Leadership and management development
The West Country Women Awards (WCWA) is a purpose-led Community Interest Company whose mission is to celebrate and elevate women all across the West Country.
Founded to recognise excellence, leadership and impact, WCWA has grown into a year-round programme of awards, training, networking, fundraising and partnership activity, supporting women not only across business, STEM, health, education, community leadership, public service, arts and culture, but including categories such as 'The Phoenix Award' and 'Best Supporting Act', making sure that these awards are not just about business, but about everybody's business.
At the heart of WCWA is its flagship annual awards programme, which shines a spotlight on women’s achievement and contribution across the region. In 2025 alone, WCWA received more than 2,000 nominations, reflecting both the scale of women’s stories all across the South West and the strength of the WCWA network. Winners and finalists gain regional and national visibility, with many going on to act as Ambassadors, mentors and role models within their sectors.
WCWA is supported by a strong and active Ambassador network, with Ambassadors representing the organisation across the West Country. Ambassadors are drawn from sponsors, previous winners and senior women leaders, and play a vital role in advocacy, outreach, mentoring and connection. Somerset Ambassadors include Trish Caller and Ewelina Romanowska, helping to champion WCWA’s mission locally and regionally.
Beyond recognition, WCWA places strong emphasis on practical support and development. The organisation delivers a growing programme of empowerment and skills training, supporting women with confidence-building, public speaking training, leadership, visibility and progression. To date, hundreds of women have benefited from WCWA training and development opportunities, alongside informal learning through networking, peer support and collaboration.
WCWA also works actively in the civic and policy space, liaising with Members of Parliament and public bodies to ensure women’s voices, expertise and lived experience are heard. As part of this work, WCWA winners are invited to Westminster, creating opportunities to engage directly with MPs and decision-makers, raise awareness of key issues affecting women, and celebrate regional excellence at a national level.
Fundraising and social impact sit alongside celebration. WCWA organises events and initiatives that raise funds for charities and community organisations, while also creating inclusive, welcoming spaces for connection. These range from formal milestone events, including semi-finalist and finalist announcements, to networking sessions, training days and community-focused activities such as WCWA’s annual Sports Day.
WCWA’s annual Semi-Finalists Announcement is held at the prestigious Somerset County Cricket Club in Taunton, with the venue acting as sponsor for the event. This celebration brings together nominees, sponsors, partners and civic leaders, and is a key moment in the WCWA calendar, recognising excellence and building regional momentum.
Collaboration and partnership are central to WCWA’s approach. The organisation works closely with sponsors, businesses, professional services firms, venues, media partners, charities, other networks and public-sector organisations to create shared value. These partnerships help amplify women’s stories, support organisational objectives around inclusion and leadership, and strengthen the wider regional ecosystem.
Through storytelling, recognition, advocacy and practical support, WCWA is committed to building a supportive, collaborative community that not only celebrates women’s success, but actively helps remove barriers to opportunity and progression. Its work benefits women, businesses and communities across the West Country and continues to grow in reach, impact and ambition.