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Eleven of Barnet’s most inspiring women and girls have been recognised in a new council-backed awards programme for their outstanding contribution and accomplishments in the fields of business, sport, environment and community and culture.
The InspirationALL Awards were presented to the winners and runners-up at a packed ceremony held at Hendon Town Hall on Thursday 6 March 2025.
Launched this earlier last year on International Women’s Day (8 March), hundreds of borough residents and community groups nominated women and girls in five awards categories: Community and Culture; Business and Construction; Sport and Wellbeing; Environment and Sustainability; and Inspiring Young Woman.
You can read more about the winners in each category below:
Winner - Business and Construction Kerlyn Adarmes Founder of Impact Store
Kerlyn runs the Impact Store, a zero-waste shop in Finchley Central, Barnet. Kerlyn has worked hard to keep the Impact Store going throughout the pandemic and beyond.
Kerlyn’s mission is to make it more convenient for everyone to consume less, waste less and throw away less, so everything in the Impact Store comes in minimal or reusable packaging. The products she stocks are all sustainably and ethically sourced, grown or locally made when possible, made from natural ingredients, free from harmful chemicals and have a low carbon footprint.
Kerlyn provides a vital service to the community and a unique proposition on the high street, and is famously welcoming and friendly to all her customers. She’s a powerful force for reducing waste in the borough and leads by example.
Kerlyn actively supports community events within the borough and is frequently seen managing a stall at environmentally themed gatherings. Most recently, Kerlyn showcased the process of creating natural cleaning products to an engaged audience.
Highly Commended - Business and Construction Nicole Morley Co-Founder and Director of The Big Time Group
Nicole has built two very successful businesses in Barnet from scratch. Nicole employs local people and serves hundreds of children and families with her Performing Arts Academy and day Nursery called ‘Big Time Academy' and 'Big Time Pre-Prep'.
Nicole serves as an inspiration to women and girls through her exemplary leadership and adaptability. As a persistent innovator, she has consistently exceeded expectations in her efforts to support her local community, creating employment opportunities and services for families and youth throughout the borough. Nicole stands as a leader and advocate for female entrepreneurship. Her guiding principle is to uplift others, acting as a mentor and an outstanding role model.
The Big Time Group serves more than 400 students each week and offers support to children with special educational needs (SEN). Its nursery has welcomed a significant number of SEN children, thereby providing essential funded placements for their parents.
Winner - Environment and Sustainability Frances Buckingham Co-Founder of Mums for Lungs Barnet Group
Frances is a campaigner for Mums for Lungs and is a tireless advocate for clean air in Barnet, and across London. As a mother of two she is keenly aware of the risks air pollution poses to children’s health in our borough. For over six years she has written the Mums for Lungs newsletter going out to over 2000 subscribers.
Last year, Frances worked with campaigners to organise a Clean Air Day celebration bringing together parents and children across Barnet calling for clean air and supporting the extension of the Ultra-low Emission zone across the entire borough. Frances proceeded to set up the Barnet branch of Mums for Lungs, a group of local parents who are continuing to campaign for cleaner air in Barnet.
Frances displays dedication and commitment to seeing the children of Barnet grow up happy and healthy, she is an inspiration to us all.
Winner - Environment and Sustainability Naomi Verber Environmental activist and campaigner
Naomi successfully lobbied a large Barnet-based charity, the United Synagogue, to take its environmental impact seriously. In just 18 months in her role of Head of Environmental Policy, she led sustainable changes across the charity.
Naomi has worked with cemetery leaders to reduce the use of weedkiller and to rewild unused land at several of the charity’s 20 cemeteries. Around 15 acres of cemetery land is now being managed to support biodiversity and wildlife. Revitalising the land to thrive once more.
Her reforestation project spurred United Synagogue members to donate £30,000 for the Woodland Trust to plant more than 1,500 trees in Norfolk.
The United Synagogue oversees a total of 100 properties, a significant number of which are located in the Borough of Barnet and exhibit substantial energy consumption. Naomi's efforts have led to the implementation of new energy-efficient boilers, the transition to more sustainable heating and lighting systems, and the upgrade of light fixtures to incorporate LED bulbs.
Naomi conducts all of her work quietly and modestly. Congratulations to Naomi who is a worthy winner this year.
Highly Commended - Environment and Sustainability Rabia Lingemann Founder of The Cricklewood Millennium Green Charity
Rabia has been an advocate for the community green space in Cricklewood, a charitable initiative she helped build and protect for over twenty years. The Cricklewood Millennium Green charity is dedicated to safeguarding the local environment and providing a free green area for all individuals seeking a tranquil setting to unwind, appreciate nature, and escape the daily pressures of urban life.
Rabia has dedicated numerous hours to fundraising, as well as preparing and submitting all necessary charity documentation, including registration and financial records. Additionally, she is happy to get stuck in and has taken the initiative to collect litter and empty the bins situated in the green spaces.
Rabia works with the local volunteers to make the green accessible to the local community throughout the annual weather conditions. Rabia possesses a passion for her commitments to the green and feels honoured to have met so many people from various backgrounds. Rabia is proud to serve her local community.
Winner - Sport and Wellbeing Natalie Reyhanian Advocate for young girls mental health and wellbeing
For years, Natalie has tirelessly served within the realm of vulnerable youth, offering her unwavering support, guidance, and care to those who need it most. Whether it be through providing a listening ear, practical support, or simply being a comforting presence, she has consistently gone above and beyond to ensure that these young girls feel seen, heard, and valued.
Natalies work extends far beyond the confines of a typical role, offering solace in times of crisis, and tirelessly advocating for their rights and well-being. Natalie's commitment to these girls transcends the professional realm; it is fueled by an innate sense of empathy and a genuine desire to make a positive impact on their lives. At the heart of her efforts lies the Jewish girls' charity, Noa, where Natalie has become an integral part of the organization's mission to provide a safe and nurturing environment for young girls facing adversity.
Natalie approaches her work with boundless energy, empathy and understanding. She embodies the values of kindness, resilience, and strength, serving as an inspiration to all who have the privilege of crossing paths with her.
Highly Commended - Sport and Wellbeing Davina Helman
Barnet FC walking football team & Captain Over 65’s team
Davina has become a star of the Barnet FC walking football team. Davina's efforts in fundraising and her encouragement of women in sports have emerged as a source of inspiration. She plays for the Barnet FC walking football team and was the first women player to participate in the Middlesex Fa central league.
Davina’s philanthropic efforts are truly remarkable. The club was gathering Easter eggs for the local food bank and community trust. Davina visited Tesco, Morrisons, and Sainsbury, departing with crates filled with donations. She has successfully gathered funds and contributions for numerous charitable initiatives, and does it with such infectious enthusiasm.
The Barnet FC walking football team has recently established the first ever dementia-friendly walking sessions at Copthall Leisure Centre, in collaboration with Dementia Club UK Barnet. Davina plays a crucial role within the group. She is a true star and inspiration on and off the pitch.
Winner - Inspiring Young Woman Ruby Robinson
Ruby embodies the essence of inspiration through her journey with icandance. As a 22-year-old young woman with Down Syndrome and a dedicated member of the icandance Company, she choreographs and performs dance pieces which challenge society’s perceptions of disability and celebrate the power of inclusion. In doing so, she not only showcases her artistic spirit, but also represents and amplifies the voices of young people with disabilities to inspire change. Ruby is also completing a NVQ sports leadership course through LaSwap College Consortium to become a sports leader and enjoys assisting gymnastics classes with toddlers.
Ruby actively contributes to enriching the lives of SEN students of the younger generation. Ruby plays a pivotal role in co-facilitating weekly icandance sessions at Oak Lodge School. Having grown up with icandance, the community is immensely proud to see Ruby flourish from participating in icandance sessions to facilitating them. Ruby represents what should be possible for every disabled child – that disabilities do not stand as barriers to career choices and employment.
Through her efforts, Ruby not only challenges barriers but also ignites a spark of possibility to inspire the next generation. Ruby's work towards to challenging limiting perceptions and fostering inclusivity makes her deserving candidate for the 'Inspiring Young Woman' award.
Highly Commended - Inspiring Young Woman Penny Salman Founder of Threads for a Penny Instagram account
Penny Salman is a passionate advocate for sustainability and community engagement. She is actively involved with GoodGym Barnet, where she promotes green spaces and sustainable practices. Penny also runs an Instagram account, Threads for a Penny, dedicated to sustainable fashion, boasting a following of 7.5k.
In addition to her social media presence, Penny is a member of two action groups for Barnet Council, focusing on active travel and communications.
Penny has delivered impactful presentations at the Finchley Sharing Space, where she shared her insights and advocated for sustainable living.
Penny's dedication to sustainability and her community makes her a notable figure in Barnet's efforts towards a greener future. You can learn more about her work on her GoodGym profile and follow her sustainable fashion journey on Instagram.
Winner - Community and Culture Jan Brennan Community Development Manager, Colindale Community Trust
Jan Brennan is a dedicated and passionate advocate for the Grahame Park community. Known for her unwavering commitment, Jan has been a pillar of support for local residents for many years. Jan's deep care and compassion are evident in her tireless efforts to give the community a voice and a helping hand.
Jan's involvement in the Past, Present and Future Exhibition highlights her dedication to preserving and celebrating the history of Grahame Park. Jan worked diligently to ensure that local residents were heard and profiled, often volunteering her own time in the evenings and weekends to support the project.
Jan’s strong connections with the residents and local charities make her an invaluable resource. Jan is always available to offer guidance and support, ensuring everyone is aware of what's happening in the community. Her presence and contributions have made a lasting impact, making Grahame Park a better place for all its residents.
Highly Commended - Community and Culture Patricia Gay
Director Rainbow Centre Users Group and Youth Magistrate and advocate
Despite suffering from Parkinson's disease, Patricia puts everybody's needs before hers. Throughout the COVID pandemic, she prepared cakes for the neighbours, gathered contributions for Help the Aged, and made certain that our elderly neighbours were cared for, a commitment she maintains to this day.
Patricia’s true passion, is directed towards the Rainbow Centre located in the Dollis Valley estate where she grew up. Her heart is with the Rainbow Centre and ensuring it has a future for the local community. At present, she is campaigning to ensure that the building is fit for purpose, it has a strong fiscal footing, and an environment that supports the needs of the local community.
Patricia cares deeply about the community. She is a member of both the Underhill and High Barnet Police Community Action Panels, representing the views of the residents and challenging the Police. Patricia is a local magistrate with a focus on Youth justice. Patricia embodies the spirit of caring for her community. Barnet is very lucky to have her.
Eleven of Barnet’s most inspiring women and girls have been recognised in a new council-backed awards programme for their outstanding contribution and accomplishments in the fields of business, sport, environment and community and culture.
The InspirationALL Awards were presented to the winners and runners-up at a packed ceremony held at Hendon Town Hall on Thursday 6 March 2025.
Launched this earlier last year on International Women’s Day (8 March), hundreds of borough residents and community groups nominated women and girls in five awards categories: Community and Culture; Business and Construction; Sport and Wellbeing; Environment and Sustainability; and Inspiring Young Woman.
You can read more about the winners in each category below:
Winner - Business and Construction Kerlyn Adarmes Founder of Impact Store
Kerlyn runs the Impact Store, a zero-waste shop in Finchley Central, Barnet. Kerlyn has worked hard to keep the Impact Store going throughout the pandemic and beyond.
Kerlyn’s mission is to make it more convenient for everyone to consume less, waste less and throw away less, so everything in the Impact Store comes in minimal or reusable packaging. The products she stocks are all sustainably and ethically sourced, grown or locally made when possible, made from natural ingredients, free from harmful chemicals and have a low carbon footprint.
Kerlyn provides a vital service to the community and a unique proposition on the high street, and is famously welcoming and friendly to all her customers. She’s a powerful force for reducing waste in the borough and leads by example.
Kerlyn actively supports community events within the borough and is frequently seen managing a stall at environmentally themed gatherings. Most recently, Kerlyn showcased the process of creating natural cleaning products to an engaged audience.
Highly Commended - Business and Construction Nicole Morley Co-Founder and Director of The Big Time Group
Nicole has built two very successful businesses in Barnet from scratch. Nicole employs local people and serves hundreds of children and families with her Performing Arts Academy and day Nursery called ‘Big Time Academy' and 'Big Time Pre-Prep'.
Nicole serves as an inspiration to women and girls through her exemplary leadership and adaptability. As a persistent innovator, she has consistently exceeded expectations in her efforts to support her local community, creating employment opportunities and services for families and youth throughout the borough. Nicole stands as a leader and advocate for female entrepreneurship. Her guiding principle is to uplift others, acting as a mentor and an outstanding role model.
The Big Time Group serves more than 400 students each week and offers support to children with special educational needs (SEN). Its nursery has welcomed a significant number of SEN children, thereby providing essential funded placements for their parents.
Winner - Environment and Sustainability Frances Buckingham Co-Founder of Mums for Lungs Barnet Group
Frances is a campaigner for Mums for Lungs and is a tireless advocate for clean air in Barnet, and across London. As a mother of two she is keenly aware of the risks air pollution poses to children’s health in our borough. For over six years she has written the Mums for Lungs newsletter going out to over 2000 subscribers.
Last year, Frances worked with campaigners to organise a Clean Air Day celebration bringing together parents and children across Barnet calling for clean air and supporting the extension of the Ultra-low Emission zone across the entire borough. Frances proceeded to set up the Barnet branch of Mums for Lungs, a group of local parents who are continuing to campaign for cleaner air in Barnet.
Frances displays dedication and commitment to seeing the children of Barnet grow up happy and healthy, she is an inspiration to us all.
Winner - Environment and Sustainability Naomi Verber Environmental activist and campaigner
Naomi successfully lobbied a large Barnet-based charity, the United Synagogue, to take its environmental impact seriously. In just 18 months in her role of Head of Environmental Policy, she led sustainable changes across the charity.
Naomi has worked with cemetery leaders to reduce the use of weedkiller and to rewild unused land at several of the charity’s 20 cemeteries. Around 15 acres of cemetery land is now being managed to support biodiversity and wildlife. Revitalising the land to thrive once more.
Her reforestation project spurred United Synagogue members to donate £30,000 for the Woodland Trust to plant more than 1,500 trees in Norfolk.
The United Synagogue oversees a total of 100 properties, a significant number of which are located in the Borough of Barnet and exhibit substantial energy consumption. Naomi's efforts have led to the implementation of new energy-efficient boilers, the transition to more sustainable heating and lighting systems, and the upgrade of light fixtures to incorporate LED bulbs.
Naomi conducts all of her work quietly and modestly. Congratulations to Naomi who is a worthy winner this year.
Highly Commended - Environment and Sustainability Rabia Lingemann Founder of The Cricklewood Millennium Green Charity
Rabia has been an advocate for the community green space in Cricklewood, a charitable initiative she helped build and protect for over twenty years. The Cricklewood Millennium Green charity is dedicated to safeguarding the local environment and providing a free green area for all individuals seeking a tranquil setting to unwind, appreciate nature, and escape the daily pressures of urban life.
Rabia has dedicated numerous hours to fundraising, as well as preparing and submitting all necessary charity documentation, including registration and financial records. Additionally, she is happy to get stuck in and has taken the initiative to collect litter and empty the bins situated in the green spaces.
Rabia works with the local volunteers to make the green accessible to the local community throughout the annual weather conditions. Rabia possesses a passion for her commitments to the green and feels honoured to have met so many people from various backgrounds. Rabia is proud to serve her local community.
Winner - Sport and Wellbeing Natalie Reyhanian Advocate for young girls mental health and wellbeing
For years, Natalie has tirelessly served within the realm of vulnerable youth, offering her unwavering support, guidance, and care to those who need it most. Whether it be through providing a listening ear, practical support, or simply being a comforting presence, she has consistently gone above and beyond to ensure that these young girls feel seen, heard, and valued.
Natalies work extends far beyond the confines of a typical role, offering solace in times of crisis, and tirelessly advocating for their rights and well-being. Natalie's commitment to these girls transcends the professional realm; it is fueled by an innate sense of empathy and a genuine desire to make a positive impact on their lives. At the heart of her efforts lies the Jewish girls' charity, Noa, where Natalie has become an integral part of the organization's mission to provide a safe and nurturing environment for young girls facing adversity.
Natalie approaches her work with boundless energy, empathy and understanding. She embodies the values of kindness, resilience, and strength, serving as an inspiration to all who have the privilege of crossing paths with her.
Highly Commended - Sport and Wellbeing Davina Helman
Barnet FC walking football team & Captain Over 65’s team
Davina has become a star of the Barnet FC walking football team. Davina's efforts in fundraising and her encouragement of women in sports have emerged as a source of inspiration. She plays for the Barnet FC walking football team and was the first women player to participate in the Middlesex Fa central league.
Davina’s philanthropic efforts are truly remarkable. The club was gathering Easter eggs for the local food bank and community trust. Davina visited Tesco, Morrisons, and Sainsbury, departing with crates filled with donations. She has successfully gathered funds and contributions for numerous charitable initiatives, and does it with such infectious enthusiasm.
The Barnet FC walking football team has recently established the first ever dementia-friendly walking sessions at Copthall Leisure Centre, in collaboration with Dementia Club UK Barnet. Davina plays a crucial role within the group. She is a true star and inspiration on and off the pitch.
Winner - Inspiring Young Woman Ruby Robinson
Ruby embodies the essence of inspiration through her journey with icandance. As a 22-year-old young woman with Down Syndrome and a dedicated member of the icandance Company, she choreographs and performs dance pieces which challenge society’s perceptions of disability and celebrate the power of inclusion. In doing so, she not only showcases her artistic spirit, but also represents and amplifies the voices of young people with disabilities to inspire change. Ruby is also completing a NVQ sports leadership course through LaSwap College Consortium to become a sports leader and enjoys assisting gymnastics classes with toddlers.
Ruby actively contributes to enriching the lives of SEN students of the younger generation. Ruby plays a pivotal role in co-facilitating weekly icandance sessions at Oak Lodge School. Having grown up with icandance, the community is immensely proud to see Ruby flourish from participating in icandance sessions to facilitating them. Ruby represents what should be possible for every disabled child – that disabilities do not stand as barriers to career choices and employment.
Through her efforts, Ruby not only challenges barriers but also ignites a spark of possibility to inspire the next generation. Ruby's work towards to challenging limiting perceptions and fostering inclusivity makes her deserving candidate for the 'Inspiring Young Woman' award.
Highly Commended - Inspiring Young Woman Penny Salman Founder of Threads for a Penny Instagram account
Penny Salman is a passionate advocate for sustainability and community engagement. She is actively involved with GoodGym Barnet, where she promotes green spaces and sustainable practices. Penny also runs an Instagram account, Threads for a Penny, dedicated to sustainable fashion, boasting a following of 7.5k.
In addition to her social media presence, Penny is a member of two action groups for Barnet Council, focusing on active travel and communications.
Penny has delivered impactful presentations at the Finchley Sharing Space, where she shared her insights and advocated for sustainable living.
Penny's dedication to sustainability and her community makes her a notable figure in Barnet's efforts towards a greener future. You can learn more about her work on her GoodGym profile and follow her sustainable fashion journey on Instagram.
Winner - Community and Culture Jan Brennan Community Development Manager, Colindale Community Trust
Jan Brennan is a dedicated and passionate advocate for the Grahame Park community. Known for her unwavering commitment, Jan has been a pillar of support for local residents for many years. Jan's deep care and compassion are evident in her tireless efforts to give the community a voice and a helping hand.
Jan's involvement in the Past, Present and Future Exhibition highlights her dedication to preserving and celebrating the history of Grahame Park. Jan worked diligently to ensure that local residents were heard and profiled, often volunteering her own time in the evenings and weekends to support the project.
Jan’s strong connections with the residents and local charities make her an invaluable resource. Jan is always available to offer guidance and support, ensuring everyone is aware of what's happening in the community. Her presence and contributions have made a lasting impact, making Grahame Park a better place for all its residents.
Highly Commended - Community and Culture Patricia Gay
Director Rainbow Centre Users Group and Youth Magistrate and advocate
Despite suffering from Parkinson's disease, Patricia puts everybody's needs before hers. Throughout the COVID pandemic, she prepared cakes for the neighbours, gathered contributions for Help the Aged, and made certain that our elderly neighbours were cared for, a commitment she maintains to this day.
Patricia’s true passion, is directed towards the Rainbow Centre located in the Dollis Valley estate where she grew up. Her heart is with the Rainbow Centre and ensuring it has a future for the local community. At present, she is campaigning to ensure that the building is fit for purpose, it has a strong fiscal footing, and an environment that supports the needs of the local community.
Patricia cares deeply about the community. She is a member of both the Underhill and High Barnet Police Community Action Panels, representing the views of the residents and challenging the Police. Patricia is a local magistrate with a focus on Youth justice. Patricia embodies the spirit of caring for her community. Barnet is very lucky to have her.
