A Johnstone woman has been named a finalist in the global Women’s Business Awards, recognising her outstanding voluntary work and remarkable impact across the Renfrewshire community.
Rachael Smith, 45, has been shortlisted for the prestigious Inspirational Woman of the Year award and is one of only three women in Scotland to reach the final stage.
Rachael, who volunteers extensively through Paisley Radio and several community groups she founded or helps run, said she was “absolutely delighted” to be recognised on an international stage.
“It’s amazing to be acknowledged in these global awards for all the work I do in my local community in Renfrewshire,” she said. “I’m absolutely thrilled to have made it through to the final stage.”
Through her two weekly radio chat shows on paisleyradio.com, Rachael gives a platform to voices from across the region and beyond. The station reaches more than nine million listeners worldwide each month.
Alongside her broadcasting work, she runs a wide range of social and community groups bringing people together across Renfrewshire. Her largest, the Renfrewshire Ladies Chat/Meet-Up group, has almost 2,000 members, with smaller gatherings regularly held in partnership with local businesses.
“It’s a wonderful network of women and some beautiful friendships have been formed through the group,” Rachael said. “Local business owners, mainly women, are incredibly supportive and love hosting our events as it brings in trade for them too. We’re all supporting one another.”
Rachael also leads a board gamers group that meets at venues across Renfrewshire, a “macaroni cheese appreciation club” that samples the area’s best comfort food each month, and contributes to a local heritage organisation by designing walks, talks and tours.
She says every project she runs is connected by the same purpose – strengthening community ties.
“I feel as if my work is interlinked as it’s all about bringing people together and building connections in Renfrewshire,” she added. “Your support means the world to me, and I’d love your vote.”
In Case You Missed It:
Voting for Rachael is open now at womensbusiness.club/u/Rach under the UK category.
The winners of the Women’s Business Awards will be announced later this year.
