Property investment specialist Ayesha Ofori has won the Women of the Future Award for Real Estate, Infrastructure and Construction.

The Women of the Future Awards celebrate the most innovative, determined and talented young women from across the UK in every field – from media and science, to sport and mentorship.

Ofori was among the winners that were announced at the event in London, attended by former Prime Minister Theresa May, on November 7.

A familiar face to Property Investor Today readers, Ofori formally launched property investment communities PropElle and the Black Property Network earlier this year.

PropElle focuses on empowering women through property and self-investment, while the Black Property Network is a group for those in the UK of black heritage and those of other minority groups, focusing on increasing financial literacy and financial stability through property.

Through a combination of targeted networking events, educational seminars and workshops, mentoring and other affordable services, Ofori aims to break through two of the most significant barriers to entry for investment: lack of knowledge and lack of a support system. The two groups have been successful, boasting over 600 members in just six months.

Ofori first began investing in property several years ago as a hobby, and went on to build a personal property portfolio before setting out on her own and founding three property businesses.

Since then, she has received numerous awards and accolades, named one of Management Today’s 35 Women Under 35, a Property Week Resi Trailblazer, Businesswoman of the Year, and one of the UK’s 30 Most Inspiring Entrepreneurs.

Commenting on the award, she said: “It was an honour to have been shortlisted for this award, and to win is incredible. I’m grateful to the judges for choosing me, and to the Women of the Future community for giving me a platform to continue my work.”

“That night, I was announced to the audience as a ‘change maker’. I’m determined to do all I can to live up to those words. My aim is to democratise property investment, and to positively impact the lives of those who need it the most. There’s plenty more to come, so watch this space.”

As part of our Women in Property Investment series, Ofori spoke on the importance of a brick and mortar education for women. We also took a closer look at the women that are breaking down barriers in property investment and a manager who is leading the short-let market boom.