With hundreds of attendees from various industries, the evening highlighted the impact of women who continue to drive innovation, inclusivity, and success in the business world.

A key moment of the night was the presentation of the 'Advancing Diversity in the Workplace' award, proudly sponsored by Queen’s Business School (QBS). This prestigious accolade acknowledges individuals and organisations making significant strides in nurturing diverse and inclusive workplaces. This year’s award was presented to Cara Marks from Hays plc, in recognition of her outstanding leadership and dedication to advancing diversity within her company and beyond.

Queen’s Business School remains at the forefront of diversity and inclusion initiatives. The institution holds a Bronze Athena SWAN Charter Mark, underscoring its commitment to eliminating gender bias and promoting an inclusive environment for both staff and students. Recent research conducted by QBS academics further explores the benefits of diversity in the workplace, demonstrating its positive impact on business performance, employee satisfaction, and overall innovation.

Danielle McConville, Head of the Department of Accounting at QBS, had the honour of presenting the award to Cara Marks, emphasising the importance of embedding inclusive practices into business strategies. Danielle added, “It was a real pleasure to present this award to a worthy winner, we all applaud the great work Cara is undertaking and wish her all the best for the future.”

The Women in Business NI Awards 2025 serve as a powerful reminder of the invaluable contributions of women across all sectors. By recognising trailblazers like Cara Marks and championing workplace diversity, the event reaffirmed Northern Ireland’s commitment to promoting a more equitable and dynamic business landscape for the future. Queen’s Business School serving business and society.