Celebration of Empowerment: The 2025 Highland Business Women Awards Highlight 30 Years of Support and Growth
Inverness witnessed a remarkable gathering as the 2025 Highland Business Women Awards took center stage, uniting 260 attendees to honor the achievements of female entrepreneurs. This year’s ceremony, sponsored by SJ Highland Construction, marked a significant milestone—the 30th anniversary of Highland Business Women (HBW).
Amidst the celebratory ambiance, founding members of HBW took the spotlight to reminisce about the organization’s inception three decades ago. Betty Lambie, the association’s first president, shared her journey, emphasizing the initial challenges faced and the unwavering commitment of women to uplift one another in their business pursuits.
“My strongest memory from those early days is our shared belief in the importance of our mission,” Lambie stated, echoing a sentiment that resonates deeply: the idea that together, we can overcome obstacles, something that aligns closely with the biblical principle of community support found in Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, which teaches that “two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.”
Helen Carmichael, Inverness’s first female provost and another founding member, highlighted the essence of the organization from its inception: “share, inspire, support.” The spirit of collaboration has fostered friendships that extend beyond business, nurturing a sense of community that reflects Christ’s teachings on love and service.
The evening was not only a celebration; it served a noble cause, raising over £4,150 for RASASH, a charity dedicated to supporting survivors of sexual violence. Such acts of kindness and care mirror the heart of Christian values, reminding us to bear one another’s burdens, as noted in Galatians 6:2: “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
Throughout the awards, individuals and organizations were recognized for their contributions and resilience. Hannah Webster, who won both New Business of the Year and Young Businesswoman of the Year, exemplifies the determination and creativity that characterizes Highland women. The full list of winners reflects a vibrant tapestry of talent and dedication, culminating with Keighly Perry being named Businesswoman of the Year.
As the Shania Twain Experience enthralled the audience, the evening became a celebration of both achievement and community spirit. The stories shared and the victories acknowledged encourage us all to reflect on the power of unity and support in our personal and professional lives.
In closing, let us remember the importance of nurturing one another, just as these remarkable women have done in their journey. Drawing from the wisdom of Philippians 2:4, which encourages us to look not only to our own interests but also to the interests of others, we can aspire to build a community where everyone’s potential is recognized and celebrated.
As you ponder these achievements and the profound community spirit that supports them, consider how you might contribute to uplifting those around you in your own circles. The reflection on HBW’s journey invites us all to be catalysts for change, embodying the principles of kindness, support, and empowerment in our daily lives.
Explore and dig up answers yourself with our BGodInspired App. Be careful – each interaction is like a new treasure hunt… you can get lost for hours 🙂