Divas of Colour Unveils Finalists for the 2026 International Women’s Awards
LONDON, UK, 16/02/2026 – Divas of Colour is proud to unveil the finalists for the 2026 International Women’s Awards. This year’s shortlist represents a sophisticated cohort of leaders who are redefining excellence across diverse industries and international borders.
The International Women’s Awards serve as a premier global stage, highlighting the significant contributions of women of colour in business, technology, the arts, and social advocacy. Each finalist has been selected for her exceptional ability to lead while maintaining the highest standards of professional integrity.
Chosen for their transformative impact and unwavering commitment to excellence, the 2026 finalists were identified as women who have moved beyond local influence to establish themselves as leaders achieving a true global impact.
“Our 2026 finalists represent the absolute vanguard of professional achievement,” says Faustina Anyanwu, Co-founder and CEO of Divas of Colour. “These are women who have not only broken barriers but have set new benchmarks for what it means to lead with poise and purpose in a modern, interconnected economy.”
The winners of the 2026 International Women’s Awards will be officially announced and crowned during the International Women’s Festival in London on 28 March 2026.
Categories and finalists
Business of the Year
- SandwichGoat.com
- Esque parfum
- Angel Books
Coaching Professional
- Ellen Aubee
- Pamela R Haynes FRSA
Champion Leader
- Esther Musakala Lumbasi
- Precious Kiwiti
- Joella PRIAM
Creative Arts and Cultural Influence
- Anthi giannopoulou
- HRH Princess Eugene Majuru
- Angela Colman
- Empress Shaala
Emerging Leader
- Aileen Florence Akinyi
- Nayantara Srinivasan
Entrepreneurial Leader
- Dr Keba Richmond Green
- Aisha Sadiq
- Adreannia Marie
- Princess Sobrinho
Humanitarian Leader
- Princess Sobrinho
- Esther Musakala Lumbasi
- Dikeledi Motshana
- Tanaka Nasrin Pinki
Influential Leader
- Dikeledi Motshana
- Adeshola Akanji
- Marion Peake
Inspirational Leader
- Thirupurasundari sevvel – winner
- Adeshola Akanji – winner
- Tanaka Nasrin Pinki – winner
- Mufaro Mapanda
International Leader
- Thirupurasundari sevvel
- Vanessa Sanyahokwe
- Tharani Jaiprakash
Legal Practitioner of the Year
- Vanessa Sanyahowe
Media Professional
- Princess Eugene Majuru
- Chiedza Chichi Sabeta
Model of the Year
- Karynn Berisie
- NitaLoveAngel
Ends:
Note to editors
About Divas of Colour: Divas of Colour is a premier global platform committed to the advancement and celebration of women of colour. Through a high-level professional network and international recognition, the organisation ensures the world’s most accomplished women achieve the visibility and respect their contributions merit. Divas of Colour has been championing and empowering women to compete and succeed at the highest levels of international leadership since 2014.
Contact us: For press accreditation, interview requests with the finalists, or further information regarding the gala, please contact – events@divasofcolour.com