2026 Finalist – She Leads for Legacy

Building Power, Representation, and the Future of Leadership

What if leadership truly reflected the diversity of the communities it serves? For Sharon Amesu and her daughter Afiya Amesu, that question became the foundation of a powerful movement dedicated to transforming leadership representation across the UK.

Together they co-founded She Leads for Legacy, a Manchester-based social enterprise committed to accelerating the progression of Black female professionals into senior leadership and board-level roles. Built from their own lived experience as Black women working within the corporate sector, the initiative was created to address a stark reality: the persistent underrepresentation of Black women in decision-making spaces across business, public services and civic leadership.

Through its programmes and initiatives, She Leads for Legacy equips Black women with the skills, confidence, and networks needed to succeed, while also engaging allies and organisations in meaningful, lasting change. Its work spans leadership workshops, coaching programmes, and high-impact events, all designed to elevate talent and transform workplace cultures.

At the heart of the organisation’s work is its flagship initiative, the Empowered to Lead Conference, now one of the UK’s largest gatherings dedicated to Black women and allies.

Hosted annually in Manchester, the conference has become a cornerstone of the region’s leadership calendar, bringing together professionals, executives, and changemakers to tackle workplace inequality and accelerate leadership progression. Known for its depth, ambition, and impact, the conference reflects the organisation’s ability to convene powerful conversations and inspire collective action.

Beyond corporate leadership, She Leads for Legacy plays a vital role in civic and social transformation.

The organisation co-developed the Greater Manchester Civic and Social Leadership Programme in partnership with Flourish Together CIC and supported by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority. Now in its third year, the programme has already supported more than 70 leaders from Global Majority backgrounds, unlocking pathways into public life and civic decision-making. Its contribution has been widely described as catalytic, helping to shape a new generation of civic leaders who reflect the diversity, ambition, and talent of Greater Manchester’s communities.

She Leads for Legacy is also recognised for its ability to create spaces where Black women can lead authentically and boldly. Through compelling storytelling, intentional community-building, and a commitment to purpose-led leadership, the organisation continues to inspire both individuals and institutions to think differently about leadership, equity, and impact.

More than a leadership programme, She Leads for Legacy is a movement. It is building legacy, not just leadership, transforming systems, amplifying underrepresented voices, and creating long-term pathways for change.

Through courage, collaboration, and vision, it is ensuring that leadership across Greater Manchester and beyond truly reflects the communities it serves.

What makes She Leads for Legacy particularly unique is the intergenerational partnership at its heart. As a mother-and-daughter team, Sharon and Afiya bring together experience, insight and fresh perspective, demonstrating the power of collaboration across generations.

She Leads for Legacy will be sharing their story at the 34th annual Inspiring Women awards on 15th May 2026 at The Lowry Hotel. More details here.