WINNER: KATRINA
MORLEY OBE
2025
INSPIRING OTHERS AWARD
WINNER: KATRINA
MORLEY OBE
( TEES VALLEY EDUCATION)
Sponsored & shortlisted by PD Ports
The Inspiring Others award-winner at the Tees Businesswomen Awards is urging everyone to join the 1 % Club to help our children thrive.
When asked how businesses can improve our children’ s prospects, Tees Valley Education CEO Katrina Morley said everyone can play their part by doing just a percentage point extra.
She told Tees Business:“ We all need to do that one per cent more.
“ We all need to be able to show the pathways of opportunity for all our young people – the pathways of accessibility and dignity. Our bairns don’ t lack aspiration. What they lack is an equity of opportunity to access them.”
Katrina began her career as a chemical engineer before becoming a teacher and progressing into senior leadership roles due to her unwavering commitment to educational equity and inclusion.
She has served as a headteacher and executive head across primary and special education settings, gaining a reputation for driving improvement in complex contexts.
And underpinning her career has been a deep belief in the potential of every child, regardless of their background – a mantra she wants others to share.
Asked what drives her on, she said:“ The bairns – they’ re in my DNA. It’ s a privilege to share in the lives of our children and young people and to serve them. There are superstars in all of them.
“ Pay it forward, give everybody that chance and make sure you’ re being really conscious of how you can support others to be the best versions of themselves.”
And referencing legendary figures such as the late Professor Jane Turner, who inspired the Power of Women charity, and PoW founding director Caroline Theobald, the former PoW director said it was an honour to“ give a voice to something they started”.
She added:“ I’ m utterly stunned to win, but this is about how all of us can come together to make the world a better place for our young people.”
Winner – Tees Valley Education CEO Katrina Morley OBE, left, with Michelle Robson, chief people and compliance officer at sponsor PD Ports.
FINALIST: FINALIST:
Kay Coleman
( Swanson Buck)
Kay can call on more than 30 years of diverse experience to help businesses and charities flourish through funding and growth specialist Swanson Buck. A successful entrepreneur who this year earned the High Sheriff of Durham award, her qualities are characterised by modesty, commitment to empowering others, loyalty and a quiet but effective leadership style.
FINALIST: FINALIST:
Nicky Jolley
( HR2Day)
Nicky uses her role at the HR firm she founded 15 years ago to champion community causes. Her leadership blends professionalism with compassion – organising charity balls, supporting good causes and empowering her team to support local charities. She also fosters a culture of kindness, inclusion and purpose.
A WORD FROM THE SPONSOR
Jessica Gwaringa
( Moonrise 24hr Recruitment)
Jessica’ s hands-on experience drives her values-led leadership of a firm she founded and that now employs 239 people. A champion of inclusion and fairness, she inspires by sharing her journey as a woman of colour in business, mentoring others and creating accessible training routes for those facing barriers – driven by empathy, resilience and strategic vision.
Dr Rachel Taylor
( SABIC UK Petrochemicals)
Leading improvements across global chemical sites from her Teesside base, Rachel is a passionate STEM ambassador who, by using humour and authenticity when sharing her story, shows that leadership doesn’ t have to be loud or traditional. She leads by example and is an inspiring presence in engineering.
Michelle Robson, chief people and compliance officer, PD Ports: Reading the nominations was inspiring – they spoke of courage, compassion and a commitment to making our region stronger and fairer, and Teesside is built on that spirit. We’ re a community that rolls up our sleeves, look after each other and get things done. These finalists are living proof of that – you’ re shaping a future that’ s inclusive and full of opportunity and you truly embody what it means to inspire others.
The voice of business in the Tees region | 133