Digital Women Awards 2025 Winner: Liyana Shirin

Introducing Digital Women Award 2025 Winner

Liyana Shirin: Role Model (Community Vanguard) of the Year 2025

Our Role Model (Community Vanguard) Award recognised individuals who are leading positive change within their communities. The finalists go beyond personal success – they uplift others, champion inclusivity, and use their platforms to build connection, belonging, and impact. We are pleased to share our winner, Liyana Shirin.

Tell us a bit about yourself.

I’m a communications professional with experience across finance and technology sectors, where I’ve helped global organisations connect strategy to purpose. I currently work as Group Communications Manager at Brambles, shaping communications that drive transformation and cultural alignment.

I also serve on the Future Leaders Shadow Board of Women in Banking and Finance-UK, where I focus on advancing social mobility and early-career inclusion. What drives me most is seeing communications act as a bridge, turning complex change into something people can understand, believe in and be part of.

What does winning this award mean to you?

Winning the Role Model (Community Vanguard) of the Year award feels deeply meaningful. Much of my work has centred on creating visibility and opportunity for others, particularly those who might not see themselves represented in leadership. This recognition celebrates the power of community-led change. It’s a reminder that representation, when paired with action, can genuinely shift cultures and open doors.

What career achievement are you most proud of? 

I have always been proud of helping shape initiatives that give underrepresented voices a platform. At Women in Banking and Finance-UK, I recently led the expansion of memberships in a pilot programme to include apprentices (a first for the organisation) so that young professionals could access mentorship and networks early in their careers. It was a project that took close to a year of consultation, data analysis and strategy alignment, but seeing it go live and knowing it can change someone’s trajectory made it entirely worthwhile.

What impact have you seen from your work?

Across my roles, I’ve seen how intentional communication can build trust and momentum. And I have been keen to share those reflections through my mentoring efforts, especially by supporting early-career women who are navigating industries where they’ve often been the “only one in the room.” The most rewarding impact has been watching them step into their own career journeys with confidence and knowing I played a small part in that.

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve had to learn, and how did you grow from it?

That growth often looks like discomfort. Early in my career, I hesitated to take up space, waiting to be “ready.” Over time, I realised readiness comes after you start, not before. Leaning into opportunities before I felt fully prepared taught me adaptability and the incredible power of being resilient.

What’s one thing people might be surprised to learn about you? 

I have a degree in engineering and started my career in finance before pivoting into communications. A combination that always surprises people at networking events!

But that mix has been my biggest strength. It allows me to bridge logic and creativity, making sure the programmes I am building are not only inspiring but also grounded in strategy and data.

What advice would you give to the next wave of Digital Women?

Get involved even before you feel ready. Some of the most transformative moments in my career came from saying “yes” to opportunities that scared me. Find your voice, build your community, and remember: you don’t have to have all the answers to make a difference. Curiosity and courage will take you further than certainty ever could.