Mentor of the Year

Mentor of the Year

This category recognises an outstanding mentor to women who takes a proactive approach to support and advise women within an organisation or wider industry.

The contenders

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Jennifer Denton

ZTP

Jennifer is a transformational mentor and coach who champions women’s progression across the energy and sustainability sector. Through her proactive, structured, and deeply personal approach to mentoring, Jen empowers women to build confidence, develop leadership capability, and navigate industry challenges with clarity and resilience. Her guidance has directly supported career advancements, opened access to senior networks, and created meaningful visibility for emerging female talent. Beyond individual mentorship, Jen drives long-lasting organisational change by shaping inclusive development pathways and advocating for women’s representation at every level. Her influence extends industry-wide, making her a powerful catalyst for sustained, practical progress for women.

Jenny Barlow

Gentrack

Jenny Barlow, VP Product, Northern Hemisphere at Gentrack, is a mentor whose impact is measured in the careers she has shaped and the confidence she has built in others. She supports individuals at every stage, from emerging talent to senior peers, helping them navigate complexity and progress in their careers. Over the past year, she has mentored individuals both within Gentrack and externally, including three people on a regular basis, while remaining a trusted source of guidance for countless colleagues. Through her work across communities and organisations, Jenny is actively strengthening a more inclusive and capable generation of product leaders.

Lissah Mahlangu

E.ON UK

Lissah Mahlangu is a Data Governance Lead in Digital Technology who is passionate about developing people and creating opportunities for others to grow. Alongside her role, she has dedicated significant time to mentoring apprentices and early career professionals, helping them build technical capability, confidence, and professional skills. She is known for her supportive and empowering mentoring style, always encouraging others to step outside their comfort zones and recognise their potential. Through coaching, guidance, and creating opportunities for visibility and growth, Lissah has made a lasting impact on the individuals she mentors and the wider organisation.

Natasha May

npower Business Solutions powered by E.ON

Natasha May delivers mentoring that achieves real results. By combining practical CV support, mock interviews and confidence‑building, she helps women overcome imposter syndrome and succeed in competitive recruitment processes. Her mentoring has directly enabled multiple promotions and career transitions. Beyond one‑to‑one support, Natasha champions inclusive leadership, flexible working and community‑based mentoring, ensuring her impact is sustained and scalable. She exemplifies mentoring that not only develops individuals but transforms opportunity.

Richa Sharma

Cognizant

Over the past year, I had the privilege of leading a mentorship program that has touched and transformed the lives of over 100 women across United Kingdom within Cognizant Consulting. What began as an idea rooted in giving back has grown into a powerful, human network of support, trust and growth. This program didn’t just help women navigate their careers - it gave them confidence, belonging and a voice. Seeing these women grow, take bold steps and uplift others in turn has been deeply meaningful. This is more than a program, it is a movement!

Samantha Barratt

Barhale

Samantha Barratt is helping shape the next generation of women in the utilities sector. As Business Development and Communications Director at Barhale, she combines a senior leadership role with a hands-on approach to mentoring. Her mentees benefit from her support as both a trusted confidant and professional guide, progressing into new roles and broadening their experience across the industry. Samantha champions mentoring across the wider sector through her work with representative bodies, encouraging greater participation and supporting early-career voices. She supports STEM initiatives to inspire future talent. Her work is making a lasting difference within Barhale and across utilities.

Sophie Stephens

OCU Group

Sophie Stephens, Group Sustainability Director at OCU Group, is a passionate mentor and advocate for women in the utilities and infrastructure sectors. With over 24 years’ industry experience, she leads by example—nurturing talent, delivering tailored mentoring, and championing women’s progression at all career stages. Sophie is great supporter of women in early career recruitment and induction, promotes STEM opportunities for women, and fosters inclusive environments through practical coaching and regular one-to-one support. Her impact extends beyond her role at OCU Group, as she continues to support women’s communities and inspire long-lasting change within male-dominated industries.

Yasmin Gray

Centrica

Yasmin Gray is a transformative mentor whose quiet confidence and genuine care have helped women across Electrical Services unlock their full potential. Her most impactful journey has been with Faye Lakey, an engineer who despite setbacks, rebuilt her confidence, developed new leadership skills, and ultimately secured a CDM role under Yasmin’s guidance. Yasmin combines practical development, real‑world exposure, and mindset coaching to help others grow. Beyond one‑to‑one mentoring, she supports women entering engineering, leads national conversations that create safer, more inclusive cultures, and inspires future talent through school outreach. Yasmin doesn’t just mentor careers, she mentors future leaders.