Three women from Milton Keynes City Council have been named in The Planner magazine’s Women of Influence 2026 list, published to mark International Women’s Day.
The annual list celebrates 50 women across the planning sector who have made a significant contribution to planning practice, policy and public engagement. Nominations are submitted by readers of The Planner and reviewed by an independent panel of senior practitioners.
Representing Milton Keynes:
Cllr Shanika Mahendran, Cabinet Member for Planning and Placemaking
Cllr Mahendran is recognised for her leadership in promoting a positive vision for planning in Milton Keynes and role in supporting investment into the city. She has contributed to national discussions on housing and economic growth, including appearances on PlannerPod and at the National Planning Conference.
Nouvella Kusi, Senior Planning Officer
Nouvella is acknowledged for her innovative digital engagement work through her @urbanplan_her platform, which has reached more than 150,000 people. Her approach is helping to make planning discussions more accessible and to involve communities that are often underrepresented in formal consultation processes.
Charlotte Stevens, Local Plan Team Leader
Charlotte is recognised for leading the preparation of the Milton Keynes City Plan 2050 and coordinating a significant body of evidence for consultation. She has championed digital tools to modernise engagement and has worked to embed public health principles into the plan.
“It’s an honour to be included in this year’s list alongside colleagues who do such important work for our city. I am proud to be part of a council that creates space for women to lead, to innovate and to thrive. Milton Keynes City Council is full of talented women who make a real difference every day, and it is wonderful to see that recognised on a national stage.”