WIBA Awards And Alice Dimplz, What Transpired

The WIBA 2025 Awards (Women in Business Awards) are back—bigger, bolder, and more influential than ever. Celebrated as one of the most prestigious platforms recognizing female excellence across industries, the WIBA Awards shine a spotlight on the world’s most innovative, impactful, and inspiring women in business, entrepreneurship, tech, leadership, and philanthropy.

At the WIBA (Women in Business Awards) 2025 ceremony held in Cannes, France, hairstylist and influencer Alice Dimplz experienced a controversial moment that has sparked widespread discussion online.

What Happened:

Alice Dimplz was invited to receive an award at the prestigious WIBA Awards. However, reports indicate that she was not called to the stage during the main event. Instead, she received her trophy after the ceremony had concluded and most attendees had departed. Alice shared her experience on social media, expressing feelings of humiliation and disappointment. In a video, she stated, "They gave me my award after the event was over and everyone had left the room" .

Community Reaction:

The incident has garnered significant attention on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Many users have expressed support for Alice, criticizing the WIBA organizers for their handling of the situation. A TikTok video captioned "Hairstylist Alice Dimplz Humiliated At WIBA Award In France!" has gone viral, highlighting the community's outrage .

WIBA's Response:

As of now, there has been no official statement from the WIBA Awards organizers addressing the incident.

The experience of Alice Dimplz at the WIBA 2025 Awards has raised questions about inclusivity and recognition in global award ceremonies. The lack of acknowledgment during the main event, followed by the delayed presentation of her award, has been perceived by many as a significant oversight. The incident underscores the importance of ensuring that all honorees are celebrated appropriately and respectfully.

What Are the WIBA Awards?

WIBA stands for Women in Business Awards—an annual global award ceremony that honors outstanding women who have made significant contributions in their fields. From groundbreaking entrepreneurs to top-level executives, the WIBA Awards celebrate leadership, innovation, and social impact.

Categories include:

Entrepreneur of the Year

Tech Innovator

Social Impact Leader

Startup Star

Creative Leader

Global Visionary

Local Heroine

Young Trailblazer (Under 30)

Why WIBA 2025 Matters in Your Region

Africa Rising:

African women are making waves in sectors like fintech, agriculture, e-commerce, and renewable energy. WIBA 2025 provides a platform for trailblazing African women—especially in countries like Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, and Ghana—to gain international visibility.

North America:

The U.S. and Canada remain hotbeds for female-founded unicorns and disruptive startups. The 2025 edition places a spotlight on Silicon Valley founders, Wall Street leaders, and social entrepreneurs breaking the status quo.

Europe:

From Berlin’s AI pioneers to London’s fintech queens, WIBA continues to recognize European innovation, with a focus on sustainability, diversity, and digital transformation.

Australia & Asia-Pacific:

As Asia leads in digital adoption and innovation, WIBA 2025 features rising stars from India, China, Indonesia, and Australia, with strong emphasis on tech-for-good, e-commerce, and health tech.

From a professional standpoint, the Alice Dimplz and WIBA 2025 incident reveals several critical issues in the realm of brand management, event ethics, and equity in recognition. Let's break it down with clarity, supported by facts, principles, and a few vivid metaphors.

1. Recognition Without Visibility Is Like Applause in an Empty Room

Award ceremonies are symbolic stages, not just functional handouts. An award given after the lights are turned off is no longer a celebration—it becomes a consolation.

Fact: Public recognition is one of the core principles of awards in any field—be it Oscars, Nobel, or industry-specific events like WIBA. Visibility is part of the reward.

Imagine a standing ovation given after the actor has already left the stage. No matter how loud, it carries no weight if the performer can't feel it.

2. Brand Reputation is Built on Consistency and Respect

WIBA has branded itself as a champion for women globally. Alice Dimplz, a hairstylist who rose to fame by empowering people through beauty and identity, represents the grassroots creativity WIBA claims to honor.

Fact: According to social psychology research, public mishandling of individuals—especially marginalized or creative professionals—often results in reputational blowback for institutions (Harvard Business Review).

You can't claim to be building a bridge if you ignore the people waiting to cross it. WIBA extended the invitation but failed to walk Alice across with dignity.

3. Microaggressions in High Places Spark Global Fires

Some see this as a “logistical mistake” or “timing error.” But in global diversity and inclusion conversations, intent matters less than impact.

Fact: Failing to properly recognize a Black creative professional—especially on an international platform—adds to the long list of perceived microaggressions and oversight in elite spaces.

It's like being invited to a feast but made to eat alone in the kitchen. The food may be the same, but the message is completely different.

4. The Age of Receipts: Social Media Is the Court of Public Opinion

Alice’s sharing of her experience online changed the narrative. Institutions no longer control the story—they only control their response. Silence, in such a case, is a statement of its own.

Fact: Over 75% of Gen Z and Millennials say they form opinions about brands and organizations based on how they handle public criticism (Edelman Trust Barometer, 2023).

A dropped vase can be glued back together, but the cracks will always show unless you redesign the entire shelf it stood on.

Professional Recommendations to WIBA:

Public Acknowledgment – Release a transparent statement explaining what happened, acknowledging any oversight.

Restorative Act – Offer Alice a formal spotlight—interview, feature, or segment to reclaim her moment.

Audit & Equity Review – Ensure that award processes are equitable, inclusive, and free from reputational risks going forward.

Final Thought

WIBA has the platform, power, and prestige to not only celebrate women—but to do so with justice and intention. As for Alice Dimplz, she reminded us of a powerful truth:

Recognition isn't just about the trophy. It's about being seen.

And no global stage should ever dim the spotlight when it's time to celebrate a woman’s light.