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Gail Whiteman said: Not all princesses make a global contribution. Here’s one that does: In recognition of the extraordinary vision of Princess Irene of the Netherlands for her ground-breaking work on #ecoeducation #sustainability @NatuurCollege #IWD2019 #deeprespect @koninklijkhuis
Nadine Andrews nominated Roanne Dodds: Roanne was unusually skilful at connecting creative ideas and people and making things happen. The energy, positivity and generosity with which she helped me and others realise our ambitions seemed boundless, and always left me feeling in awe. I admired her hugely and continue to be inspired by the way she approached life, and death.
Marta Ferri nominated Antonella Checchi: She taught me how to read and write. She inspired me with her passion and dedication to study and to pursue my interests - since the very beginning.
Victoria Janes-Bassett nominated Jayne Bressington: Jayne is my friend and fellow trustee of the charity GIST Support UK. Jayne founded the PAWS-GIST initiative after her daughter was diagnosed with this rare form of cancer. The work she has done, and continues to do, has made a huge difference for GIST patients.
Desna Mackenzie nominated Alex Ryan: My fierce friend Alex inspires me because she works to make the world a greener and better place, and navigates this with a combination of intellectual rigour, creativity and gut instinct. She keeps those she loves close to her heart, even when wading through life’s treacle.
Ben Neimark nominated Dr. Elinor Ostrom: To date, she remains the only woman to win the Nobel Prize in Economics sharing the award with Oliver Williamson for her pioneering work on governance of common-pool resources.
Alison Stowell nominated Sarah Atkinson: Today I want to celebrate Sarah Atkinson - who is a personal inspiration to me. Why? Because despite the sacrifices she has made in her life she has always found the best in the situation. Sarah takes risks and remains true to herself and beliefs. Her creativity, generosity of spirit and straight talking make her one of the most authentic people I know. Thank-you Sarah and Happy International Women’s Day 2019.
Angela Towers nominated Alexandria Ocasio Cortez: She is using her political position in a strategic and admirable fashion, shifting the Overton window and refocusing the political narratives that are so often detached from the reality of people’s lives, and she’s boldly herself, which as a young, working-class, woman of colour, in the current political realm that is so old, so white, and so male, really is a brave and radical act.
Jeffrey Unerman nominated Professor Jane Broadbent: an inspirational academic leader, who has combined a world-class research career with transformational senior leadership positions in universities and academic associations and committed mentoring
Paul Young said: I choose my wife Joanna Young, whose actions, sense of public service and recent campaigning inspires me to love my local community and make more meaningful contributions to it.
Please read Joanna's powerful open letter about Foodbank use in Morecambe here.
Dmitry Yumashev nominated Susan McCulloch: I am lucky to have worked with several inspirational women in both of my careers. One of them is Susan McCulloch, an accomplished international opera singer and a sought-after voice teacher, who was my private voice tutor for three years. Susan is one of the most intelligent, successful and kind persons I have ever met. This translates into her unique style of teaching, which is based on a complete scientific understanding of the voice mechanics, deep knowledge of the music and performance styles, emotional intelligence, and the ability to communicate all these things effectively to her students. This is why to me Susan stands out both among operatic professionals and people from many other walks of life. She has been one of my biggest influences and inspirations!
Maria Zani nominated her mother: My constant inspiration of true love, soul power, unconditional contribution, hard work and a substantial life: my mother, Froso Hadjivarnava!