Northern Ireland’s largest supplier of natural gas, firmus energy, is proud to support the Inspirational Women of the Year Awards, in partnership with Local Women Magazine.
The Awards which are now open for nominations will recognise and reward Northern Ireland’s inspirational Women. With over 108,000 customers firmus energy knows there are plenty of exceptional women, the awards will shine a light on these stars for the incredible impact they have on others.
Olga Pollock, HR Manager at firmus energy said: “We are delighted to support these awards. They align perfectly with firmus energy’s values and celebrate females who work selflessly for the good of others. We are looking forward to meeting some truly inspiring women and encourage everyone to get nominating.”
To celebrate the launch of the awards, we asked four firmus energy females to name women, past or present who have been inspirational in their lives.
Who is the female who has most positively influenced or shaped you?
Olga – It’s got to be my Mum; she was the humblest and most content person I’ve ever known, always putting others before herself.
Jane - My biggest inspiration is my auntie. From a young age, I watched her work extremely hard before eventually starting her own successful business.
Ciara - For me, it’s my Nanny, she had a successful career but was forced to resign upon marrying in the 1960’s, she responded by starting her own business. She continually pushed for girls to have equal career and education opportunities as their male counterparts and wasn’t afraid to stand up and have uncomfortable conversations. I very proudly recall her challenging my old headmistress on many occasions!
Jemma – My Grandmother. She has been such a positive role model in life, teaching me to be hardworking, driven, kind, and honest from I was no age.
Who do you feel is the most empowering woman in the world today?
Olga - Sheryl Sandberg, the Chief Operating Officer of Facebook, Shes taught women to be fearless: as she puts it, ‘What would you do if you weren’t afraid?’
Jane- Kamala Harris. She became the first woman to be vice president of America. This was an important milestone to demonstrate that in typically male dominated professions women are now recognised as an equal.
Ciara –Coco Chanel and her infamous motto: “The most courageous act is still to think for yourself” it reminds me that it’s ok to be wrong, voice your thought and if it’s wrong it opens doors to learning and conversation.
Jemma – I’m proud to say that it’s impossible to answer, in today’s society there are so many empowering women doing incredible things. Things have changed from when women such as Emmeline Pankhurst had to fight for woman’s right to vote, that said, it’s important to recognise women like Emmeline who were incremental in bringing female voices to the worlds stage.
Do you think that it’s important to recognise local Inspirational women?
Olga – In society today we have to break the traditional boundaries of beauty marking success. Being perfect should relate to personal qualities such as kindness and compassion and demonstrate to our future generation that you don’t have to be a celebrity to be inspiring.
Jane - It’s important for women to feel empowered and rewarded. Women should always feel encouraged for whatever work they do, no matter the profession.
Ciara - I am very excited by the thought of the inspirational women awards as they will give our incredible local women a platform to tell their stories, in their own words.
Jemma – The awards platform gives others the chance to show their gratitude and appreciation to these marvellous women.
To nominate your inspirational women click here
