We are delighted to announce that our founder and Managing Director, Jessica Gwaringa, has been named Woman of the Year 2024 at the prestigious Tees Valley Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Awards!
The awards ceremony, held at the beautiful Kirkleatham Walled Garden, was a momentous occasion for the Moonrise team. During the event, Jessica’s leadership and her dedication to promoting equality and inclusion were recognised in the highest regard. Yasmin Khan, the event host, aptly described Jessica as “someone who is making a habit of winning awards” — a humurous reflection of the abudant year for Moonrise, most recently being awarded ‘business of the year’ at the Tees Businesswomen awards.
A Milestone for Moonrise
This award comes as a well-deserved recognition of Jessica’s remarkable work since she founded Moonrise 24HR Recruitment in 2014. What started as a small, locally-focused service in the North East has now grown to cover areas across Yorkshire and beyond, offering domiciliary care, agency staffing, and a range of specialised services such as Supported Living and Children and Young People’s Services.
Moonrise has always been more than just a recruitment agency. Under Jessica’s leadership, it has become a beacon of care and inclusion, supporting not only those who use our services but also the staff who deliver them. The company’s culture is one of compassion and respect, ensuring that everyone—whether they are part of the Moonrise team or part of the communities we serve—feels valued and empowered.
Jessica’s Reflections
Jessica shared her thoughts on Linkedin on receiving the Woman of the Year award:
“I am deeply honoured to receive the Woman of the Year award, which represents not only my efforts but also the dedication of many others around me. I would like to thank Tees Valley EDI, the organisers of this award, and recognise the other inspiring nominees who are breaking barriers in their respective fields. This award is for all the strong women pushing boundaries, whether in the workplace or while managing multiple roles.”
These words reflect the spirit of collaboration and empowerment that has defined Jessica’s approach to leadership. Her focus has always been on making a difference—not just through the services we provide, but through the example she sets for others.
She went on to express her gratitude:
“I also want to thank my Moonrise family for their hard work, and my own family—my husband and sons—for their unwavering support. To all women pursuing their dreams, your efforts matter. Together, we are driving meaningful change.”
This dedication to supporting the community and creating opportunities for all is at the heart of Jessica’s mission with Moonrise.
A Leader Who Inspires
Jessica’s journey with Moonrise began with her nursing background and experience in care home management, which gave her the skills and insight to build a company centred on high-quality care. Her son Keith, then just nine years old, came up with the name “Moonrise,” a symbol of the company’s early beginnings and its growth over the years.
Under Jessica’s guidance, Moonrise has not only expanded geographically but also in scope, developing into a company that supports a wide range of clients, from vulnerable adults in supported living to young people in care. Her commitment to diversity, equality, and inclusion has always been a cornerstone of the business, influencing everything from our hiring practices to the way we interact with the people we serve.
Looking Ahead to a Bright Future
As we celebrate this tremendous achievement, we are excited about the future. Jessica’s recognition as Woman of the Year marks a significant milestone, but it’s only the beginning of what we aim to accomplish. At Moonrise, we are committed to continuing our growth, expanding our services, and building on the foundations of care, inclusion, and opportunity that Jessica has laid over the last decade.
With a close-knit team and a clear vision for the future, we are ready for the road ahead—determined to provide exceptional care and to lead the way in creating a more inclusive society.
We invite you to explore more about Moonrise 24HR Recruitment and how we are making a difference in the world of care services, right here on our website. Thank you for being part of our journey, and here’s to even greater achievements in the years to come.