We’re thrilled to announce our incredible judges for the Global Leadership Awards 2026!
We are delighted to welcome Renee Sterling, CPA as a Judge for the Global Queens Leadership Awards 2026!
Renee is an Executive Director at Wells Fargo, where she leads international data and regulatory strategy across EMEA, alongside a distinguished career in financial services spanning regulatory reporting, risk, and capital governance.
Beyond her professional achievements, Renee is deeply passionate about mental health, diversity, equity, and inclusion. She actively shares her thoughts through her blog, www.reneeasterling.com, and co-hosts the impactful podcast Race2Rise. In 2023 and 2024, Renee was recognized on the Empower Role Model Future Leader List, championing trailblazers across industries who are driving positive change for people of colour in business. She was also shortlisted for the 2024 Women in Banking and Finance – UK Inclusive Leader Award.
In addition to her professional and advocacy work, Renee is the Co-Chair of The Arts Facet and a charter member of the London (UK) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, and is also a member of the Royal Pearl Society. We are incredibly excited to have Renee on board as part of our judging panel and look forward to her invaluable insights in recognizing the outstanding talent and achievements of the Global Queens Community.
We are honoured to welcome Monica Collings OBE as a Judge for the Global Queens Leadership Awards 2026.
Monica is a nationally recognised Board Chair, Non-Executive Director, and former Energy Retail Chief Executive, with a distinguished record of leading organisations through transformation, growth, and complex governance environments.
A passionate advocate for gender equity and the net zero transition, Monica serves as Chair of POWERful Women and is a former UN Women UK Delegate, championing inclusive leadership at the highest levels of business and public life.
Her commitment to purpose-led leadership and building resilient, future-focused organisations embodies the spirit of the Global Queens Community.
We are proud to welcome Monica to our judging panel as we honour leaders shaping a more equitable and sustainable future.
We are proud to welcome Justice Williams MBE as a Judge for the Global Queens Leadership Awards 2026.
Justice is a personal brand strategist, speaker, and founder of the Brand Authority Academy, with a decade-long career supporting leaders, founders, and organisations to transform lived experience and expertise into credible authority, influence, and opportunity.
Having delivered 400+ talks, workshops, and keynotes, and recognised for her contribution to leadership and social impact, Justice brings a sharp, values-led perspective on what it truly means to lead with visibility, purpose, and integrity.
Her insight will play an important role in recognising the individuals and organisations shaping meaningful change across business, leadership, and community impact.
We look forward to welcoming her to the panel as we prepare to celebrate excellence in April 2026.
We are delighted to welcome Vince Pizzoni as a Judge for the Global Queens Leadership Awards 2026.
Vince is a Professor of Chemical & Environmental Engineering at the University of Nottingham and a globally respected advocate for mentorship, equity, and inclusive leadership. With over four decades of executive, board, and academic experience, Vince has supported and sponsored thousands of individuals across education, industry, and leadership pathways.
His commitment to empowering future leaders and championing diversity across STEM, business, and energy reflects the values at the heart of the
Global Queens Community.
We are honoured to have Vince join our judging panel as we celebrate leadership, innovation, and meaningful community impact.
We are delighted to welcome Elinor Doubell as a Judge for the Global Queens Leadership Awards 2026.
Elinor is a ScaleUp Director at Innovate UK and a technology and digital innovation leader, recognised for pioneering data-driven and emerging technology solutions that support the transition to low-carbon energy and sustainable growth.
With a career spanning global innovation, digital transformation, and not-for-profit board leadership, Elinor is deeply committed to empowering diverse teams and expanding access to technology as a force for positive change.
Her vision for innovation with purpose strongly reflects the values of the Global Queens Community.
We are honoured to have Elinor join our judging panel as we celebrate leadership at the intersection of impact, inclusion, and innovation.
We are proud to welcome Abena Akuffo-Kelly FRSA to the Judging Panel for the Global Queens Leadership Awards 2026.
A speaker, coach, educator, and Mayor of Folkestone (2024/25), Abena brings a values-led approach to leadership rooted in equity, intersectionality, and community impact. Her work across education, technology, and public service reflects a deep commitment to empowering individuals to lead with clarity, confidence, and purpose.
We are honoured to have her insight and lived leadership shaping this year’s Awards
We are honoured to welcome Che Wheatley as a Judge for the Global Queens Leadership Awards 2026.
As Head of Marketing, Partner Events at the Financial Times, Che leads the strategy behind some of the world’s most influential global platforms — including the World Economic Forum, G20Summit, Cannes Lions, and the Business Book of the Year Awards — creating spaces where leadership, ideas, and global impact converge.
Beyond global events and brand leadership, Che is Co-Chair of FT Embrace, the Financial Times’ employee resource group, where she plays a central role in advancing inclusion, talent development, and organisational culture across the business.
With a career spanning elite sport, global media, and international forums, Che brings a powerful perspective on leadership, storytelling, and influence at scale.
We are proud to announce Dr. Charlene Makita as a Judge for the Global Queens Leadership Awards 2026.
Dr. Charlene Makita is a PhD chemist, founder of Natural Aura, and a globally recognised advocate for clean beauty justice. Her work bridges rigorous scientific research, cultural identity, and legislative advocacy—challenging harmful beauty standards while advancing health, equity, and systemic change.
From contributing to landmark campaigns addressing hair discrimination, to speaking on global platforms including the United Nations, Dr. Charlene Makita brings a rare combination of scientific excellence, courage, and social impact.
We are honoured to welcome her expertise, insight, and fearless leadership to our judging panel as we celebrate leaders shaping a more inclusive and equitable future.