{"id":6086,"date":"2025-10-29T12:40:13","date_gmt":"2025-10-29T10:40:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.goodhopefm.co.za\/goodhopefm\/?p=6086"},"modified":"2025-10-30T09:20:27","modified_gmt":"2025-10-30T07:20:27","slug":"here-are-the-good-hope-fm-warrior-woman-2025-finalists","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.goodhopefm.co.za\/goodhopefm\/here-are-the-good-hope-fm-warrior-woman-2025-finalists\/","title":{"rendered":"HERE ARE THE GOOD HOPE FM WARRIOR WOMAN 2025 FINALISTS!"},"content":{"rendered":"

The spotlight is lit and the stage is set. Good Hope FM\u2019s Warrior Woman Awards 2025 is back \u2013 celebrating Cape Town\u2019s Original, formidable and fabulous female forces in the most emphatic way possible.<\/p>\n

This year, the awards join forces with the WomenIN Festival, creating a seismic celebration of female excellence that will shake the Mother City to its foundations.<\/p>\n

The Warrior Woman Awards, championed by Good Hope FM\u2019s The Morning Show with Leigh-Anne Williams, Sandra Rosenberg, and Delucia Daniels, honours South African women who are changing the game, not for applause, but because it\u2019s who they are at their very core. These are the women who lead, heal, build, teach, create, and inspire. Women who rise, even when no one\u2019s watching.
\nWomenIN Festival 2025, themed LIMITLESS. No Labels. No Limits. No Apologies, is a two-day powerhouse experience at Newlands Cricket Ground on 13 & 14 November, featuring over 60 speakers from 17+ industries. It\u2019s a celebration of unapologetic brilliance, radical collaboration, and unstoppable sisterhood, and it all culminates in the glitzy Warrior Woman Awards gala event.<\/p>\n

This year\u2019s finalists represent the fiercest, boldest, most inspiring women across 10 categories. From grassroots changemakers to national trailblazers, these women will be honoured at the gala event, where ladies will stand the chance to walk away with a cash prize courtesy of First National Bank & WomenIN, a Limited Edition Warrior Woman 2025 and WiNfest Chain, courtesy of Meraki Jewellery, a one-of-a-kind, specially designed Warrior Woman Award and much more.<\/p>\n

Here are the top 3 finalists in each category of the 2025 Good Hope FM Warrior Woman finalists:<\/p>\n

\"\"
\nExcellence in Leadership<\/strong>
\n\u2022 Mercia Horn \u2013 Cape Flats, now in Fresnaye
\n\u2022 Dr Zorina Dharsey \u2013 Retreat, Cape Town
\n\u2022 Fiona Miles \u2013 Randburg, now in Fish Hoek<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Unsung SHERO<\/strong>
\n\u2022 Charlene Elliott \u2013 Kraaifontein, now in Wellington
\n\u2022 Nolene Reddy \u2013 Durban, now in Southern Suburbs
\n\u2022 Kristina Miller \u2013 Tokai, now in Cape Town\/Heidelberg<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Young Achiever<\/strong>
\n\u2022 Razaan Bester \u2013 Wynberg, now in Plumstead
\n\u2022 Mekylin Engelbrecht \u2013 Malmesbury
\n\u2022 Emma Gibbons \u2013 Robertson, now in Bakoven<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Media & Communication<\/strong>
\n\u2022 Finola Quarsingh \u2013 Umzinto, now in Cape Town
\n\u2022 Harriet Lynette Box \u2013 Newton Wellington, now in Bellville
\n\u2022 Siki Msuseni \u2013 Goodwood, Cape Town<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Healthcare and Wellness<\/strong>
\n\u2022 Leigh-Ann Joy Geydien \u2013 Ocean View, now in Grassy Park
\n\u2022 Zenobia Meyer \u2013 Ashton, now in Wellington
\n\u2022 Nicole Sherwin \u2013 Johannesburg\/London\/LA, now in Hout Bay<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Education and Research<\/strong>
\n\u2022 Dawn Faroe \u2013 Abbotsdale, now in Belhar
\n\u2022 Prof Kareemah Najaar \u2013 Wynberg, now in Kraaifontein
\n\u2022 Natasha Kannemeyer \u2013 Athlone, now in Kenilworth<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Social Impact<\/strong>
\n\u2022 Mymoena Scholtz \u2013 Grassy Park
\n\u2022 Nuraan Osman \u2013 Rondebosch East, now in Cape Town
\n\u2022 Monica Buitendag \u2013 Mondeor, now in Somerset West<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Arts and Entertainment<\/strong>
\n\u2022 Maritha Visagie \u2013 Westville, now in Edgemead
\n\u2022 Babalwa Mentjies \u2013 Makhanda, now in Khayelitsha
\n\u2022 Saarah Meyer \u2013 Strand, Cape Town<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Pioneer in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics)<\/strong>
\n\u2022 Aditi Radhakrishna \u2013 Durban, now in Plattekloof
\n\u2022 Serisha Barrat \u2013 Chatsworth, now in Cape Town
\n\u2022 Mushfiqoh Samodien \u2013 Surrey Estate, now in Pinelands<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Business and Entrepreneurship<\/strong>
\n\u2022 Saskia Riley \u2013 Lavender Hill, now in Diep River
\n\u2022 Suraya Williams \u2013 Mitchell\u2019s Plain
\n\u2022 Natasha Pearce \u2013 Silvertown, now in Bothasig<\/p>\n

\u201cEach of these women\u2019s stories is a living testament to the power of beautiful hearts and unwavering commitment to changing Mother City and our nation as a whole for the better,\u201d says Masi Mdingane, Business Manager for Good Hope FM and 5FM. \u201cTheir work often goes unseen, unheard, and uncelebrated, but it moves mountains. It\u2019s our privilege to shine a light on their brilliance, and in doing so, inspire other women to keep rising, keep building, and keep changing the world. Because when women rise, we all rise.\u201d<\/p>\n

For the Warrior Woman Awards, get all the need-to-know info on how to vote for your favourite leading ladies by staying tuned to Good Hope FM, following us on all social media, downloading the Good Hope FM App, or visiting http:\/\/www.goodhopefm.co.za. You can also get all of Good Hope FM and the SABC\u2019s best content by heading on over to SABC PLUS.<\/p>\n

To book your ticket and empowerment pass for WomenIN 2025, which includes full access to all keynotes, panels, fireside chats, masterclasses, wellness and self-defence sessions, networking opportunities with leaders across industries and the Good Hope FM Warrior Woman Awards, you can visit www.goodhopefm.co.za or www.wearewomenin.com<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ABOUT THE FINALISTS<\/p>\n

EXCELLENCE IN LEADERSHIP
\nMercia Horn<\/strong> \u2013 Cape Flats, now in Fresnaye Mercia Horn is the General Manager of Canopy by Hilton Cape Town Longkloof. With over two decades in hospitality, she began as a weekend waitress in Mitchell\u2019s Plain and rose to lead top-tier hotels. Her leadership blends operational excellence with local culture, creating memorable guest experiences. Mercia\u2019s second GM appointment reflects her ability to inspire teams and deliver world-class service in her hometown.
\nDr Zorina Dharsey<\/strong> \u2013 Retreat, Cape Town Dr Zorina Dharsey is Director of the Primary Science Programme (PSP), which she joined in 2008 after 23 years of teaching. With a PhD in Curriculum Studies, she champions practical, engaging science and maths education. Her leadership empowers teachers and unlocks learners\u2019 potential, guided by her belief that every child can enjoy and excel in STEM.
\nFiona Miles<\/strong> \u2013 Randburg, now in Fish Hoek Fiona Miles is Director of FOUR PAWS South Africa, a global animal welfare organisation. With a background in Zoology and management, she\u2019s led campaigns to end big cat trade and transformed a hunting facility into LIONSROCK Sanctuary. Fiona\u2019s work influences national policy and drives systemic change, making FOUR PAWS a beacon of compassion.<\/p>\n

UNSUNG SHERO<\/p>\n

Charlene Elliott<\/strong> \u2013 Kraaifontein, now in Wellington Charlene Elliott is Head of Learning Tree Aftercare and Creche in Simondium, working with farm children for eight years. She leads addiction recovery efforts as Chairperson of the Drakenstein Municipality\u2019s Local Drug Action Committee and owns a charity store that helps matric girls attend their farewells. As a motivational speaker and radio voice, Charlene inspires others to rise above challenges. Her journey of loss and triumph fuels her mission to build hope and remind others that brokenness can become beauty.
\nNolene Reddy<\/strong> \u2013 Durban, now in Southern Suburbs Nolene Reddy is a social worker and supervisor who\u2019s spent seven years working on the Cape Flats. Passionate about helping others, she\u2019s dedicated her career to supporting vulnerable children and families. Nolene believes every child needs someone who believes in them, and she strives to be that person. Her work is rooted in compassion, resilience, and a deep commitment to social change.
\nKristina Miller<\/strong> \u2013 Tokai, now in Cape Town\/Heidelberg Kristina Miller is a social impact leader and founder of Great Girls, which mentors young women toward meaningful careers. She consults for the Otto Foundation, strengthening literacy programmes in Cape Town. With two decades in sustainability and corporate strategy, Kristina blends business insight with community empowerment, building systems and partnerships that create lasting change.<\/p>\n

YOUNG ACHIEVER<\/p>\n

Razaan Bester<\/strong> \u2013 Wynberg, now in Plumstead Razaan Bester is a chartered accountant and Head of Financial Management at Wesgro. She leads financial strategy and mentors young professionals. Razaan founded She CAn NPC, empowering girls from Cape Flats and townships through career guidance and wellness. She\u2019s a devoted wife, mother, and advocate for inclusion in the corporate world.
\nMekylin Engelbrecht<\/strong> \u2013 Malmesbury Mekylin Engelbrecht is a 20-year-old law student, poet, and entrepreneur. Her poetry collection, The Silent Killers, explores her journey with depression and anxiety. She\u2019s been
\nrecognised internationally for her business and advocates for mental wellness. Mekylin\u2019s story is one of resilience, purpose, and empowerment.
\nEmma Gibbons<\/strong> \u2013 Robertson, now in Bakoven Emma Gibbons is a qualified social worker and founder of Safe Space Therapy. While completing her PhD, she created a platform for accessible mental health support. Emma\u2019s personal experiences \u2014 including loss and medical challenges \u2014 fuel her passion for helping others heal and build resilience.<\/p>\n

MEDIA & COMMUNICATION<\/p>\n

Finola Quarsingh<\/strong> \u2013 Umzinto, now in Cape Town Finola Quarsingh is Head of Communications & PR at Sanlam Investments. With 20+ years in strategic communications, she\u2019s led award-winning campaigns across sectors. Finola\u2019s leadership blends creative storytelling, data-led insights, and corporate diplomacy. She mentors emerging talent and shapes how brands lead with impact.
\nHarriet Lynette Box<\/strong> \u2013 Newton Wellington, now in Bellville Harriet Box is a communications officer at UWC with over two decades in media. A trained journalist and rural woman, she\u2019s passionate about highlighting women\u2019s contributions to society. Her work is rooted in community, advocacy, and the belief that women deserve to be honoured and celebrated.
\nSiki Msuseni<\/strong> \u2013 Goodwood, Cape Town Siki Msuseni is Founder and Director of Amplified PR. From fashion blogger to PR powerhouse, she\u2019s launched major retail brands and taught digital marketing to young girls. Siki\u2019s agency was nominated for the Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards, and she\u2019s a rising star in creative communications.<\/p>\n

HEALTHCARE & WELLNESS<\/p>\n

Leigh-Ann Joy Geydien<\/strong> \u2013 Ocean View, now in Grassy Park Leigh-Ann Geydien is the founder of Fertility Solutions South Africa. After facing infertility and multiple miscarriages, she created a platform connecting women to fertility professionals and support. A proud adoptive mom, Leigh-Ann offers hope and healing through events, live talks, and community engagement.
\nZenobia Meyer<\/strong> \u2013 Ashton, now in Wellington Zenobia Meyer is a social worker devoted to community transformation. Active since 2018, she empowers vulnerable women, protects children, and advocates against GBV. Her work is rooted in empathy and resilience, creating safe spaces for healing and growth.
\nNicole Sherwin<\/strong> \u2013 Johannesburg\/London\/LA, now in Hout Bay Nicole Sherwin is founder of Eco Diva Natural, a superfood skincare brand promoting ethical beauty. After healing her own skin naturally, she set out to educate and empower others. Nicole is a passionate advocate for wellness, animal rights, and environmental sustainability.<\/p>\n

EDUCATION & RESEARCH<\/p>\n

Dawn Faroe<\/strong> \u2013 Abbotsdale, now in Belhar Dawn Faroe is a retired academic officer who continues to empower science teachers. She graduated top of her class in 1978 and earned an MSc in 2000. Her career at UWC was marked by excellence and service, and she remains active in community education projects. Dawn is passionate about building capacity and supporting educators in underserved communities.
\nProf Kareemah Najaar<\/strong> \u2013 Wynberg, now in Kraaifontein Prof Kareemah Najaar is Acting Head of Wellness Sciences at CPUT. She leads a STEM-driven project supporting disadvantaged Life Science learners and empowers young women through hygiene and feeding programmes. Her work earned her the Faculty Prestigious Award and recognition in women-in-STEM leadership. Kareemah\u2019s mission is rooted in education, equity, and empowerment.
\nNatasha Kannemeyer<\/strong> \u2013 Athlone, now in Kenilworth Natasha Kannemeyer is a public health researcher completing her PhD at UCT. She co-designed a sexual and reproductive health intervention with the Manenberg Health Committee and trains community members in public health research. Her work builds capacity and fosters community-guided solutions for lasting social impact.<\/p>\n

SOCIAL IMPACT<\/p>\n

Mymoena Scholtz<\/strong> \u2013 Grassy Park Mymoena Scholtz is founder of Where Rainbows Meet Training and Development Foundation. A qualified social worker and community development practitioner, she
\nmentors women and youth, helping them register and grow organisations. Her work transforms lives through education, empowerment, and social change. Mymoena\u2019s foundation is now one of South Africa\u2019s leading grassroots organisations.
\nNuraan Osman<\/strong> \u2013 Rondebosch East, now in Cape Town Nuraan Osman is COO of IHATA Care Group, which runs elder-care facilities and a shelter for abused women and children. With a background in psychology and social work, she\u2019s led HIV education, reintegration programmes, and grassroots initiatives. Nuraan fosters 12 children and manages 153 staff, driving impact through compassion and leadership.
\nMonica Buitendag<\/strong> \u2013 Mondeor, now in Somerset West Monica Buitendag is founder of Heartlands Baby Sanctuary. With a background in sociology and decades in childcare, she\u2019s provided care and hope to hundreds of vulnerable children. Monica\u2019s leadership blends compassion, advocacy, and a deep commitment to social justice. Her work continues to shape the future of child welfare in South Africa.<\/p>\n

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT<\/p>\n

Maritha Visagie<\/strong> \u2013 Westville, now in Edgemead Maritha Visagie is Head of Production at Cape Town Opera. With over two decades in theatre, she\u2019s shaped South African opera through creative excellence and behind-the-scenes leadership. Maritha\u2019s work ensures that local stories and voices reach global stages, and she continues to mentor emerging talent in the performing arts.
\nBabalwa Mentjies<\/strong> \u2013 Makhanda, now in Khayelitsha Babalwa Mentjies is a jazz vocalist, educator, and cultural activist. She uses music to empower youth and preserve indigenous arts. Babalwa\u2019s work bridges tradition and innovation, creating platforms for young artists to thrive. Her voice and vision are rooted in community, heritage, and transformation.
\nSaarah Meyer<\/strong> \u2013 Strand, Cape Town Saarah Meyer, known as \u201cThe Lyrical Activist,\u201d is a poet and rapper who uses her art to inspire healing and unity. Her work addresses social justice, mental health, and empowerment, blending rhythm and message to spark change. Saarah\u2019s performances are raw, powerful, and deeply rooted in lived experience.<\/p>\n

PIONEER IN STEM<\/p>\n

Aditi Radhakrishna<\/strong> \u2013 Durban, now in Plattekloof Aditi Radhakrishna is co-founder of Ruby Rose Feminine Hygiene SA, a company driving sustainable innovation in menstrual health. Her work empowers women through eco-friendly products and education. Aditi\u2019s leadership in STEM and entrepreneurship is reshaping how communities approach hygiene, dignity, and sustainability.
\nSerisha Barrat<\/strong> \u2013 Chatsworth, now in Cape Town Serisha Barrat is CEO of Lawyered Up, a legal tech company using AI to make law accessible. She\u2019s a trailblazer in tech-driven transformation, advocating for inclusion and innovation. Serisha\u2019s work bridges law and technology, creating tools that empower individuals and democratise legal services.
\nMushfiqoh Samodien<\/strong> \u2013 Surrey Estate, now in Pinelands Mushfiqoh Samodien is Business Director at Aspire Solutions. She mentors youth and drives innovation in geospatial technology. Her work blends technical expertise with a passion for social impact, making STEM accessible and relevant to underserved communities. Mushfiqoh is a champion for women in tech.<\/p>\n

BUSINESS & ENTREPRENEURSHIP<\/p>\n

Saskia Riley<\/strong> \u2013 Lavender Hill, now in Diep River Saskia Riley is founder of Hucklberry Media, a creative agency that blends branding, coaching, and storytelling. She helps purpose-driven leaders elevate their voice and vision. Saskia\u2019s work empowers entrepreneurs to lead with authenticity and impact, and she\u2019s a passionate advocate for women in business.
\nSuraya Williams<\/strong> \u2013 Mitchell\u2019s Plain Suraya Williams is founder of Design26 Foundation, which teaches sewing and fashion skills to women in underserved communities. Her work promotes economic empowerment and sustainable fashion. Suraya\u2019s foundation transforms lives by turning creativity into opportunity and fostering independence through skill-building.
\nNatasha Pearce<\/strong> \u2013 Silvertown, now in Bothasig Natasha Pearce is founder of Vivacious Eco Vixon, a lifestyle brand that transforms textile waste into eco-conscious products. Her work promotes sustainability, creativity, and
\nentrepreneurship. Natasha\u2019s mission is to inspire others to live boldly, tread lightly, and build businesses that honour both people and planet.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The spotlight is lit and the stage is set. Good Hope FM\u2019s Warrior Woman Awards 2025 is back \u2013 celebrating Cape Town\u2019s Original, formidable and fabulous female forces in the most emphatic way possible. This year, the awards join forces with the WomenIN Festival, creating a seismic celebration of female excellence that will shake the […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":6087,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[9],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-6086","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-newsbeat"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.goodhopefm.co.za\/goodhopefm\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6086","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.goodhopefm.co.za\/goodhopefm\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.goodhopefm.co.za\/goodhopefm\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.goodhopefm.co.za\/goodhopefm\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/9"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.goodhopefm.co.za\/goodhopefm\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6086"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.goodhopefm.co.za\/goodhopefm\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6086\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.goodhopefm.co.za\/goodhopefm\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/6087"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.goodhopefm.co.za\/goodhopefm\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6086"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.goodhopefm.co.za\/goodhopefm\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6086"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.goodhopefm.co.za\/goodhopefm\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6086"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}