Meet the six women named as finalists for Northampton's Inspirational Woman award

All of the women were nominated for making a difference in their community
Teresa McCarthy-Dixon is one of the women nominated for the award.Teresa McCarthy-Dixon is one of the women nominated for the award.
Teresa McCarthy-Dixon is one of the women nominated for the award.

Six women have been named as the finalists for Northampton's Inspirational Woman award.

The award aims to recognise the women who have gone above and beyond, have made a difference to their community and have been a role model for others.

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Councillor Anna King, Cabinet member for community engagement and safety, said: “The judging panel were really humbled by the hard work and achievements of local women, which were highlighted in over 120 nominations we received.

“We now look forward to announcing the winners of the Inspirational Woman Award at the upcoming International Women’s Day event.

"Coronavirus has meant this years’ awards will be virtual, but we’re looking forward to delivering a worthy celebration of the many women who are committed to making our communities a better place."

The finalists are:

Dolores Sanders described as a true inspiration for women in manufacturing, actively promoting STEM learning environments and regularly sharing advice and guidance with others in the industry.

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Before the lockdown, as part of Founders for Schools, Dolores was going into schools to share her journey in innovation, along with what is available and possible when you follow your passion and dreams.

Angela Ghavami an inspiration and motivator to her staff at the Breakfast Club which operates for Wootton Primary School.

Angela volunteers for the Hope Centre and during the first lockdown was active with scrubs up for the NHS, she has since become very active in sewing for carers and end of life patients.

Kirstie Pope a volunteer, an active Young Carer Champion and one of the faces for Northamptonshire Young Carers Service’s My Mental Health campaign.

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As well as this Kirstie is the Disabled Students Officer at the University of Northampton, advocating and campaigning on behalf of students with disabilities.

Having dealt with extremely challenging events in her own life, Kirstie is passionate about providing support to other young people who face challenging circumstances and determined to make a difference to the community around her.

Teresa McCarthy- Dixon has worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic to make sure vulnerable members of the community are looked after by turning her pub into a food bank. When restrictions allowed, Teresa ran a Monday club for elders within the community to combat loneliness and isolation as well as setting up the McCarthy-Dixon Foundation helping schools with food donations she also turned her pub into a shop zero type larder.

Emma Lynham a Trustee and Treasurer for Project 16:15 which is a charity supporting rough sleepers in Northampton.

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Despite the challenges presented by the pandemic, Emma was always there to support those in the most unfortunate of situations as a friend and lifeline.

Maureen Cook for over 50 years has traversed the town to bring kindness where there was none by helping and improving the lives of Northampton's most unfortunate animals though the Save the Strays initiative.

Maureen's 'feed - neuter - return' programme has had a profound effect on Northampton's cats, and humans, resulting in small colonies of strays that are controlled, and naturally, reduce over time.

The Inspirational Woman Award will be presented at the International Women’s Day event live-streamed on Northampton Borough Council’s YouTube channel on March 6 from 11am.

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