What began as a personal journey to gain greater visibility has evolved into a thriving platform dedicated to celebrating and recognising women in business.
The Elevate You Awards, founded by learning and development consultant Louise Wheeler, will return in 2026 following a highly successful inaugural event that attracted more than 60 applications and welcomed over 100 guests.
The awards were inspired by an experience that took Louise far outside her comfort zone. In 2024, after self-nominating and being shortlisted as a finalist in the Women Who Awards in the Midlands, she attended the event hoping to increase her visibility and expand her professional network.
What she experienced left a lasting impression.
“I remember sitting in a room filled with incredible women in business and the energy was unbelievable,” said Louise.
“There were women from every industry, supporting each other, celebrating each other and genuinely wanting one another to succeed. It was inspiring.I found myself thinking, I wish I could bottle this feeling and bring it back home.”
That moment became the catalyst for what would eventually become the Elevate You Awards. Created as more than just an awards programme, the initiative was designed to provide a space where women in business from start-up founders and solopreneurs to senior leaders and corporate professionals could be seen, heard, supported and celebrated on the Isle of Man.
The inaugural Elevate You Awards attracted more than 60 applications from women across a range of industries and culminated in an event attended by over 100 guests.
“The feedback was overwhelming. Women told me they felt recognised, valued and inspired. Businesses told me it opened important conversations around talent, leadership and investment in women.”
The impact of the inaugural awards continues to be felt beyond the event itself, with a 2025 winner returning in 2026 as a member of the judging panel.
Reflecting on her journey, she said: “My Elevate You journey has come full circle, from applicant to winner and now a judge. The experience showed me the power of recognising your own achievements, and I’m delighted to help celebrate other women on their journeys this year.”
Applications are open now and close at midnight on Friday 17 July. Finalists will be notified via email on Friday 7 August. The awards event will take place on 17 September.
Louise hopes the awards will continue to inspire more women to step forward, share their achievements and recognise the value they bring to their industries and communities.
