The Shine Together CIC International Women’s Day 2025 Conference was a powerhouse of inspiration, examples of resilience, fortitude and persistence.
Our keynote speaker, Nicola Thompson-Windley Director of People, Policy and Culture at YMCA, shared her journey of tremendous perseverance through the biases of others, the sense of not fitting in, to eventually finding spaces where she could use both her experiences and skills to support others.
I. Stephanie Boyce, Honorary Professor of Law and former President of Law Society of England and Wales, shared that it took four attempts before she achieved this historic aim.
In addition, we heard from Linda Neville, Founder and CEO of SanaMente whose own experience with gender inequality in the workplace motivated her to branch out on her own to create a thriving business that supports people to manage their mental health and live productive lives.
David Hayes, Director of David Hayes Exports Controls, talked about his long-standing passion of supporting women to develop their businesses, and Nikhil Mistry, global award-winning filmmaker who shared his experience of growing up where he saw the women in his life as strong leaders and achievers.
The Shine Together CIC International Women’s Day 2025 Conference was not just an event, it was a catalyst for change, a celebration of resilience, and a testament to the power of perseverance. Through the voices of our esteemed speakers, we were reminded that every challenge overcome is a step toward greater equity, every barrier broken paves the way for future generations, and every success story inspires another.
As we move forward, let us carry the wisdom and strength shared today into our workplaces, communities, and personal lives. Let us continue to uplift, empower, and create spaces where all voices are heard and valued. Together, we shine brighter, and together, we drive the change the world needs.
Huge thanks to Paul Brown, CEO of YMCA Leicester who so graciously hosted us this year, and to Leanne Bonner-Cooke MBE and Sandra Pollock OBE, Co-Directors of Shine Together CIC for bringing us such an excellent panel of speakers.
