

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Shelley Joyce co-founded award-winning charity Homeless Street Angels with twin sister Becky. The charity provide assistance on the streets of Leeds City Centre, handing out hot and cold food, clean clothes, toiletries and other items as required. They work with Leeds City Council and Housing Options to provide ongoing support to people who have been rehomed and are part of the Leeds Homeless Charter to help eradicate homelessness in Leeds.

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Sally Joynson is a high-profile and well respected figure in the film and TV industry in Yorkshire. Sally spent 16 years as Chief Executive of Screen Yorkshire. She is widely credited with rebuilding the company as a stand alone enterprise, following the closure of the regional screen agencies in 2010. In 2018 Sally received the RTS Yorkshire’s Outstanding Contribution Award and, in 2021, she was awarded a national RTS Fellowship. She has worked with and supported acclaimed independent production companies based in the region and, as CEO of Screen Yorkshire, she established Yorkshire as the UK’s fastest growing centre for film and TV production – supporting over 12,000 jobs with a turnover of £1.1bn. Sally also played a key role in bringing Channel 4 to Leeds. Her determination, vision, passion and advocacy over the last 20 years has played a pivotal role in the success of the film and TV sector in Yorkshire. Sally is now retired from Screen Yorkshire but continues to be active in the industry.

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Shirley Judge, an inspirational teacher who taught at Mount St. Mary’s Secondary Modern, later St. Marie’s Girls Secondary School and then Mount St. Mary’s High School, from 1959 and was Headmistress from 1974-1978.

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Dr Rachel Julian is one of the world's experts on Unarmed Civilian Peacekeeping, currently work at the Leeds School Of Social Sciences at Leeds Beckett University. Rachel has 25 years of experience working internationally in peace and conflict including disarmament, peace-building, nonviolence and Unarmed Civilian Peacekeeping.

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Manjit Kaur, founder of Manjit's Kitchen, a food truck that sold vegetarian Indian food, and then used Kickstarter to fund a stall in Kirkgate Market in 2016. She raised £6,000 for homeless charity, Simon on the Streets after a racist attack in 2017.

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Suman Kaur is a Fine Artist from Leeds. Suman won the BBC Big Painting Challenge in 2017.

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Rajinder Kaur Ryatt has lived in Harehills since 1963 and was a Tailor Machinist for over 40 years with B. Berwin, Leeds. Now retired, Rajinder works with the local Sikh community by supporting the local Guruwara. She also supports St Gemma's Hospice and other charities.

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Keranjeet Kaur Virdee MBE heads South Asian Arts-uk (SAA-uk) based in Leeds, West Yorkshire.

Her role as Chief Executive has evolved organically alongside the development of SAA-uk. Since 1998, she has played a pivotal role in shaping the vision and artistic direction of SAA-uk, developing strong partnerships with cultural institutes, community organizations, and artists at local, regional, and national levels. In recognition of her contributions, Keranjeet was awarded an MBE in the 2023 New Year's Honours list.

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Ruth Kaye has been a staff member at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust employed as Natural Healer in cancer care for 30 years. Ruth has been a registered healer since 1984 with the former National Federation of Spiritual Healers, now known as the Healing Trust. Ruth was given a Fellowship Award for pioneering spiritual healing and meditation in the NHS. Ruth is now retired but helps people from home voluntarily. Ruth is also involved in the Arthur Conan Doyle Centre in Edinburgh and University of Northampton currently experimenting to try and prove scientifically that absent healing can reach out with a controlled trial. Ruth is also an ex-Samaritan.

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Judith "Jude" Pamela Kelly, CBE (born 1954) is a British theatre director and producer and founding artistic director of the West Yorkshire Playhouse. She is a director of the WOW Foundation, which organises the annual Women of the World Festival, founded in 2010 by Kelly. From 2006 to 2018 she was artistic director of the Southbank Centre in London. Also a member of the National Advisory Committee for Culture, Creativity and Education which produced the 'All our Futures' report leading to significant government investment in young people's creative and cultural education.

Photograph by Andy Miah

This resource is licensed under Creative Commons BY-SA 2.0

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JoJo Kelly is a local personality and Radio presenter, who has broadcast across Yorkshire on Kiss 105, Galaxy 105 and Capital FM. She’s been a stalwart in her profession bringing joy and laughter to listeners every weekday since 1997. She has hosted many charitable events and is a patron for Leeds based charity, Getaway Girls.

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Diane Ketteringham, interactive installation artist, based in Leeds who has worked in many fields as Counsellor, Artist, Mentor, Astrologer, Educator, and end of life doula.

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Mary Keynes, Leeds Campaigner. Mary was a driving force behind Leeds Tidal, which supports activism in Leeds to be more effective in achieving social, economic and environmental justice. In 2001, at 72, Mary went on the Drop the Debt rickshaw ride from Leeds to Genoa and, aged 80 cycled from Bradford to London. She was the first recipient of the Leeds for Change Lifetime Achievement Award in 2014. She died in 2017.

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Lynda Kitching, recipient of Leeds City Council’s Volunteer of the Year award for her work as Chair of Leeds Parks & Green Spaces Forum. Volunteers with numerous other organisations in the city including Leeds Civic Trust, Love Leeds Parks, Aireborough Neighbourhood Development Forum and Beckett Street Cemetery.

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Diane Knight is a much loved Mother and devoted carer to her husband. She has contributed to the city of Leeds through her work as a teaching assistant in primary school, in the post office and as a librarian.

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Iby Knill, BEM – a Holocaust survivor born in 1923 to a secular Jewish family in Bratislava. After escape to Hungary, she was imprisoned for illegal entry and aiding the resistance movement, taken to Auschwitz-Birkenau and then into slave labour. After her Liberation, she became a translator for the Military Government in Germany, met and married Bert, a British Army officer, moving to Britain in 1947, starting a new life and raising two children. In Leeds she built careers in local government, then in textile design and as a linguist. At 50 she gained a social science degree from the Open University, at 79 an MA in Theology. Iby authored a two-volume autobiography. The first, “The Woman Without a Number” was featured in a BBC documentary. Iby was active in parish church and interfaith work, and a well-known speaker dedicated to educating the next generations about the lessons from the Holocaust. In her 90’s she received an Honorary Doctorate from Huddersfield University, an Honorary Fellowship from Leeds Trinity University, and a BEM in the Queen's Honours’ List.

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Dotty is a director, story writer and voiceover artist. She has worked on a variety of projects, ranging from short animated films and music videos, through narrative poetry and song lyrics, to book illustrations and animated theatre projections. Alongside her freelance practice, Dotty works in higher education, and for several years she taught at Leeds Arts University as Senior Lecturer for BA (Hons) Animation and Supervisor for MA Illustration.

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Weronika Kuszpa (born 1985) came to Leeds in 2007 from a small town of Poland, Wisła to work in Carr Manor Community School with children from all over the world. Much loved mother to two girls, Oliwia and Natalia.

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Barbara Lancaster MBE, City of Leeds Swim Club Supporters Committee Chair. She worked as City of Leeds Swim Club Team Manager for a tour of China in 1988 and went on to become the first female national squad Team Manager in 1996. She worked with the teams at the 1992 and 1996 Olympics and the 1993 European Championships. Barbara received her MBE in 2007 for her invaluable contribution to sport.

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Linda Langstaff works in Specialist Autism Services to provide opportunities for autistic people in the Leeds area. She has tirelessly championed the achievements of autistic people and provided them a platform for celebrating and increasing awareness.

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Nicola Lawson is the founder of the West Yorkshire Sling Library which supports families to carry their babies safely and comfortably.

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Allyson Lee (1950-2010), actress and inspirational teacher. Bradford, West Yorkshire, England. She was known her performances in My Father's House (1981), The Practice (1985) and The Return of the Antelope (1986). She was instrumental in writing and managing the full-time performing arts courses at Thomas Danby College. A BBC play, ‘An Instinct for Kindness’, written about the final phase of her life was broadcast on Radio 4 in 2018.

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Kirsty Lee decided to retrain at the age of 40 and embarked on a Psychology degree. After this, Kirsty obtained a job in the research team at Bradford District Care Trust working on mental health and dementia related research studies. Kirsty finds her work to be extremely rewarding and hopes it assists with how mental health and dementia are understood and treated in the future.

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Sue Lees, founder member of Opera North. An opera singer who from near the end of her professional career has taught numerous young people in Leeds and Yorkshire in the art of performing opera and musical theatre. In addition she has raised thousands of pounds organising musical concerts for medical charities alongside pupils and friends.

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Emily Legge nee Wardle, Chief Pharmacy Technician at Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust. Emily has spent all of her career working in acute hospital pharmacies and has had the opportunity to complete a Clinical Leadership Fellowship with NHS England, be a former Communications Director for the Association of Pharmacy Technicians UK and become a Chartered manager and coach.

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Vera Leigh (1903-1944) was an agent of the UK’s Special Operations Executive during World War II. Leigh was a member of the SOE's Donkeyman circuit and Inventor sub-circuit in occupied France until she was arrested by the Gestapo. She was subsequently executed at the Natzweiler-Struthof concentration camp. She posthumously received the King’s Commendation for Brave Conduct.

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Tina Leslie MBE, born and bred  in Leeds and the visionary founder of Freedom4Girls, a pioneering charity dedicated to addressing period poverty. Her grassroots organisation  has become a beacon of hope, ensuring access to menstrual products for those in need whilst advocating for systemic change. Tina's leadership and compassion have earned her widespread acclaim, including the prestigious MBE distinction, solidifying her legacy as a tireless champion for menstrual equality and social justice. The charity itself was also awarded the highest accolade ‘The Queens Award for Volunteering’, with special recognition for the work during the pandemic. Tina tirelessly supports those in need with projects in the UK and Kenya passionately striving to break the stigma and taboo that is still a real issue. She juggles charity work with her job in Public Health and is also a fitness instructor as well as volunteers at foodbank’s, making sure they have enough food by sourcing and delivering.

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Philippa Lester worked in further education in Leeds for many years and also for the Department for Education. She took on the challenge of producing a community book and co-authored From the Leylands to Leeds 17 (2014) with Diane Saunders which tells the story of the Jewish Community from the late 1800s to the present day in words and pictures gathered from over 100 memories from people in the community.

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Amy Letman, Creative Director of Transform Festival, a citywide and international performance festival. Giving local artists a platform to perform in iconic venues, clubs, car parks and community centres across Leeds. Amy is also an ambassador for Leeds 2023.

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Maureen Lillywhite is a community development worker supporting families from disadvantaged backgrounds and isolated elderly people. Runs clubs and activities in the community and recently launched a reverse advent calendar campaign to support families struggling at Christmas. Maureen also set up the Meanwood Olympics in 2012 when the Olympics came to London. The event is now in its 13th year and offers free family events throughout August.

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Carol Lister gives her free time to volunteer in various roles. She is chairperson of the local pre-school and helps to run the village hall. Always willing to help, she approaches any challenge with upbeat stoicism.

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Christella Litras, musician. Over 20 years’ experience as a musical director, composer, lyricist, vocalist, keyboard player, percussionist, workshop facilitator and musical mentor. She has a keen focus and investment in young upcoming artists, working with them to develop and elevate their talent and confidence.

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After losing her son to knife crime, Sarah Lloyd worked with schools and youth organisations on a volunteer basis to help reduce knife crime, sharing her story and the impact of knife crime on the criminal, families and extended community. Sarah is currently working on her MA in Social Research and delivers knife crime awareness in West Yorkshire and beyond through her company Heartspoken. Sarah is also a published author. Sarah’s memoir of traumatic grief is titled Life Without Kie.

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Gabby Logan, née Yorath (born 1973). British presenter and a former international rhythmic gymnast. Appointed an MBE in 2020 for services to sports broadcasting and the promotion of women in sport.

Photograph courtesy of LEEDS 2023

This resource is licensed under Creative Commons BY-SA 2.0

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Deborah Long is an English Teacher and Trade Unionist Caseworker. She is a local officer for The Teachers' Union (NASUWT) and campaigns for improvement in teacher's working conditions.

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Irene Louisa Morrison MBE (1910 - 2007) became a Sister at Leeds General Infirmary in the 1940s and went onto become the Matron at Stobhill Hospital, Glasgow. She later became the Head of Nursing in the Ministry of Health, where she retired. Irene earned her MBE in 1958 for her work in Lagos, Nigeria.

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Alison Lowe was appointed Deputy Mayor for Police and Crime in West Yorkshire by the Mayor, Tracy Brabin, because of her extensive voluntary sector, political and policing experience over a 30+ year period. Alison worked in the Third Sector for more than 30 years, most recently as Chief Executive of Touchstone, a Mental Health Charity specialising in service delivery to diverse communities. Alison has been involved in local government for 29 years and was a councillor for Armley representing the Labour Party. Alison was the Deputy Lord Mayor of Leeds in 2003-4 and was made an Honorary Alderwoman of the city in 2020. In this role, Alison was asked to review Leeds statues following the BLM protests. Over the years, Alison has been a well-known campaigner on equal rights and chaired the Leeds Domestic Violence Forum that raises awareness of domestic violence against women and children by known men for over 25 years. Alison Lowe holds an MA in Medieval Studies from Leeds University and a BA in History and was given an Honorary Doctor of Laws in 2022. She was also awarded an OBE in the January 2022 Queen’s Honours List. Alison has 2 grown up children, Adam and Rosy and grandchildren Mae and Oscar.

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Emma Lowe is an artist and founder of Pot Yer Tits Away, with a mission to celebrate and normalise real bodies. Emma has raised money and awareness for breast cancer charities. Her ceramic pots are inclusive and representative of breast cancer recovery and personal identity.

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Edna Lumb (1931-1992). Artist. Her work stands as one of the most successful observations of British urban and industrial life with engines, pylons, quarries, cooling towers, and wheels (gear wheels, rail wheels, flywheels, water-wheels) her perpetual subjects.

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Charlotte Lupton, (1812-1890) Educated in New York, Paris and Leeds. An intellectual whose preoccupations were the nature of truth, the relationship between theology and the Bible, and the Philosophy of Language. Proficient in French, Latin, Greek and German. Translated works of the New German Theology into English.

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Ann Maguire (1953–2014). Ann worked at Corpus Christi Catholic College for over forty years and is remembered for her passion, enthusiasm and full commitment to the teaching profession.

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Christine Majid, founder of PAFRAS, a charity which provides support and guidance for Refugees and destitute Asylum Seekers in Leeds. Alongside the support for Refugees & Asylum Seekers, Christine has energised & inspired hundreds of volunteers and supporters from a range of backgrounds and faiths to help campaign/support and help build understanding and coherent communities in our city.

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Alice Mann (1791-1865). Leeds-born radical and publisher operated from a bookshop based in the now-demolished Central Market on Duncan Street. Alice married James Mann, a prominent West Riding political activist and bookseller, in 1807. After his death she took on his business to support her family. She continued James’ philosophy, publishing work by influential radicals such as Richard Carlile, Richard Oastler and William Rider and numbered many local Chartists among her clientele. Her political commitment is evidenced by her prosecution in 1834 and 1836 for selling unstamped newspapers. Alice balanced this activity with more mainstream printing, including canvassing for contracts from the Town Corporation.

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Gladys Marsden, née Skelley (1920-2017) was a munitions worker at Thorp Arch Munitions Station, Leeds during the Second World War. Aged 22 Gladys left Barnsley and was directed to work on Munitions at Royal Ordnance Filling Factory No. 8 - Thorp Arch. She was allocated to Group 7, the work entailed filling caps and detonators with high explosives. On her marriage she was redirected to work on the construction of tractors for the Agricultural Cause. She was widowed in 1951 with two young children to care for, she never re-married. Gladys died on Christmas Day, 2017, aged 97.

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Christine Marshall-Bennett, tirelessly supports vulnerable people of Leeds.

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Leah Massey Hay, charity worker, Team manager and Employment project worker at Barnardo's who works to support young people in education and employment.

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Dr Ciara Masterson, Academic Director of the Clinical Psychology Programme at the University of Leeds and mum of three. Her previous roles for the NHS involved working within adult mental health and physical health services.

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Freda Matthews, teacher and community volunteer. After many years dedicated to primary school teaching in Leeds, Freda has used her long retirement to great effect in supporting community organisations and activities in Little Woodhouse which includes the Little Woodhouse Community Association.

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Veda Maureen Easton was born in 1938 and was a dinner lady at Moortown Primary School. She is also a loving mother to three children, grandma to five and great grandma to four.

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Catherine Mawer (1803-1877) was a successful businesswoman and master sculptor who ran the family stone-yard on Great George Street. She completed the carvings on Leeds Town Hall following the untimely death of her husband, Robert, and has many works throughout the city, including the Listed Mawer Memorial, Woodhouse.

This resource is licensed under Creative Commons BY-NC-SA

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Caitlin Mayall, conductor, singer and teacher. Musical director of Leeds Vocal Movement, a mixed-ability choir for young people. Has directed many other choirs in the region and works in music education across Leeds and Bradford.

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Pat McGeever, Chief Executive Health For All (Leeds) a Leeds based charity working to change people's lives and transform local communities for over thirty years.

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Sally McLean, Musical Director of the White Rosettes, a female barbershop chorus. In October 2017 they won the LABBS National Ladies Chorus Championship for the 16th time. They also successfully retained their title as European Champions for the third time in a row. Sally was also a TV judge on the Naked Choir with Gareth Malone in 2015.

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Stella McLellan (1923-1986) ran the Leeds branch of Gingerbread, a charity which supports single parent families. She was also known for her 'First Sunday' salon, an open house event at her home that brought together many radicals, poets and artists. Stella was among the first activists in Leeds to work as an advocate of equal rights for the LGBTQ community.

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Therese McNeice, Manager Quarry Mount and Little London Leeds City Council Nurseries, Therese has dedicated herself to helping local young children and their families.

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Sandra McNeill is a feminist activist and researcher working against violence against women. She contributed to development of Sexual Offences Act 2003, which clearly defined rape and consent for first time. Co-founder of Support After Rape & Sexual Violence Leeds (SARSVL) - local Rape Crisis charity. Leeds Domestic Violence Services worker. Feminist Archive North volunteer.

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Linsay Medica founded Little Hiccups, a support network for children with a disability and their families, while raising her son with complex and profound needs. She uses her experiences to help shape the future of Child Disability Services. Linsay and her team believe that anything is possible with the right support and every child has the right to experience fun and make happy memories, earning them the Queens Award for Voluntary Services.

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Kay Mellor OBE (1951-2022), née Daniel, was an English actress, BAFTA award winning scriptwriter and director, best known for her work on several successful television drama series including the long-running children's drama Children's Ward, Band of Gold, Fat Friends and The Syndicate. Her production company Rollem continues along the trail she blazed to honour her incredible legacy and ensure the next generation of writing talent get their voices heard.

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Vicky has lived in Pudsey all her life through her hardwork and dedication she has boosted Grassroots football in the community at Stanningley Albion JFC, alongside raising money for the local community and awareness of football/fun and fitness for kids and a pathway for them to follow their dreams.

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Maryam Mir, founding member of Leeds Muslim Youth Forum which aims to empower and support young Muslims, and non Muslims, training them to be confident public speakers and upstanding members of society. Maryam is now a Barrister at Doughty Street Chambers.

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Emma Mooney is Director of Communications at Northern Ballet. Emma was born and grew up in Bradford and has made her career in Leeds, she has worked at Northern Ballet for more than 15 years. In 2017 she won the Women of the Future Award for Art and Culture.

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Hazel Mooney is an environmental scientist at the University of Leeds. For years she has dedicated her spare time to raising awareness of the importance of trees for climate, nature, and human health and wellbeing. Hazel is passionate about championing the voice of young people in conservation. In 2023 Hazel was awarded the UK Green Gown Award ‘Sustainability Champion’ which recognised her work locally and nationally to engage young people in sustainability issues, specifically through action for woods and trees.

Photograph by Dr Robin Hayward

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Lucy Moore was nominated for her passion for uplifting and ensuring the voices of marginalised communities have their stories told. In her role as Project Curator at Leeds Museums & Galleries (2013-2023) she worked across the city and its nine museums co-ordinating activities to commemorate anniversaries of the people of Leeds in the First World War. Since then she has begun a PhD on early medieval coinage, and as a volunteer wrote hundreds of Wikipedia articles. For this she's received global media coverage and three awards: Up-and-coming UK Wikimedian of the Year (2021), UK Wikimedian of the Year (2022) and an Open Research Award from University of York. A coin specialist, from 2024 she works as Curator of Coins and 3D Objects at the University of Leeds. She tries to use the influence she has for public good and is a trustee of Leeds Civic Trust (chairing their heritage panel), Carers Leeds and the Royal Numismatic Society. She provides care support for her mother, and tries to be a good daughter, sister, partner and friend.

Photograph by Christopher Thomond for The Guardian, 2024

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Dianne Moore runs several after school and holiday clubs in Otley and surrounding areas and has fundraised for Yorkshire Cancer charities.

Photograph by Josh Hall

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Teresa Moorhead is a filmmaker, musician and photographer. She is the vocalist, lyricist and manager of Leeds band Zeitgeist Zero. She has directed several films including Shattered (2020) and the documentary, Goth City Festival which was screened at The Festival of Gothica at Leeds City Museum in 2017.

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Angela Morley (1924-2009) was a composer, she was the first openly transgender woman to be nominated for an Oscar and won three Emmy awards for her work in music arrangement.

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Ivy Needham MBE (1925-2013) is a charity campaigner, most notable for her Maxwell Pensioners case in 1990. Ivy was awarded her MBE for her services to the Yorkshire contingent of Maxwell Pensioners and was also awarded Yorkshire Woman of the Year.

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Adelaide Neilson (1848-1880) actress. Born Elizabeth Ann Brown, Adelaide left Leeds for London at the age of 15 obtaining employment as a member of the ballet. Critically acclaimed as a stage actor in both the UK and America.

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Heather Nelson JP was a spokesperson for the Equality of Access to Education, Health & Social Care. She was a Magistrate for over 20 years and the Chief Executive of Black Health Initiative (BHI), a community engagement organisation based in Chapeltown, Leeds. She worked with disadvantaged and marginalised communities addressing equity of access to education, health and social care locally, regionally and nationally. In 2014, Heather founded Black Music Festival which was held in Chapeltown every August and has been recognised as Europe's fastest growing free open-air festival showcasing music of black origin. In 2017, Heather founded Legacy Awards; an annual awards ceremony in Leeds which celebrates excellence by those seldom recognised for their achievements and have a positive impact on their community. Heather was the National Director of BME Cancer Voice and member of the NHS Race and Health Observatory.

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Paula Nelson-White has been a dedicated nursery and primary school teacher for over 30 years. Paula is passionate about providing creative education to children, and has taken on the role of union representative throughout the time she has been teaching. She always has a smile and a kind word for everyone.

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Anne Neville, OBE, Professor in the School of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Leeds. She was the first woman to win the Institute of Mechanical Engineering's James Clayton Prize and the first female winner of the Royal Society's Leverhulme Medal. Awarded an OBE for services to engineering. Fellow of the Royal Society.

Photograph by Duncan Hull

This resource is licensed under Creative Commons BY-SA 4.0

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Doreen Newlyn was a Secretary at Leeds Theatre Committee (1964-1970) and a leading activist who led the campaign for the original Leeds Playhouse, formerly named West Yorkshire Playhouse.

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Dawn Newsome established Armley Helping Hands which became a registered charity (1995) supporting older people in the Armley and Wortley District of Leeds. The charity’s protocol is to be the first point of contact for older people, carers, and their families. Dawn has developed the charity in response to the needs and aspirations of local older people. Dawn and her committed team of staff and volunteers have carefully listened to older people and tried to respond appropriately, by providing a range of services, advice, support, and varied social and healthy living activities, enabling older people to live independently and to pro-actively participate within their communities. In collaboration with statutory and voluntary services Armley Helping Hands is now a leading organisation both locally and nationally and is at the forefront of new initiatives to ensure our older people have the best care pathways, social interaction, and quality of life in their retirement years.

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Julia Newton-Bishop Professor of Dermatology, St James's Hospital, Leeds from 1995 (Emeritus Professor since 2023) worked in the melanoma specialist multidisciplinary team in Leeds till 2016. She played a key role in establishing UK and European Clinical Guidelines, from 2004-2005. Professor Newton-Bishop was clinical chair for the NICE Melanoma Clinical Guideline from 2012-2015 and chairman of the NCIN Skin Cancer Committee from 2009-2014. Her research expertise is in melanoma, and she led melanoma research investigating the cause of melanoma and factors affecting survival, in the University of Leeds from 1995 till the present day. She set up and has chaired the international melanoma genetics consortium GenoMEL since 1997. She is a fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences.

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Victoria Nussey runs her own cleaning and ironing business in Roundhay and surrounding areas. She is a very kind hearted and caring person, and loving mum.

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Alice Nutter (born Anne Holden, 1962) is a musician, singer-songwriter, activist and playwright. Founding member of English rock band, Chumbawumba.

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Dr. Yvette Oade CBE, is the current Chair of Leeds Hospitals Charity, a Lay Council Member for the University of Leeds (where she completed her degree in Medicine) and a Trustee of Yorkshire Cancer Research. Yvette was the Chief Medical Officer & Deputy Chief Executive for Leeds Teaching Hospitals for seven years, then went onto be the Medical Director at the Nightingale Hospital Yorkshire and Humber, Covid19 Vaccination Lead for North East & Yorkshire and Regional Medical Director for NHS England in the North East & Yorkshire.

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Pat Oddy (1933-2018), founder member and Lifetime President for Hawksworth Older People’s Support. She was Lady Mayoress, set up community associations, worked as a neighbourhood warden and served on school committees in the local area.

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Ann O'Donnell (1933-2019) Jewellery designer who previously studied and taught at Leeds College of Art during the Harry Thubron era. Her work is motivated by an interest in ancient Roman glass, gemmology, archaeological and geological finds.

Photograph by Anne Wyman

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Belinda O'Hooley, musician, now performing as one half of folk duo O’Hooley & Tidow alongside her wife Heidi. Has made significant contributions to the genre, writing and performing with other musicians and as a solo artist.

Photograph by Hannah Webster

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Emma Oliver founded Team Daniel following the loss of her son Daniel who sadly took his own life aged just 15 in 2017. Emma works to Raise awareness of mental health in young people and has campaigned for every school in Britain to have counsellor. Team Daniel has raised over £20,000 for various charities including Martin House Children's Hospice.

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Jane Ordaz Stubbs has worked for many years in the charity and arts sector including working for Leeds Library and Information Services and Arts Council England, where she championed many Leeds based writers and artists. Jane was a Clore Fellow in 2006, part of the prestigious Clore Leadership programme. She went onto be Assistant Director of Young Sounds UK which helps young people, of exceptional ability, who do not have the financial resources, to realise their full musical potential. Jane moved to Mexico where she has taught English to refugees, created a global community of menopause warriors and founded The Virtual Wing woman. Jane is much loved by friends and colleagues for her huge heart, courage, unique brain power, creativity and unusual humour and we are so glad to have her back in Leeds!

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Charis Osborne (Charles), Executive Director at Phoenix Theatre Dance. Previously held the role of Director of Access & Education and has overseen the management of the company's nationally recognised dance education and outreach programmes.

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Lucy Osburn (1836 – 1891) was an English nurse trained at the School of Nursing founded by Florence Nightingale (now part of King's College London). She is regarded as the founder of modern nursing in Australia.

This resource is licensed under Creative Commons BY-NC-SA

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Janet Page, a member of Leeds Amateur Operatic Society, sitting on the committee, performing on stage and working backstage utilising her skills as a professional hairdresser and barber. She is a member of Farsley in Bloom and volunteers at a foodbank and for MHA Communities Farsley where she helps with the lunch club for older people.

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Kate Pankhurst is an Illustrator and author best known for a series of children's books celebrating achievements of women in history which include, Fantastically Great Women Who Changed the World, Great Women who made History and Great Women who Worked Wonders.

Photograph by Joanne Crawford

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Gill Park, is Lecturer in Contemporary Art and Curating in the School of Fine Art, History of Art and Cultural Studies at the University of Leeds. Prior to this she was Director of the arts organisation Pavilion (2012-2017). Across her academic research and curatorial practice, Gill has collaborated with a wide range of feminist artists, activists and women’s groups. This has included initiating the young people’s project Art School for Rebel Girls and an ongoing artistic collaboration with the group Voice of Domestic Workers. She is currently developing a new project with Dr Sylvia Gyan (University of Ghana) focusing on the experiences and working conditions of women head porters in Accra.  

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Florence E Parrish was one of the country's first female police officers. Appointed in 1918, she served in Leeds for 3 years. She also served as the chief officer of the voluntary police patrols during the first world war.

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Gertrude Maretta Paul MBE (1934 - 1992) was a teacher and advocate for the British Caribbean community in Yorkshire. One of the founding members of the Leeds West Indian Carnival, Leeds International Women's Group, the Afro Asian Organisation and the United Caribbean Association. She was the first black headteacher in Leeds.

Photograph courtesy of Leeds Civic Trust

This resource is licensed under Creative Commons BY-SA 4.0

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Laura Peacock completed a 214km cycle challenge from Milan to Venice to raise money for three women's cancer charities: Breast Cancer Care, Jo's Cervical Trust and Ovarian Cancer Action.

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Jean Pearce, an inspirational dance teacher and choreographer. She ran the Pearce School of Dancing in Leeds. She was also the choreographer for Leeds Amateur Operatic Society and worked with Yorkshire Television. She died in 2020 aged 87.

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Cat Pearson (Hyde) is co-founder of Seagulls Reuse, an environmental social enterprise. Practising and promoting the reuse of leftover and unwanted paint to create opportunities for local people, particularly people who are often marginalised by society. Seagulls are pioneers in diverting waste paint away from landfill and bring colour and creativity to the city of Leeds.

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Edith Pechey (1845 - 1908), one of the first female doctors in the United Kingdom and a campaigner for women's rights. She established a dispensary for women & children in Mill Street, Holbeck, and also helped to establish a trained nurses institute. She worked in India, supporting women in medicine and campaigning for social reform. She campaigned throughout her life for women’s rights and represented Leeds suffragists at an International Women's Suffrage Alliance.

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Dr. Fiona Peckham, General Practitioner, trained in London and moved to Leeds in the 1990's. She is dedicated to her patients at Burton Croft Surgery in Headingley. Areas of special interest include Child health, Pregnancy care and women’s health, including the menopause.

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June Perkin is founder of The Growing Zone project, a community allotment garden project in Kippax, West Yorkshire for adults and children with and without special needs. Growing Zone has been going since 2007 and is maintained and worked by all our visiting friends. The Growing Zone provides placements for young people with challenges to learn various new skills in their own time and have fun. These placements are supported by kind local businesses and corporates. It works alongside schools, colleges and other community groups. Growing Zone also offers Woodwork, IT, Admin, Crafts Photography, etc. Growing Zone does anything, and the team love socialising and always have a party lined up, which is very important to all of them. Growing Zone is always open to visitors and can be used by anyone at any time. Growing Zone youngsters present their new skills to many other groups and schools, to show what can be achieved with a little determination. They call themselves the YES team. It donates everything it grows on their several plots to the community (fruit, veg, flowers) and grow plants for other groups to sell and raise funds to help their projects. We grow everything at Growing Zone, but mainly WE GROW PEOPLE.

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Gilda Peterson campaigns on healthcare issues and is secretary of the campaign group Keep Our NHS Public, which was set up to oppose the White Paper "Equity and excellence: Liberating the NHS" and the increased privatisation of the NHS in general. Gilda campaigns for a publicly funded and publicly provided NHS as well as the reform of social care.

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Dame Linda Pollard DBE DL Hon LLD. Chair of Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust from 2013. Instrumental in the commitment to building a new hospital for the people of Leeds and in improving the services provided by the NHS in the city.

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Griselda Pollock (born 1949) is a feminist art historian and cultural analyst of international, postcolonial feminist studies in the visual arts and visual culture. She is Professor of Social and Critical Histories of Art at the University of Leeds.

Photograph courtesy of Griselda Pollock

This resource is licensed under Creative Commons BY-SA 4.0

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Mags Portman was an HIV consultant in Leeds who transformed how HIV treatment worked in the UK, challenging the medical profession to change its rules on how to treat people and securing increased access to preventative HIV PrEP drugs. Her contribution saved many lives. 

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Denise Preston, former Chief Recreation Officer, Leeds City Council. Denise spearheaded many new ideas for the benefit of primarily residents but also for improving visitor attractions for everyone to enjoy. She was known in civic life for achievements such as bringing Leeds Festival to the city. Denise died in 2010 after a long battle with cancer.

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Julia Preston, CEO of GIPSIL, a community benefit company with charitable status that works with children, young people and families to provide housing, wellbeing and support services in the most disadvantaged communities in Leeds. She has led the organisation to adapt and meet the changing needs and the growing demands of GIPSIL services including those GIPSIL subcontracts to other partners through times of austerity and the pandemic, consistently putting the needs of service users at the heart of strategies.

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Professor Susan Price CBE was previously Vice Chancellor of Leeds Beckett University. She is also a member of several policy groups on behalf of universities across the UK and the Higher Education Funding Council for England. Susan was awarded a CBE for her Services to Higher Education in 2016.

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Jennifer Pugh is a multi-instrumentalist performer, songwriter, producer and music educator. Jennifer performs under the stage name Astraluna and is a founding member of Sisterhood Music Collective as well as social media ambassador for The F-List. Jennifer co-manages a community music venue in Otley called Woolpack Studios, where she facilities music workshops and classes for all ages and abilities, and also helps to organise Otley Live - an annual music festival which champions original grassroots music. Jennifer is an Otley Ambassador and founder of Otley Ukulele Orchestra and Roundhay Ukulele Group.

Photograph by Rebecca Hull

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Saliha Rashid, Women’s Aid Ambassador and survivor, campaining and advocating for survivors of honour-based abuse, including it's recognition in the Domestic Abuse Bill.

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Nahid is serving the Bangladeshi and other communities as CEO of Shantona Women and Family Services since 1998. Prior to Shantona she worked in London and Bradford at various capacities and challenged prejudice, inequality, and negative image of women and girls. The organisation today is trusted by the community, external partners and is highly regarded across Leeds as a specialist organisation for culturally sensitive support to diverse communities. Nahid has developed a pledge for Leeds and surrounding areas, “I Say No To Islamophobia” and published the book “Islamophobia, The Untold Story”  in 2019. In 2007, Nahid was the UK coordinator for trans-national project, “Genderwise”. Asian Standard listed her among the “most influential South Asian Women in Leeds” in 2021, 2022 and 2023. She obtained her MBA from Leeds Beckett in 2007 and received Honorary Doctor of the Leeds Beckett University in 2017.

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Barbara Ratcliffe (1927 - 2003) One of the few lady publicans working with Joshua Tetley & Son Ltd. Barbara forged her way in a male dominated environment in the 1950's and managed several pubs in the city including, The Woodman (Melbourne Pubs) in Kirkstall, and Tetley’s flagship pub, The Ancestor (on Armley Ridge Road, Leeds) from 1960. That was a brand new pub Tetley's built and it was named after the original Joshua Tetley's father. Barbara left Tetley’s in 1971 to run an off licence in Headingley. Returning to work again in the pub trade in 1982 and retired in 1997 at the age of 70. The pub trade was in her blood with three generations of her family in the trade. She was always very proud of her achievements.

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Linda was not a famous lady but all those who she worked with and met were touched by her ability to listen, advise and empathise. She was always the one to cheer people up no matter what the circumstances were and had the great gift of easy conversation. Linda was exceptionally hard working, holding down four jobs when her children were young to make ends meet and her attitude to work was outstanding, this lives on through her children and grandchildren. Her last job was as a Health Care Assistant where she touched the lives of staff and patients alike. Unfortunately Linda passed away far too soon in 2017, she still had much to give and this was reflected by how many came to pay their respects at her funeral. A light went out on this earth and a star was born above us.

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Sue Reddington MBE is the Director of Meanwood Valley Urban Farm. Meanwood Valley Urban Farm contributes to services including environmental education, playschemes, ReConnect programmes, development programmes for people with disabilities, allotments for locals, leisure resource for visitors and conference facilities for meetings and community groups.

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Kirsty Redhead, Creative Projects Producer for Yorkshire Dance, has dedicated her professional life to dance production and community engagement with boundless passion for people and for the artform. People, young and old, are always at the centre of her approach to creative projects, of which she has produced hundreds, from Hollbeck to Hull, from Chapel Town to South Korea. Her creative energy and humour and deep care for participants and artist shine through and make the difference. Kirsty is the beating heart of any team of creatives and a deeply caring, generous and creative person.  

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Rachel Reeves (born 1979) is Labour MP for Leeds West and Chancellor of the Exchequer. Rachel Reeves was elected Member of Parliament for Leeds West in May 2010. Previously, she worked as an economist at the Bank of England, the British Embassy in Washington DC and latterly at Halifax Bank of Scotland. Between 2010-2015, Rachel served on the opposition frontbench as Shadow Pensions Minister, Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury and Shadow Secretary of State for Work and Pensions. Following the 2015 general election, Rachel joined the Treasury Select Committee and in July 2017 was elected Chair of the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Select Committee.

Photograph by Lauren Hurley

This resource is licensed under OGL 3

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Patricia Ann Regan (1954-2008) Anti-gun activist and campaigner. She joined Mothers Against Violence after the murder of her son in 2002. During her time with the group, she visited schools and gave talks about the dangers and consequences of getting involved in crime and carrying weapons. She was a high-profile campaigner and with met government officials to discuss how to tackle the problems of guns and gang-related crime.

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Megan Reid started the Recovery Shoebox Project to support people battling mental illness. Developed from her own experiences, each shoebox contains personalised sensory, and self-care items to support people through their distress.

Megan advocated for people to send a green heart to friends or family if they needed support. (And she always liked to end things with) it's ok not to be ok but please talk .

Megan lost her battle to mental health in 2019 aged 26. Her friends and family continue her work in her legacy.

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Rachael came out to her family as gay when she was in her early 20's. She grew up in Middleton, and learned to play drums at school. She has played in over 20 bands in Leeds over the years, putting on gigs as a DIY promoter in  a very male dominated world.  She started a knitting group called Knit a Bear Face in the early 2000's, and created an art collective; The Museum of Lies. She put on 13 gigs in 2015 and appeared in 13 pop up bands over the course of that year. She inspires and connects people across the music community and beyond.  Everyone who knows Rachael, or Mildred as she was often known, knows what a special soul she is.

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Hannah Robertshaw is Creative Director at Yorkshire Dance, a Leeds-based charity which champions the value of dance and its development in Yorkshire. She is a Trustee of The Writing Squad, an organisation which supports talented young writers across the North of England. Hannah trained as a dancer and has an unwavering commitment to widening access for people of all ages and backgrounds to engage in dance. She has a strong commitment to equity and inclusion and is highly skilled in co-design with communities, with an emphasis on intergenerational practice and supporting those who face barriers to accessing dance. Hannah is a passionate, smart, visionary, generous leader, friend, mum and artist – thanks to her so many people have encountered dance in magical, life affirming ways.

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Gertie Roche (1912-1997) campaigner for equal pay for women. Gertie was leader of the ‘rag trade wildcats' and was instrumental in the Leeds clothing workers strike of 1970, which mobilised a workforce of over 30,000, primarily whom were women, and brought them out to march on the streets of Leeds. This unprecedented action by women workers changed the way the trade-union was organised.

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Beatrice Rogers is a patient campaigner for the NHS, working tirelessly for better healthcare, social care and local facilities.

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Bethany is an incredible performance artist based in Leeds that travels the country to share her own experiences of mental health and the struggles she has had to overcome in her life. Beth inspires others and gives people a voice that have been silenced before. Bethany is truly an inspiration to women around Yorkshire who know her and have seen her perform live before.

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Vibi Rothnie is the Manager of the RNIB (Royal National Institute of Blind People) Transcription Service working with Leeds Disability Services, University of Leeds. The RNIB Transcription Service Leeds works with the University to provide transcription of academic material. Without this vital work many students would be unable to further their education and reach their potential. A professional dedicated to ensuring her students have the tools to succeed.

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Penelope Rowe, Director of Penny’s Community Arts (CIC). Penny has worked with schools and community arts for the past six years, which aims to assist the community in recognising and reconnecting people with art.

Photograph by Josh Hall

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Amanda Royle-Evatt is a nursery nurse on the Neonatal Unit, Outreach at St. James's Hospital, working to care for young babies with complex needs alongside all the staff in the neonatal unit.

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Patricia Ruanne (born 1945), Ballet dancer, teacher and director. Trained at the Royal Ballet School before joining the Royal Ballet where she rose to become Principal Dancer.  She was ballet mistress at London Festival Ballet and Paris Opera Ballet. She was the acting director at La Scala from 1999 to 2000.

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Sue Rumbold joined the Board of Trustees for Martin House in 2015, a hospice care for children and young people. She is also the Chief Office of Partnerships and Health at Leeds City Council, leading multiple teams that support the delivery of challenging front line children’s services.

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Co-founder and CEO of Support After Rape and Sexual Violence Leeds (SARSVL). Katie is an intersectional feminist activist who’s worked and volunteered in the Rape Crisis movement since 2004, including a number of years as national spokesperson for Rape Crisis England & Wales. She’s a Trustee of PAFRAS (Positive Action for Refugees & Asylum Seekers), a writer, former member of Leeds Arts Centre (LAC) and previous Women’s Officer at Leeds University Union (2003-04).

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Margaret Susan Cheshire, Baroness Ryder of Warsaw, Lady Cheshire, CMG, OBE, née Ryder (1924 - 2000). Volunteer with Special Operations Executive in the Second World War. Led many charitable organisations including Sue Ryder, which supports people with complex needs and life-threatening illnesses across the UK and internationally.

Photograph courtesy of Leeds Civic Trust

This resource is licensed under Creative Commons BY-SA 4.0

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Julz Sale, singer and guitarist of the Leeds punk band Delta 5. The band combined feminist politics with a two-bass funk-punk sound, they released their debut single "Mind Your Own Business" in 1979.

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Kathryn Sargent, Saville Row's first female master tailor. She started her career at Gieves & Hawkes in 1996 as an apprentice and rose to the esteemed position of Head Cutter, the first woman in the history of Savile Row to do so. She founded my own tailoring house, Kathryn Sargent Bespoke in 2012.

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Diane Saunders (1947-2020) was an independent financial adviser who helped hundreds of people to buy their first homes and changed their lives.  Passionate about politics and her community, she was one of the first organisers of the Women of Achievement lunches, raising funds for Wheatfields Hospice. She co-authored 'From The Leylands to Leeds 17' (2014) with Philippa Lester, which tells the story of the Jewish community in Leeds from the late 1800s to the present day. They then went on to launch the first Leeds Jewish Literary Festival – ‘Milim - Words for All’ in 2016. https://milim.org.uk

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Natasha Sayce-Zelem is a global technology leader working for companies such as Amazon, BBC and Sky. She is also the founder of the Leeds based STEM network ‘Empowering Women with Tech’ which works to elevate, educate and empower women into digital, tech and science careers. Natasha has won numerous awards acknowledging her contributions to innovation and technology.

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Emily Scarratt (born 1990) is an English rugby union player. She studied at Leeds Metropolitan University and first played for England in 2008, scoring 12 tries in 12 games. In 2014, Scarratt scored 16 points in the Rugby World Cup final to help England beat Canada to the title. She currently plays centre and fullback for Loughborough Lightning and for England and is a qualified teacher.

Photograph by Pierre-Yves Beaudouin

This resource is licensed under Creative Commons BY-SA 4.0

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Ellen Scroop has worked for over 20 years supporting community health in Leeds. She has made her mark on the city through pioneering work with the Probation Service and NHS, playing a key role in revitalising a struggling system of support for those with complex needs. Underpinning these successes is Ellen’s compassion, empathy and modesty, and a passion for achieving just and healthy communities. Ellen is an inspirational leader, advocate, friend and mother, a true unsung hero who is rarely in the spotlight despite her unwavering commitment to improving mental health across the city.

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Andrea Selkirk works as a Sessional Youth Worker at Cardigan Centre, which facilitates social welfare, recreation, education and economic regeneration.

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Nadine Senior MBE (1939 - 2016). Founding Principal of the Northern School of Contemporary Dance. Previously taught at Harehills Middle School and worked with many pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Photograph courtesy of Phoenix Dance Theatre

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Educated at the Universities of Oxford, York and Leeds, Ingrid Sharp has been teaching and researching at the University of Leeds for over 35 years. She is Professor of German Cultural and Gender History, working on histories of feminist and anti-war protest and activism in Germany and internationally. She has held a number of academic leadership roles, including Director of Postgraduate Research Studies and Chair of Women+ in German Studies. In her research and teaching, she has centred the perspectives and experiences of marginalised and overlooked identities and has supported research at undergraduate as well as postgraduate level in these areas. She has been actively involved in several international networks, and has shared her work in books, talks, radio programmes, podcasts and films. Her latest project looks at women’s resistance to fascism in the 1920s and 30s.

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Jen Sharp is the Founder & Director Stitch-Up CIC. Stitch-Up is a non-for profit, community craft school specialising in textiles and focused on the power of craft to bring people together and help improve mental health and wellbeing.

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Mary Sheard (1946-2015), founder and director of GIPSIL, a registered charity that works with children, young people and families to provide housing and support in the most disadvantaged communities in Leeds. GIPSIL was formed in 1992 as 'Gipton Supported Independent Living’ by members of the local community who were concerned about the number of young people sofa-surfing on the estate. Mary was also a founding member of Leeds Irish Health and Homes in 1996, a response to the mental health and housing needs of the Irish community in Leeds. She served as chair for 18 years and instilled the "care, culture, community" ethos that still thrives today.

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Nicola Sheehan is a respected psychotherapist and counsellor, who has for over 15 years devoted herself to  helping people overcome issues surrounding their mental health and wellbeing. This has been done through her role as a Counsellor and Welfare Officer at Leeds Arts University. In Leeds, Nicola has also supported ex-offenders, people with substance misuse issues and advocates for those who live with mental distress, trauma and disability.

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Sally Sheppard was born in Worthing in 1957 and moved to Leeds in 1987. She was a Family Centre Manager at St. George's Crypt for a decade from the late 1980's, where she established a safe space and support for homeless families and victims of domestic abuse across Leeds. Sally also contributed towards developing the 'Community Christmas' in Wetherby for anyone who found themselves alone or in need at this time of year, providing food, quizzes, songs and presents on Christmas Day. She is a much loved and devoted Mum, Grandmother and Great Grandmother.

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Florence Shufflebottom (1931-2014) was a Leeds born sharpshooter and performer often known as the British Annie Oakley. She was known for her impressive shooting accuracy which included tricks such as shooting a pipe from her partner's mouth while bending backwards over a chair.

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Penny Siller is a retired primary school teacher who, while living in London after getting married, took in homeless ex Borstal boys. She had qualified as a teacher aged 21 and moved to Leeds in 1973 where she brought up her own children while fostering many others from North Yorkshire and Leeds. Later she taught English to refugees in the One Community Centre for many years. After retiring from Ebor Gardens Primary School she became a Governor at Moortown Primary School, and helped in the Reception class. She also volunteered for 20 years as a leader in Rainbows and Brownies retiring aged 77. Penny is a much loved and inspirational wife, Mum and Nana.Penny Siller is a retired primary school teacher who, while living in London after getting married, took in homeless ex Borstal boys. She had qualified as a teacher aged 21 and moved to Leeds in 1973 where she brought up her own children while fostering many others from North Yorkshire and Leeds. Later she taught English to refugees in the One Community Centre for many years. After retiring from Ebor Gardens Primary School she became a Governor at Moortown Primary School, and helped in the Reception class. She also volunteered for 20 years as a leader in Rainbows and Brownies retiring aged 77. Penny is a much loved and inspirational wife, Mum and Nana.

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Elaine Silson, Headteacher at Allerton High School, Leeds since 2006. Has worked tirelessly and dedicated her life to the education of children. The school was recently awarded 'Outstanding' by Ofsted.

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Esther Simpson OBE (1906-1993), appointed assistant Secretary for the Academic Assistance Council (AAC) in 1933, helping academics fleeing from the Nazi regime. She worked tirelessly throughout her life to establish work and connection for refugees in need. Through her work she helped save many hundreds of lives, including 16 Nobel Prize Laureates, 80 fellows of the Royal Society, and 34 fellows of the British Academy, among others.

Photograph courtesy of Leeds Civic Trust

This resource is licensed under Creative Commons BY-SA 4.0

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Helen Skelton (born 1983), television presenter and actor. Best known for presenting Blue Peter, Countryfile and BBC Olympic coverage. Well-known for taking on extreme challenges and encouraging young people to take part in physical outdoor activity.

Photograph by Ruth Crafer

This resource is licensed under Creative Commons BY-SA 3.0

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Laura Slater is a textile and print designer, she runs her own textile print business, and creates her own beautiful work using screen printing methods. She  has worked with IKEA, John Lewis, Heals, Tate, IntoArt and the Arts Council.  Also a creative educator, Laura offers workshops and mentoring and is a Lecturer at Leeds Arts University for BA (Hons) Textile Design.

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Andrea Smart has worked ‘behind the scenes’ in the local arts sector for nearly 30 years, most recently as Administrative Director with Yorkshire Dance. Andrea has since moved to work with a national mental health charity, is a Director of HEART (Headingley Enterprise and Arts Centre) and continues to volunteer locally. Both at work and through volunteering Andrea is fiercely committed to social justice and to improving equality and inclusion. Ferociously competent, tenacious and caring, she is the very best co-pilot ever, the one that makes everything work.

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Christine Smart is currently the Community Development Manager for Cottingley Community Project (Centre) and an advocate for disabilities and autism support.

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Emma Smith is Professor of Shakespeare Studies at the University of Oxford, and a Fellow of Hertford College. She has published and lectured widely on Shakespeare and on other early modern dramatists, and worked with numerous theatre companies. She was educated at Abbey Grange school in Leeds.

Photograph by Sam Hardwick

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Dr Rommi Smith is an award-winning poet, playwright, theatre-maker, librettist, broadcaster and literary scholar. Her academic research centres on jazz and blues and civil rights. Rommi is the inaugural Parliamentary Writer in Residence and a three-time BBC Writer in Residence. A mental health activist for over twenty years, Rommi has worked, specifically, as a writer in perinatal mental health services in Leeds for the last ten years. 

Photograph by Lizzie Coombes

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Amy Smith is a primary school teacher and volunteer befriender for SANDS (Stillbirth and neonatal death charity), supporting and fundraising for parents effected by the death of a baby.

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Betty Smithson, a nurse who practiced from 1946 and 1990, tutor and previously a volunteer at the Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust and HealthWatch, a charity which promotes evidence-based medicine. She was the recipient of the Kate Granger Award in 2017.

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Tamsin Spain co-founder of Skippko Arts Team, an arts charity based in Holbeck, Leeds. The organisation was formed in 1988 by Tamsin Spain and Emily Harvey. They devised and delivered creative arts projects with a wide range of community groups, using visual arts and movement to help people build confidence, express ideas and share experiences. Skippko is still based in Leeds, and the team of artists continues to develop creative projects with communities across the North of England, inspiring many thousands of participants.

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Sheelagh Spinks co-founded a baby & toddler group called Teddy Praise in Chapel Allerton which has been running for over 27 years and she is still helping at the age of 88. Sheelagh Spinks has overcome many hardships over the years. She was evacuated from London as a child to Cheltenham. She also lived in Kenya for over 8 years and even stayed there after her first marriage broke down. She then met her 2nd husband in Kenya and moved back to the UK. She was a lay-reader at St Matthew's church, Chapel Allerton for 25 years. She was a dinner lady in the playground for St Matthew's School for over 10 years and everywhere she goes you constantly hear ""Sheelagh!"" with grown adults still remembering her. She used to do the coastal weather on BBC Radio Leeds in the 1970's & 80's as well as working for the RAC.

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Ann Marie Spry has 38 years of experience in further education in Leeds and West Yorkshire and over 30 years in leadership roles. Her current remit at Luminate Education Group covers adult education and science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM). She is a fierce advocate for adult learning, inclusion and social mobility having years of experience of working with disadvantaged young people and adults.

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Linda Stansbie was the teacher in charge at Leeds Industrial Museum at Armley Mills for nearly twenty years. Her inspirational Victorian and WW2 role play sessions were enjoyed by thousands of Leeds schoolchildren. Linda sadly died in 2020 but there will be many with thrilling memories of their time in the schoolroom thanks to Linda’s professionalism and enthusiasm for authenticity.

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Marion Stein, Countess of Harewood, CBE (1926-2014). Austrian-born British concert pianist and co-founder, with Fanny Waterman, of Leeds International Piano Competition.

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Avril Stephenson, inspirational nurse and colleague. Nurse at St James’ Hospital NHS Trust working in consultant led breast clinics.

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Emily Stevenson founded Tales of a City Tours, working with people with a refugee background to run cultural walking tours around Leeds. The guided tours showed the city from a completely different perspective, sharing what is like to be a refugee in the UK and a newcomer in Leeds, and telling fascinating stories about cultures and countries from around the world. She also volunteers as a boxing coach in Leeds and is passionate about helping more women and girls to access the sport.

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Amelia Stewart (c.1880-1916) Munitions worker, killed by the explosion at the Barnbow munitions factory in the first world war.

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Dr Clair Stockton is a clinical psychologist and mother to Charlotte who nominated her for this project. She was a volunteer counsellor for ChildLine and completed a skydive to raise funds for the charity. She now works supporting staff in the NHS to enable them to continue their amazing work.

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Janet Stoney has made an inspiring contribution to the community in Wetherby. Janet has used her enthusiasm and love of music to bring together different groups within the community, to the delight and enjoyment of young and old. She was a founder member of the Musical Theatre Group which has run for over 40 years and is still an active member. She leads a U3A Singing For Fun Group. Her hard work and dedication is respected and loved by many in Wetherby, she is a truly inspirational role model. Janet has also taught piano for over 50 years.

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Dame Sarah Joanne Storey, DBE is a British Paralympic cyclist and former swimmer. She is a multiple gold medal winner at the Paralympic Games in both sports, and six times British national track champion. Her total of fourteen gold medals made her the most successful female British Paralympian of all time. She studied at Leeds Beckett University from 1997 to 2000.

Photograph by CS-wolves

This resource is licensed under Creative Commons BY-NC 4.0

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Margaret Storm Jameson (1891 - 1986) known as Storm Jameson, was a journalist and author best known for her novels and reviews. Storm studied English Literature at the University of Leeds and graduated in 1912 with a First Class degree. She was a socialist and an active member of the National Union of Women's Suffrage Societies and in 1913 she joined The Women's Pilgrimage.

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Marilyn Stowe, English family lawyer. Marilyn led the Law society’s Family Law Panel as its first Chief Assessor and Chief Examiner for six years from 1998. In 2007 and 2012 she was appointed to legal advisory groups working with the Law Commission. Stowe uncovered previously undisclosed medical evidence which proved critical in securing the release from prison of fellow solicitor Sally Clark, who had been jailed for life in 2001 following the sudden deaths of her two infant sons. The case led to revisions in civil and criminal procedure, an investigation into medical experts and the acquittal of several other women who had been imprisoned in similar circumstances.

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Antonia Stowe, sculptor and founder member of Leeds Sculpture Workshop. Antonia has worked on a number of significant commissions and design teams in Leeds and UK including award winning design for Chelsea Flower Show now integrated into Millennium Square. Creator of The Leeds Owl Trail and Owl in Trinity Leeds along with commissioning all artwork in and around Trinity Leeds.

Ribbon Number: 6.03

Tina Suryavansi joined Homeless Hampers in 2016, a charity that provides essentials to the homeless community in Leeds, Bradford and Wakefield, this year Homeless Hampers was awarded the Kings Award for charitable services equivalent to an MBE. She is also an Organ Donor Ambassador, works in the communal kitchen at her local Sikh temple and works full-time at Leeds General Infirmary and St James's Hospital, Leeds.

Ribbon Number: 6.01

Michelle Sutcliffe (born 1967) is a female boxer from Leeds who made history by becoming Leeds first professional boxer under the British Boxong Board of Control to become World Boxing Federation champion on 27 February 2000. She has worked to increase the popularity of women’s boxing in Europe. She retired as a 3 times World professional boxing champion in 2003 and now runs Tigers Gym in Leeds.

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Belinda Swift is music teacher and a community volunteer in Thorner in Leeds. Her work includes running the local Thorner Youth Club and leading walking groups. She is a much respected member of the community.

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May Sybil Leslie (1887 – 1937) pioneering chemist who worked with Marie Curie and Ernest Rutherford and was a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry from 1920 until her death.

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Shona Tatarek-Gintowt was a nurse for over 30 years at Leeds General Infirmary, Cookridge IDA, Chapel Allerton hospital and a medical centre. Now retired, she uses her time to volunteer in the local community while living with Type 1 Diabetes. She works at her church food pantry and is a member of a knitting and crocheting group who create projects to donate to those in need or sell to raise funds for charity.

Ribbon Number: 6.09

Councillor Eileen Taylor, Lord Mayor of Leeds 2019-2021. She is the first black Lord Mayor of the City of Leeds. Councillor Taylor studied at Park Lane College and then began working for the NHS in the Learning Disability and Mental Health department from the age of 19 retiring in 2012. She became a ward councillor in 2008 and has served as a board member on several Committees including Environmental and Highway, Transport Authority, Health and well-being and Children and Families.

Ribbon Number: 6.07

Barbara Taylor Bradford OBE was born and raised in England. She left school at 15 for the typing pool at the Yorkshire Evening Post. At 16, she became a reporter on the paper and, at 18, its first Woman’s Editor. Aged 20, she moved to London and became a columnist and editor on Fleet Street. Barbara now lives in New York. She was married to her beloved husband, television and film producer Robert Bradford, for 55 years until he died in 2019.
Barbara has had 40 books published, all worldwide bestsellers. Her most recent, The Wonder of It All, was published in the UK and Commonwealth by HarperCollins (November 2023), and in the US by St Martin’s Press (December 2023). A Woman of Substance is ranked in the top ten bestselling works of fiction of all time with more than 30 million copies sold.

Ribbon Number: 6.07

Kully Thiarai, leading theatre practitioner. Kully was Artistic Director from 1994-98 of the Red Ladder Theatre Company in Leeds and has since worked at the Contact Theatre and Leicester Haymarket Theatre. From 2016-19 she was Director of The National Theatre Wales. She is Creative Director and CEO of LEEDS 2023 tasked to deliver a landmark year of culture in 2023.

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Barbara Tobias, an adored mother and well-loved and respected dinner lady at her local school. Barbara contributed to many charitable causes throughout her life, and spent her retirement volunteering with the British Heart Foundation.

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Suzanne Tobin is a breastfeeding support worker who has supported thousands of women and families in Leeds to continue to breastfeed through adversity, trauma, serious illness and perinatal mental health issues.

Photograph by Josh Hall

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Jane Tomlinson CBE (1964 - 2007) was an amateur English athlete who raised £1.85 million for charity by completing a series of athletic challenges, despite suffering from terminal cancer.

Ribbon Number: 4.02

Emma Tregidden is the co-founder of Space2, an award-winning arts and social change charity, based in inner East Leeds, working alongside fellow co-founder Dawn Fuller for over 20 years. Space2 focuses on arts and health inequalities and the social impact of creative practice, co-producing programmes of work with its local communities. Emma is a dynamic creative producer and has produced countless imaginative programmes and projects with the people and artists of Leeds the most visible of which performed on the main stage at Leeds Playhouse and the torch bearing ceremony of the Olympic Games in Leeds. Emma continues to collaborate with artists and communities nationally through her new venture Emma and Dawn Collaborations, also co-founded with Dawn Fuller.

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Emily has been a paramedic in Leeds for 12 years and has worked tirelessly caring for people in Leeds.

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Gemma Turner, disability advocate and content creator, speaker & consultant at gemturner.com. Gemma won the Diversity in Media Awards' "Blogger of the Year" 2017. She is a University of Leeds New Media graduate and former Equality and Diversity Officer at The Leeds University Union.

Ribbon Number: 6.08

Rachael Unsworth is an urban geographer with experience of both commercial and academic research. Publications include a co-edited book ‘21st century Leeds: geographies of a regional city’ (2004), a co–authored guidebook to Leeds city centre (2008), a chapter on Leeds for a book assessing the urban renaissance in the main cities of the UK (2010) and a collaborative book ‘Leeds: Cradle of Innovation’ (2018). In 2019 she became a tour guide under the name Leeds City Walking Tours. She’s long been involved in groups and initiatives to address the shaping of the city into the future.

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Mikkell Urban Artist is an artist and founder of Dynamite Project. A project which empowers the talents of disadvantaged, dancers, musicians, artists, bringing them together to make films and performance.

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Kam Urwin delivers inclusive mentoring to support organisations to attract, develop and retain a diverse workforce. Yorkshire and Humberside chair of WISH (Women In Social Housing), a networking and support group for women working in the affordable housing Sector. Passionate advocate for women's rights and diversity and equality in the workplace.

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Virginia Urwin is a very caring and supportive woman, making a difference to the lives of her family, friends and community. She volunteers at charity shops, babysits children, and is a convenor for her local U3A group.

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Ella Usher BSc, Contracts Manager at Mel Green Construction, she is one of a growing number of women making a successful career within the construction industry, managing various high value projects such as Playhouse Gardens.

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Jude is a photojournalist. Her work in Leeds comprises of the famous Love of Leeds book where she documented the city in 2019. A selection of those images are now in Leeds Train Station. A project called 19cms which documented 12 Leeds people through the pandemic. Jude was also the official behind the scenes photographer for the Grand Depart Tour De France in 2014. 
“Leeds is a city of bright stars, from communities, charities, organisations and individuals, my job has been to pull them all together into a constellation that shines as a collective and documents the cities life with powerful visual storytelling”
www.loveofleeds.co.uk

www.thisisjude.uk

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Judith Walker was born in Leeds 1955, where she began her art education at the then Jacob Kramer College. She went on to study at Central St Martins in London, New Mexico State University, USA and Birkbeck College, London. She has an art practice in London that has spanned four decades. It has incorporated fine art and cartoons. As a cartoonist her work has been published regularly in national newspapers and magazines, including publications as diverse as The Sun and New Humanist magazine. Walker’s fine art has always placed a strong emphasis on the use of colour, whilst also enjoying the tactile qualities of painting, drawing and printing materials to produce abstracted forms. She sometimes uses text to provide glimpses of internal emotions. Her work has been widely exhibited in the UK and abroad. She has done public works of art notably for Southbank University and Peckham Library, with her work included in public and private collections. Her most recent work has concentrated on health issues after doing a residency at UCL hospital London. Another residency was for ‘no barking aRt’ during the COVID19 pandemic. Walker reached out to people during lockdown by posting monoprints daily on Instagram. Her recent work has explored the human gut, including her installation Gutted! for a disused prison cell at the Kopple Station Project. As a part of her practice, she has facilitated workshops with patients with gut disorders and medical professionals to explore their lived experiences.

Photograph by Tom Carter

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Natalie Walker is a midwife for the Teenage Pregnancy Team in Leeds Maternity Care. A compassionate and dedicated midwife who has made a positive contribution towards improving the care of teenage mothers.

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Jenny Wallwork is a successful international badminton player who holds a number of international accolades. Her charity the Jenny Wallwork Foundation aims to raise awareness and support people suffering from mental illnesses such as eating disorders, depression, anxiety, disorders and addictive behaviours. She works for The Dame Kelly Holmes Trust and The Youth Sport Trust as an Athlete Mentor.

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Stacey Walton worked at Leeds City Council for 16 years, and worked on many city projects including the Leeds Playhouse renovation.

Photograph by Josh Hall

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Jenny Ward, co-founder of Mimika Theatre, a company dedicated to education entertainment for children. Working with non-verbal performance to promote the power of visual image and to strengthen communication.

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Dame Fanny Waterman DBE (1920 - 2020). Founder of Leeds International Piano Competition.

Photograph courtesy of Leeds international Piano Competition

This resource is licensed under Creative Commons BY 2.0

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One of the founders of East Street Arts, a Leeds based arts charity that has supported artists to develop their practice, locally, nationally and internationally for the last 25 years.

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Dr. Sharon Watson MBE, DL, is a trailblazing figure in the world of contemporary dance, celebrated for her exceptional contributions as CEO and Principal of the Northern School of Contemporary Dance. With a career spanning over three decades, Sharon's journey is marked by remarkable achievements, innovative choreography, and steadfast advocacy for diversity and inclusion within the arts. Sharon was the longest-standing Artistic Director of Phoenix Dance Theatre and was awarded an Honorary Doctorate by Leeds Beckett University for her contribution to the arts in 2019. She has been honoured with prestigious awards, including the Sue Ryder 'Yorkshire Women of Achievement in Business Award', the title of 'Yorkshire Woman of the Year' in 2016, was appointed a Deputy Lieutenant of West Yorkshire in November 2020, and was recognised with an MBE in the Queen's New Year's Honours list in 2021.

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Maggie Watson MBE trained to be a nurse at Leeds General Infirmary. She then worked at St Thomas' Hospital in London and John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford. Maggie Watson was awarded her MBE for her services to nursing in 1989/90.

Ribbon Number: 5.01

Valerie Weekes, primary school teacher. She has been in teaching for over 30 years and is a well-loved member of the school family.

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Laura Wellington is a versatile creative spirit with a polymathic approach to business and creation in Leeds. An optimistic rebel, positive disruptor, doer, and curious observer of the world (and the people who reside in it); she is a firm believer in #Peoplepower. Her passion and expertise span the spectrum of creative expression, from founding Duke Studios, Sheaf St, Duke Makes, and Testbed, to In Good Company and Leeds Indie. Laura's work also crosses into the public realm, orchestrating large-scale events with far-reaching campaigns. She seamlessly weaves together communities and fosters idea creation. Committed to promoting local talent, independent businesses and community engagement, Wellington's work revitalizes neglected areas and fosters cultural enrichment. Her contributions have made Leeds a dynamic hub for creativity and public art.

Ribbon Number: 3.04

Hilary started running when she was 52 and has run London Marathon 14 times. In 2010, she became the first woman to complete the full Bradford Millennium Way in one day. In 2019, she completed 10 consecutive marathons in 10 days at the Scorcher Running Festival, becoming the oldest person to do this at 78 (ratified by the Guinness Book of World Records). Hilary completed her 200th marathon in 2024, aged 82, and will now stick to shorter distances!

Ribbon Number: 6.06

Lucy Wheeler, Operations Leader for The Conservation Volunteers based at Skelton Grange Environment Centre. The organisation supports volunteers in conservation and education and provides a safe an exciting green space for children and adults to learn in nature. Volunteers her free time as a school governor.

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Lisa White is an Advanced Prostate Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialist at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust. She has helped look after and support hundreds of men and their families affected by this disease.

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Janice Wild, Dance teacher. Janice’s dance school staged annual shows with all profits going to support Wheatfield's Hospice. In 2013 she celebrated her fiftieth year as Principle of a dance school and was awarded the Yorkshire Woman of Achievement in Education.

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Michelle Wilks worked at Leeds Mencap for 40 years from the age of 18, until the residential home closed in October 2019. Michelle dedicated her time to support the residents and encouraged independence and for them to be active members in their local community.

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Rebekah Wilson, Deputy Head Teacher. Founded Zarach, a charity delivering beds and basic provisions to children living in poverty to help them to succeed at school.

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Val Winder, a volunteer breastfeeding Counsellor for 33 years. She was involved in the Leeds City of Sanctuary, an organisation that is part of a national movement to build a culture of welcome for people seeking sanctuary in the UK. Val was also shortlisted for the Yorkshire Women of Achievement Awards in 2016.

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Tracy’s passion for dance flourished at Bretton Hall College, Leeds University, where she earned her degree in Dance. In 2000, Tracy joined Phoenix Dance Theatre in Leeds. She played a vital role in their team, teaching at all educational levels and rising to Interim General Manager. Tracy thrived under the artistic direction of Thea Nerissa Barnes, Darshan Singh Bhuller, and Javier De Frutos, gaining invaluable insights and experience. Tracy later became Head of Learning & Participation at the Northern School of Contemporary Dance (NSCD). Tracy’s efforts expand NSCD's reach and create new opportunities for engagement with dance. Beyond her formal roles, Tracy is an active advocate for dance, supporting community and pre-vocational programmes. Her work ensures that dance education remains inclusive and accessible to people from all backgrounds. Tracy's career reflects her dedication to advancing dance education and community engagement. Tracy has left a lasting impact on the dance community, championing inclusivity and excellence in every endeavour.

Photograph by EllyWell Photography

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Simone Wonnacott is the Vice Chancellor of Leeds Arts University and has championed the arts for women across the city.

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Joanna Wood, studied at Leeds Arts University and started her jewellery business whilst working in a full-time job. Aims to produce everything as sustainably, using as many recycled materials as possible.

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Doreen Wood an active volunteer for many organisations. Doreen volunteers at Leeds Civic Trust weekly and is also the Vice President (former Chair) of Meanwood Village Association. She is also one of the founding members of Leeds Movie Makers.

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Maureen Woods (1944 - 2017) was a much loved woman in the Belle Isle area of Leeds. Maureen ran the Sunday School at West Grange Church throughout her life.

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Farhat Yaqoob has been the Muslim Chaplain for the University for over 9 years. She is also one of founders of the ‘Unity Events’ initiative on campus, working closely with colleagues and community champions to positively respond to local and world events that impact us all. Her consistent aim is to unite people around their similarities regardless of culture, religion and interests. This work has gone from strength to strength in the shape of food gatherings, vigils, trolley runs, art installations and renaming November to Lovember to spread more love and kindness.

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Emily is a Reader in Postcolonial Literature at Leeds Beckett University. She is an expert on the trickster figure in the folklore, oral cultures and literature of the African Diaspora and has published widely in these fields, including her books Anansi’s Journey: A Story of Jamaican Cultural Resistance (2012, University of the West Indies Press) and American Trickster: Trauma Tradition and Brer Rabbit (2019, Rowman and Littlefield). Emily is also a poet and her poetry collection, Bath of Herbs, was published by Peepal Tree Press in July 2023. She has established the first international Caribbean Carnival Cultures research platform and network which brings the critical, creative, academic and artistic aspects of carnival into dialogue with one another across the globe. Emily regularly contributes to discussions on race and racial politics in the media and consults arts, historical and educational organisations on decolonial methodologies and approaches and is Co-Chair of the David Oluwale Memorial Association (DOMA), a charity committed to fighting racism, ill mental health and homelessness.

Photograph by Ashley Karrell

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