Who can be nominated
Black women four or more years into their careers.
- SectorsFinance, law, consulting, technology, business and entrepreneurship
- LevelAssociate through to director, partner and founder
- WhereUK-wide
- Who can nominateAnyone, including yourself and your employer
The awards
40 honourees. Nine awards.
Finance Leader of the YearLaw Leader of the YearInnovation & Technology Leader of the YearBrand & Commercial Leader of the YearEnterprise Leader of the YearEmerging Leader of the YearStudents and graduates up to two years after graduatingWCAN Choice AwardFirm of the YearWCAN Partner of the YearCategories are confirmed before nominations open. Every nominee is judged on the same four things, and sponsorship never buys a place.
Achievement
Evidence of excellence and impact in her field.
Trajectory
The scale and direction of her professional progression.
Influence
Her contribution to colleagues, organisations, industries or communities.
Future potential
Evidence that her greatest contribution may still be ahead.
Be first to know
Nominations open in late November.
Tell us how you'd like to be involved and we'll email you the moment nominations open, plus first access to tickets for the awards evening.
Nominations late November to mid-January · The 40 announced late February · Awards evening March, London
You're on the list.
We'll be in touch when nominations open in late November.
2027 partnerships now open
40 women. One room. A much bigger story.
Partner with WCAN40 to build visibility with high-performing professional women, recognise exceptional people inside your organisation and create content for your employer brand. Launch partner commitments close 30 November 2026.