The Sheila Lesley Award is back: Nominate a CITMA star today
We are now taking submissions for this year’s Sheila Lesley Volunteer of the Year Award.
Help us recognise those who give their time and expertise to support the profession by nominating a deserving CITMA member for this special honour.
Launched last year in recognition of Sheila Lesley OBE, who sadly passed away in 2019, the award acknowledges outstanding individual contributions. Sheila was our first female President and dedicated much of her time and efforts to CITMA throughout her career.
We’re looking for members who volunteer on either a committee, steering group, taskforce or working group, and through their work have made a meaningful impact over the past 12 months.
Ese Akpogheneta was crowned our first-ever winner of the award, with Kate O’Rourke and Sarah Foster placing “Highly Commended”. Ese has worked as a Trade Mark and Marketing Counsel at BAT since 2019, as well as being a member of CITMA Council since 2018.
The judges praised Ese’s achievements in making the profession more accessible and open, as well as her strong dedication to mentoring and helping fellow members through the committees and working groups she supports.
Speaking about her win last year, Ese said: “My colleague nominated me, and I didn’t really think anything would come of it. I’m really chuffed and humbled by the news – it’s amazing.”
The award presents a great opportunity to celebrate a friend or colleague, like Ese, who always goes the extra mile. Alternatively, tell us about your own achievements – if you’ve made a big impact through your work in the profession recently, you can nominate yourself.
Join us in celebrating success and submit your nomination here. The deadline for submissions is Friday, 12th September 2025.