Girls Who Print announces 2025 award winners

The virtual event brought together nearly 400 registrants, with more than 100 participants joining live on Zoom and nearly 900 chat interactions. The program delivered nine sessions featuring more than a dozen speakers and panellists, reflecting strong engagement and momentum across the global community.

Girls Who Print presented the 2025 Ally Award to Neil Felton for his leadership of Print for Good, an initiative of the FESPA Foundation that transforms surplus event materials into educational resources for schools around the world. 

In 2024, the programme redirected 1.5 tonnes of printed materials to five schools in Africa, providing posters, rulers, t-shirts, and learning tools that supported more than 850 students. Felton shared updates during the conference, noting that the initiative is expanding to Brazil, Mexico, Malawi, and additional regions. Girls Who Print recognised Felton for demonstrating how print can uplift communities, create safer learning environments, and inspire global engagement far beyond the page.

The Rising Star Award honours emerging professionals who are shaping the future of print through innovation, visibility, and leadership. This year’s recipients, Tara Seth and Mackenzie Griffin, co-hosts of the Talk More Print podcast, were recognised for their growing influence as student leaders and industry advocates. Seth and Griffin have become highly visible voices for young professionals, appearing on conference stages, participating in industry events, and mentoring students who are exploring pathways into print. Their work demonstrates initiative, creativity, and a willingness to support others.

Girls Who Print presented its highest honour, the 2025 Girlie Award, to Ayanfeoluwa Ibitoye for her exceptional leadership in expanding Girls Who Print across Africa. As regional director, she has built a growing network that brings women together for education, connection, and career support. Her work has increased visibility for women in print, strengthened community engagement, and encouraged participation from students, emerging talent, and established professionals. The award included a USD 5,000 grant to support her ongoing efforts and future initiatives across the continent.

Girls Who Print enters 2026 with a strengthened commitment to advancing women in print through the launch of The Advancement Resource Center (ARC), a structured framework designed to support career development at every stage. ARC brings together access to subject matter experts, on-demand education through The Print University, and the community and career support that help members build skills, expand knowledge, and move forward with confidence.

Through ARC, members gain practical tools, expert insight, mentorship connections, collaboration opportunities, and professional resources that align with the real needs of women working across every segment of the print and graphic communications industry.

“Our mission continues in 2026 with a structured framework that supports women in print throughout their careers,” said Deborah Corn, executive director of Girls Who Print. “The ARC and Print University strengthen that mission by expanding access to experts, education, skill building, mentorship, and professional development that help women advance on their own terms. Membership and sponsorship contributions are essential to powering our mission, expanding our offerings, and strengthening our global community. We deeply appreciate the companies that support our work and look forward to welcoming many more in the coming year.”