10/03/2025
The SHINE Together CIC International Women's Day 2025 Conference was a powerhouse of inspiration, resilience, and empowerment â
From perseverance in the face of bias to breaking barriers and driving change, our incredible speakers shared stories that resonated deeply.
Our Keynote speaker, Director of People, Policy and Culture at YMCA, Nicola Thompson-Windley spoke of her journey through adversity: navigating bias, feeling like an outsider, and ultimately finding spaces to thrive and uplift others.
I. Stephanie Boyce FKC, FRSA, Honorary Professor of Law and former President of Law Society of England and Wales, reminded us that success isnât always immediate...it took her four attempts to achieve her historic milestone.
Linda Neville, Founder and CEO of Strive with SanaMente shared how gender inequality in the workplace drove her to build her own business: one that now supports people in managing mental health and leading productive lives.
David Hayes, Director of David Hayes Export Controls, talked about his long-standing passion of supporting women to develop their businesses.
Nikhil Mistry, a global award-winning filmmaker, reflected on the strong female leaders in his life and how they shaped his perspective on leadership and achievement.
But this conference was more than just a gathering: it was a catalyst for change.
⨠Every story told was a reminder of the power of persistence.
⨠Every insight shared paved the way for greater equity.
⨠Every success story inspired another to rise.
As we move forward, letâs take these lessons into our workplaces, communities, and personal lives: lifting others, creating space for every voice, and driving the change the world needs.
đ Together, we shine brighter. Together, we make an impact đ
Huge thanks to Paul Brown, CEO of YMCA Leicestershire who so graciously hosted us this year, and to Leanne Bonner-Cooke MBE and Sandra Po***ck OBE MA, Co-Directors of Shine Together CIC for bringing us such an excellent panel of speakers again this year.
