An Evening Celebrating Women Who Make a Difference
An unforgettable evening of inspiring stories, meaningful connections and a shared commitment to celebrating women who make a difference in our society.
On Monday, 26 October 2026, Villa Mdina welcomed an evening dedicated to celebrating women, their journeys and the causes they champion. The fifth edition of Mvintage Women of the Year brought together inspiring nominees, distinguished guests, supporters and partners for a celebration filled with emotion, recognition and joy.
From the first red carpet arrivals to the final moments of the evening, the atmosphere was one of excitement, warmth and genuine appreciation for the women whose actions and commitment inspire positive change.
A Red Carpet Welcome
The evening began at 6:30 PM, as nominees, guests and special invitees arrived at Villa Mdina for the red carpet reception.
The venue came alive with conversations, photographs, interviews and plenty of smiles. Guests enjoyed a welcome reception with an open bar and live music, taking the opportunity to reconnect, meet new people and celebrate together.
The red carpet was more than an opportunity to capture beautiful looks. It was the beginning of an evening dedicated to the stories, achievements and experiences of women who continue to make a difference in their communities.
An Evening with a Meaningful Mission
At 8:00 PM, host Claire Agius Ordway officially opened the ceremony, welcoming everyone to the fifth edition of Mvintage Women of the Year.
She was followed by Krystle Penza, founder of the initiative, who welcomed the audience and reflected on the purpose behind the event.
Mvintage Women of the Year is about more than recognition. It is about creating a platform where women's voices can be heard, their stories can reach a wider audience, and the causes they champion can receive the attention they deserve.
By bringing women, supporters and influential voices together, the initiative aims to encourage meaningful conversations, build connections and inspire positive change throughout society.
Welcoming Distinguished Guests
One of the highlights of the evening was the presence of Dr Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, who joined the celebration and delivered the keynote address.
Her participation added a special dimension to an evening focused on women's voices, leadership and the importance of creating opportunities for women to make an impact.
The ceremony also featured special addresses by Dr Lydia Abela and Sarah Bajada, both of whom have supported the initiative.
Their presence reinforced the importance of recognising women whose commitment, influence and actions encourage others to contribute positively to society.
Celebrating the Nominees
At the heart of the evening were the women whose stories embody the spirit of Mvintage Women of the Year.
The nominee recognition segment celebrated women from different backgrounds, each with a unique journey and a cause that matters.
- Althea Galea, an animal activist, represents the importance of compassion and continued efforts to improve animal welfare.
- Mallison Brincat, founder of Gluten Free Coeliacs Malta, has created a supportive community for people living with coeliac disease and their families. Through shared experiences, information and practical support, she helps others feel less alone as they navigate the challenges of everyday life.
- Gloriana Arpa Belli, singer and advocate for resilience, embodies the strength it takes to keep moving forward through life's challenges and to inspire others along the way.
- Klara Mallia, a breast cancer awareness advocate and relationship manager, uses her personal experience to encourage awareness and remind women of the importance of taking care of their health.
- Graziella Bartolo Pizzuto, through her daughter Faith and the Up and up with Faith community, works to challenge stereotypes surrounding Down syndrome, encourage inclusion and offer support to other families.
- Francesca Curmi, a Maltese tennis player, represents determination, ambition and the importance of encouraging young women to pursue their goals in sport and beyond. Although she could not attend in person, she shared her contribution remotely.
Each story offered a different perspective on what it means to make a difference. Together, they demonstrated that positive change can take many forms, from advocacy and community building to raising awareness, challenging misconceptions and inspiring others through personal example.
The recognition and gift presentations were a particularly meaningful part of the ceremony, allowing the audience to celebrate the women and the journeys that brought them to this moment.
A Celebration of Connection and Community
Beyond the formal programme, the evening was filled with moments that reflected the true spirit of the initiative: conversations between guests, shared smiles, photographs and opportunities to connect with people who care about making a difference.
The programme concluded with closing remarks by Francesca Penza, followed by floral tributes to our nominees, and an official group photograph bringing together key participants in the celebration.
The evening then continued with live entertainment and a relaxed celebration, giving guests more time to enjoy one another's company and reflect on the stories they had heard.
Thank You to Our Partners
An event of this kind is made possible through the support of organisations that share its vision.
Mvintage extends its sincere thanks to Busy Bee, MAPFRE Malta, The Malta Florist, Vini e Capricci, and Malta Daily for supporting the fifth edition of Mvintage Women of the Year.
Their contribution helped make the evening a special occasion for everyone involved.
More Than One Evening
The fifth edition of Mvintage Women of the Year was a reminder that recognising women should not be limited to a single night.
Every story shared, every conversation started and every connection made has the potential to reach someone else, encourage a new perspective or inspire action.
The evening at Villa Mdina brought together people who believe in the importance of celebrating women, amplifying their voices and supporting the causes they champion.
Above all, it was a joyful celebration of the women who continue to make a difference, often through actions that reach far beyond what we see.
Because when we give women a platform, we do more than celebrate their achievements. We help their stories inspire others.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for the fifth edition of Mvintage Women of the Year and helped make it such a memorable evening.
