Written by Marcela Balart 

The 2025 B&T Women in Media Awards was a night to remember – a stellar event from start to finish! Glistening neon pink, green and blue lights illuminated the road to the venue, creating a glorious runway. The atmosphere was electric as 500 attendees descended upon the harbour to honour the extraordinary women from across the Australian creative sector.  

The amazing Maz Farrelly set the tone for evening as emcee, appearing on stage in a gold gown, but it was her wit and humour that dazzled the crowd.  

Things kicked up a notch when the bold and unfiltered Hannah Ferguson stepped up to the podium to deliver the keynote speech. As CEO and co-founder of independent news platform, Cheek Media Co, Hannah’s reputation precedes her. The 2004 Forbes 30 under 30 honouree was recently described by B&T as an “unapologetic force” who challenges the status quo. However, her words struck a chord, not for their controversy, but for their strength.

She reminded all the women in the room that while we were the power players, it was up to each individual to “hold the door open behind us” for the next generation of amazing women in this industry, and beyond, to ensure that progress is enduring.  

The reveal of the 2025 B&T Power List was a noteworthy moment for the IMPACT team. As the names of the most influential female c-suite leaders in the industry were read out, our CEO and B&T Women in Media finalist, Nicole Webb explained: “When the IMPACT Agency started 26 years ago, all of these leadership roles were filled by men!” A strange reality to imagine, particularly for the Gen Z members of our team. How far we’ve come! 

We then heard from and applauded the brilliant finalists and winners of this year’s B&T Women in Media Awards. Here are some of our favourites: 

The Social Change Maker award went to Rochelle Courtenay from Share the Dignity. As founder of the not-for-profit, she has transformed the conversation on period poverty in Australia – an issue close to the heart of the IMPACT team. When the campaign stalled in 2024, Rochelle jumped on to social media personally seeking the support of Australians. Her authentic and raw plea tripled responses in just two days! In addition to her advocacy, she is now on a mission to see menstrual equity by 2030.  

Passionate about the planet, we were delighted to see the Sustainability Champion award go to Charlotte Berry from indie creative agency, Howatson+Company. Over the past year, she has combined creativity and science to combat climate change through a raft of projects and initiatives. After calling out the state of sustainability in advertising as “not good enough”, Charlotte had this advice for the next generation: “If you care about the future, then just do one thing every day, one thing, have one conversation, make one decision. We’re in huge positions of power, and you have to use your influence.”  

Warner Bros. Discovery’s Sasha Mackie was recognised in the Marketing category. As senior director of marketing, streaming, studios and networks, Sasha led the Australian launch of HBO Max in what has become the fastest-growing streaming service in the country. In addition, she also champions more than 300 female staff across Australia and New Zealand in her role as chair of Women of Warner Bros. Discovery. 

The honours for the Journalist/Producer category went to Michelle Escobar from Optus Sport. Whether on screen as a TV host or behind the scenes as a mentor, Michelle has provided a platform to champion women in sports and raise awareness around issues, such as pay equity, diversity and inclusion. B&T described her as “one of the most influential voices in Australian sports media, redefining how women’s football is covered and celebrated”. 

For the IMPACT team, it was an inspirational night. We were honoured to share it with Nicole and to cheer her on for the fearless woman she is and her 26 years at the helm of one of Australia’s longest-standing independent PR agencies. Here’s to the next 26!  

The full list of the 2025 B&T Women in Media recipients can be found here.