Middlewich woman wins title at Women’s Awards event

Tracey Leese has received the ‘Outstanding Woman in Education Award’ from The Women’s Awards – an event celebrating the achievements of women from all cultures, communities, races and beliefs across all sectors.

Tracey and her brother Christopher Barker released their debut book, 'Teach Like a Queen', earlier this year.

After coming up with the idea during lockdown, the pair held a successful book launch in Sandbach on May 31.

The former Middlewich High School students both found success as teachers but felt women were disproportionately represented in leadership roles within the profession.

They wanted their book to act as an inspirational guide to encourage the next generation of female leaders in the world of teaching.

“I have done some work based on the book about diversity in teaching,” Tracey said.

“As a result of that work and the book, I was nominated and shortlisted for an award, which I won.”

Tracey's award (Image: Supplied)

The awards ceremony took place in Nottingham on September 9 and Tracey said she never expected to be taking home an award.

“We went to the event just to attend and be part of celebrating women,” she explained.

“It was just after the Queen died, so it felt quite apt, celebrating female leadership.

“I did not expect to win.”

Lauren Brown from Middlewich, who did the illustration for Teach Like a Queen, attended the event with Tracey – which turned into a night of unexpected celebrations when she was announced the winner of her category.

Tracey was then put forward into another overall category and finished runner up.

Tracey said: “I just wanted to write a book and get it published – I didn’t really think too far ahead.

“This was all so unexpected – with a book, you sit behind it, it’s just your name on the cover, so you don’t expect any more.

“But now, this book has now taken on a bit of momentum in terms of diversity.”

Tracey now has another book idea in the pipeline with a similar message of empowering women.