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As we wrap up Women’s History Month, we celebrate the bold, the brilliant, and the boundary-breaking women in our community.

So here is Panelle’s 2025 Powerhouse Podium.

We are putting the spotlight on our rising stars and seasoned pros who are rewriting the narrative and paving the way for future generations.

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We’re closing out Women’s History Month on a high note - literally!

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It's all about celebrating the women in our community who are making waves, breaking barriers, and setting the stage for the future.

And what better way to honour them than with a musical twist? We want to sing all the praises this year!

Here are Panelle's top picks for the 2025 Powerhouse Podium, each themed after legendary song titles that embody the spirit of these incredible women:

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🎶 The ‘Go Your Own Way’ Gal

For the trailblazer forging her own path, fearlessly redefining the rules.

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Claire Hennah

Claire is the definition of going your own way. After 20+ years leading global brands and driving digital transformation, most recently as Beauty and Wellbeing Chief Customer Officer at Unilever, she stepped away from the corporate world to focus on taking control of her own path and doing what she really loves. She opened up on our Panelle Talks podcast about the toll of juggling a big career and her health, and now she’s teaching yoga to children, inspiring a whole new generation. We love her honesty, her purpose, and the boldness it took to choose a new path. Claire, thank you for sharing your story and showing us what true leadership looks like!

Amaia Lester

Amaia is all about redefining how we work, making collaboration smarter, more human, and better for everyone. After 20+ years in tech, including leading as Chief Cloud Product Manager at Vodafone, she took a leap and founded her own business to help people thrive at work. She’s now helping teams build real connection and engagement, blending productivity with well-being. Amaia also gifted a free workshop to our 'Galentines Giveaway' winner (legend!) supporting our community the way she’s supported her own growth. She’s a trailblazer with heart, and we’re so here for it.

Marie-Gisela Hogan-Smith

Marie-Gisela is a powerhouse when it comes to building teams that actually work together, with purpose, and with heart. After senior roles in the finance world, notably at Lloyds and RBS, she went her own way founding PeopleCentric-Solutions, helping businesses create cultures where people and performance thrive side by side. Marie-Gisela even ran our first-ever LinkedIn Live workshop on Teamship (iconic), generously sharing her magic with our community. Marie-Gisela, you inspire us to lead with intention, and we’re so grateful!

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🌅 The 'Early Bird'

Honouring a woman who’s ahead of the curve, always one step ahead in her field.

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Sheá Panayi

Sheá is one to watch, and already making serious waves. As Principal of Cybersecurity Risk at Marks & Spencer, she’s leading the charge on new cyber processes during a huge time of tech transformation. Before that, she was shaping cyber strategies at Zurich and Haleon, helping teams stay ahead of the curve.

She’s smart, proactive, and always thinking a few steps ahead, which is exactly why she’s earned her spot as one of our Early Birds. She’s also shared her insights at Panelle roundtables, generously lifting up others along the way. The future is bright, and Sheá’s already there!

Kimran Dhaliwal

Kimran is making bold moves in the world of cyber and public service. Leading the Cyber Portfolio at the UK Cabinet Office, she’s driving real impact, strengthening national security with forward-thinking strategies and sharp leadership. From her work on major government programmes like Synergy at DEFRA to her rapid rise in the field, she’s a true force. She brought that same energy to our Panelle x Wiz SecuriTea event, sharing powerful insights on what’s really needed in cybersecurity today. Kimran’s already shaping the future and we’re here for it!

Hannah Hawken

Hannah’s career is moving at lightning speed, and she’s taking the cyber world with her. With a background in coding, SEO, and web development, she’s now a Senior Cyber Security Specialist and Channel Solutions Architect for EMEA at Wiz, after a standout stint at Darktrace. Fluent in multiple languages and full of entrepreneurial energy, we think Hannah brings a unique edge to everything she does. She’s shown up for the Panelle community time and time again, sharing advice and support at our roundtables and lifting up fellow women in cyber. She’s ahead of the game, and we’re so excited to celebrate her.

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🌍 'Run the World'

Recognising a global leader making an impact across borders.

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Lisa Lutoff Perlo

From making history as the first woman President & CEO of Celebrity Cruises to redefining what leadership looks like in the travel industry, Lisa has been making waves (literally and figuratively) for over 40 years. Now Chairwoman of the Board at Hornblower Group, a bestselling author, and a speaker, Lisa continues to break boundaries; whether it’s serving on major boards or shaping the future as part of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Miami Host Committee! She joined us on the Panelle Talks podcast (episode dropping next week!) and shared her wisdom with heart and humour, so watch out for that! Lisa’s impact spans oceans, and we’re so inspired by her fearless leadership.

Anshu Sharma Raja

Anshu is the kind of leader who makes you rethink what it means to build a career, not just do a job. With 25+ years of experience across the Middle East, Asia-Pacific, and North America, she’s led transformative tech and operations work in banking, telecom, and beyond. As Chief Transformation Technology Operations Officer at Standard Chartered for the Middle East & Pakistan, she’s driving change across 30+ markets, and doing it with purpose. She joined us on the Panelle Talks podcast to share her story (a must-listen!) and has brought her insight and authenticity to our roundtables too. Anshu is truly shaping the future of global tech leadership and we are totally inspired by her!

Claire Maydew

Claire is leading the charge for inclusion on a global scale. As Group Head of Inclusion at Bupa, and formerly at Marks & Spencer, she’s been driving real change, creating cultures where everyone feels they belong and can thrive. Her impact goes far beyond policies; it’s about people, purpose, and making workplaces truly inclusive around the world. She joined us on the Panelle Talks podcast to talk all things global inclusion, and her insight was everything. Claire, thank you for showing us how to run the world, with heart, equity, and intention.

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👐 'Stand By Me'  

Celebrating a woman dedicated to lifting others as she rises.

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Marine Ruhamanya

Marine is a true force in cybersecurity, protecting the systems that keep our world running, with 15+ years of experience across both IT and Operational Tech. From strategy to hands-on implementation, she does it all.

But what really sets Marine apart is her dedication to lifting others up and supporting the Panelle community too. She’s a mentor, a role model, and a powerful advocate for bringing more diverse voices into the field. She’s spoken at OneTechWorld, won the Most Inspiring Women in Cyber award, and shared her wisdom at multiple Panelle roundtables and our SecuriTea event in London. Marine, your leadership keeps us safe, and seen!

Bonnie Sparkman

Bonnie is a true Panelle favourite, after a beautiful year of partnership. With Fortinet, she’s led the charge on countless Panelle roundtables, creating space for real conversations about women in cybersecurity.

Her energy, empathy, and team-first mindset set her apart. She’s not just driving pipeline, she’s building communities, sparking collaboration, and showing that marketing done with integrity wins. Bonnie, thank you for leading with purpose and reminding us that connection is the real superpower.

Tiffany Benitez

Tiffany is building more than data systems, she’s building community. As Head of Data Governance at Compass Group USA and founder of Women+ in Technology of Northwest Arkansas, she’s creating space for women in tech to connect, grow, and lead.

Whether it’s mentoring, hosting events, or supporting our junior content writer in her very first WHM interview (we see you, Tiffany!), she leads with generosity and purpose. She’s contributed to Panelle roundtables and continues to inspire us with every step. Tiffany, thank you for lifting as you rise, you’re the kind of leader we all need.

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🏔️ ‘Ain’t No Mountain High Enough’ High Achiever

For the unstoppable force who keeps reaching new heights.

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Ida Tin

Ida literally coined the term Femtech, and that alone makes her iconic. As co-founder and former CEO of Clue, she built one of the world’s most trusted female health apps, with over 10 million users globally. Now, she’s leading the Femtech Assembly think tank, writing a new book, and continuing to shape the future of health and tech. From motorcycle road trips to Silicon Valley stages, Ida’s journey proves there’s no mountain too high. She also shared her incredible story on the Panelle Talks podcast, and we’re so grateful for her time, wisdom, and support!

‍Neha Kovach

Neha is redefining what it means to truly know your customer. As a data-driven marketing exec, she’s led CRM, insights, and CX at top-tier brands like David Yurman, Canada Goose, and CIBC, driving digital transformation and next-level personalization every step of the way. She’s a regular voice on AI, leadership, and experience design, and she’s brought that same brilliance to our Panelle roundtables. Neha keeps climbing, and brings others with her. We’re so inspired by her drive, vision, and generosity.

‍Caroline Garrett

Caroline is a marketing force, full stop. With 20+ years in the IT industry, she’s driven partner marketing, demand gen, and digital strategy at companies like Wiz and now Chainguard, always leading with collaboration and clarity. She played the key role in a year of partnership with Panelle, working with us to produce a number of stand-out roundtable sessions, AND making Panelle’s first-ever physical event in London happen (LOVE). Her ability to guide teams through transformation is nothing short of inspiring. Caroline is the definition of a high achiever, unstoppable, grounded, and always lifting others along the way.

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👑 'R.E.S.P.E.C.T' 

Honouring a powerhouse who has earned recognition, admiration, and influence in her industry.

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Helen Rabe

Helen is a titan in cybersecurity. With leadership roles at the BBC, CBRE, and Abcam, she’s driven multi-million-pound strategies that fuel both protection and progress. Recognized as one of the Top 10 CISOs in EMEA and one of the Most Inspirational Women in Cyber UK, her impact reaches far beyond the boardroom. She supported our first-ever physical Panelle event in London (we were thrilled to have her there!) and is set to join us soon on the Panelle Talks podcast. Helen leads with strength, strategy, and purpose, and continues to open doors for women in tech everywhere!

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It's been an incredible month, and we can’t wait to continue singing our community's praises as we celebrate their achievements throughout the year!

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