First edition of international projectWomen at the Top kicks offa pathway celebrating women's excellencein association with the Financial Times and the media partnership of Sky Tg24WE Award - Woma

The international project Women at the Top organized by Il Sole 24 Ore in association with the Financial Times and with the media partnership of Sky Tg24 kicks off to celebrate women’s excellence: two days of meetings and the WE Award - Woman Excellence dedicated to women in business, innovation, and the non-profit world, recognizing their talent and success: women leaders who have exhibited insight, tenacity, courage, and unwavering strength in the pursuit of their goals. The award seeks to elevate women's endeavours and creativity, showcasing models of action and experiences that inspire and empower them to rise as leading figures of our time and to become beacons that "inspire the future".

The pathway, in its first edition, starts with the Award and encompasses two meetings along with a culminating gala evening where the prestigious WE Award - Woman Excellence 2023 will be presented.

WE Award 23

Nominations are open for the award, which is divided into four categories: Business, International, Open Innovation and Non-Profit; nominations should be submitted through the website https://weaward2023.ilsole24ore.com/ by 17 October, the deadline for submitting entries. Each participant may only apply for one category.

The Business category: addressing women entrepreneurs, managers and C-level executives under 45. Eligibility for participation includes all women up to the age of 45 who have played an active role in fostering improvement, change, or corporate welfare projects, resulting in quantifiable impacts on the company. This includes achievements such as an increase in turnover, expansion of the workforce, or the positive effects of welfare initiatives on employees.

The International category: addressing women who have pioneered internationalization projects. All women entrepreneurs, managers, and C-level executives, regardless of age, who have played an instrumental role in carrying out internationalization projects are eligible to take part in this category.

The Open Innovation category: addressing women who work in the start-up world and who have conceived and actualized innovative projects generating tangible and measurable results.

The Non-Profit category: addressing women or associations in Italy who have notably excelled through endeavours and projects in the third sector and non-profit world, focusing on the empowerment of women and enhancing their societal role.

The jury is led by Borsa Italiana S.p.A. Chair and Deputy Chair Il Sole 24 Ore S.p.A. Claudia Parzani, with Mirja Cartia d'Asero, CEO 24 ORE Group, Giuseppe De Bellis, Director Sky Tg24, Orson Francescone, Managing Director FT Live, Silvia Sciorilli Borrelli, Financial Times Correspondent, Donatella Sciuto Rector Milan Polytechnic, Laura Zanetti, Chair Italmobiliare Spa and Associate Professor of Corporate Finance at Bocconi.

The meetings

The Women at the top initiative features two discussion moments on the role of women in the professional world and in broader society, with the participation of Italian and international experts and the award ceremony during the Gala evening that culminates on 30 November. Sportswomen, representatives from associations and the third sector, entrepreneurs, journalists, scientists, and institutions will share their projects, stories, and experiences. These narratives will serve as a wellspring of motivation for women of both the current and upcoming generations.

The first moment features a digital event scheduled for the afternoon of 17 October streamed from the Milan studios of Sky TG24, dedicated to the topics of work, business and the new avenues of women's leadership and empowerment.

The second meeting will take place on the morning of 30 November, both in-person at Teatro Lirico di Milano and via streaming. A live summit celebrating women's excellence across various fields, featuring testimonials from successful women in business, sports, culture, and the third sector. The attendees will have the chance to ask questions from the floor.

Gala Evening - Prize presentation

And lastly, the Gala evening, on 30 November 2023 in Milan, at Teatro Lirico Giorgio Gaber, with interviews and panel discussions, culminating with the WE Award ceremony: an award to honour three nominees in each category of women's excellence in business and the world of associations. An authentic moment of celebration where accomplished Italian and international women will share their journeys, recognizing the hard work, resolve, and talent behind their achievements.