Highlighting the women and organisations from our communities leading us into a fairer future.

Tomorrow can't come soon enough

A hundred thirty years is a long time to wait for something that’s long overdue. 
According to the World Economic Forum, that’s how much time it’ll take to close the gender gap in Educational Attainment, Health and Survival, Political Empowerment, and Economic Participation and Opportunity. 
For International Women’s Day 2024, we’re highlighting some of the women and organisations from our communities and the places we call ‘home’ who are making a head start. At the forefront of enterprises large and small, they’re showing us how it’s done.
Good things come to those who can’t wait.

Adejoké Bakare, Founder &amp; Chef, <a href="https://www.chishuru.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chishuru</a><a href="https://www.greatbritishchefs.com/chefs/adejoke-bakare" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> </a>(<a href="https://www.greatbritishchefs.com/chefs/adejoke-bakare" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Image</a>) 
<a href="https://www.chishuru.com/"></a>‘She’s the first black woman chef in the UK to win a Michelin star.’ 
<ul><li>Kully Samra, Senior Digital Designer			</li></ul>

Alice Williams, Founder &amp; CEO, <a href="https://luminarybakery.com/pages/about-us" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Luminary Bakery</a> (<a href="https://www.sustainweb.org/articles/the_bakery_social_entrepreneur/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Image</a>)<a href="https://luminarybakery.com/pages/about-us" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> </a>
<ul><li><a href="https://luminarybakery.com/pages/about-us" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"></a>Ian Roberts, IT Manager			</li></ul>

Anna Wintour, Editor-in-Chief, <a href="https://www.vogue.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Vogue </a>(<a href="https://www.adweek.com/brand-marketing/living-legend-anna-wintour-has-transformed-the-worlds-of-publishing-and-fashion-with-energy-purpose-and-style/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Image</a>) <a href="https://www.vogue.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> </a>‘She's a beacon of the fashion industry and gave a whole new meaning to the Vogue brand. She is an absolute inspiration of drive, determination and hard work.’ 

<ul><li>Maria Hurtado, Strategist</li></ul>

Anya Hindmarch, Founder &amp; CEO, <a href="https://eu.anyahindmarch.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Anya Hindmarch </a>(<a href="https://retailinasia.com/in-sectors/fashion-accessories/fashion/anya-hindmarch-on-attack-mode-for-global-growth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Image</a>)
‘She is down to earth and kind, an inspirational leader. I worked for her for four years, she remembered everyone in her company by name. She called her company the "AH family" and it really felt like that. She always celebrated everyone, reminding them that they were there and important to her because they were exceptional and she couldn’t do their jobs.	
<ul><li dir="ltr">Mina Beresford, Office Manager &amp; Cultural Events Lead</li></ul>

<a href="https://aurorajames.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aurora James</a>, Founder, <a href="https://brothervellies.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brother Vellies</a> &amp; <a href="https://15percentpledge.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The 15 Percent Pledge</a> and Vice Chair, <a href="https://jeanstories.com/the-stories/brother-vellies-aurora-james-in-frame/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Council of Fashion Designers of America </a>(<a href="https://jeanstories.com/the-stories/brother-vellies-aurora-james-in-frame/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Image</a>)<a href="https://jeanstories.com/the-stories/brother-vellies-aurora-james-in-frame/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> </a>
‘She founded her own label Brother Vellies, created the non-profit organisation The 15 Percent Pledge and is Vice Chair of the Council of Fashion Designers of America. I believe she is very inspirational for using the platform she had to help out other black entrepreneurs in the US by devising actionable strategies for retailers to readjust their product portfolios. Her success comes from empowering others which I think sets her apart as a business leader.’

Betty Bennett, CEO, <a href="https://apogeedigital.com/blog/womens-history-month-with-apogee-ceo-betty-bennett/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Apogee electronics</a> (<a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Interface-Musicians-Podcasters-Streamers-Microphone/dp/B0B6CZL33Q" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Image</a>)
'Recently, Bennett has become involved with We are Moving the Needle, an inclusive organisation working to create measurable change by empowering women in the recording and professional audio industry.'
<ul><li dir="ltr">Juan Fidalgo, Senior Designer</li></ul>

<a href="https://bigthink.com/perception-box/change-the-way-you-think-about-sex/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cindy Gallop</a>, Founder and CEO of MakeLoveNotPorn (<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/makelovenotporn/?originalSubdomain=es" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Image</a>)
'Cindy is simply a badass all around. A 63 year-old entrepreneur of British/Malaysian/Chinese background, her social sextech platform MakeLoveNotPorn promotes positive online sexual behaviour with the slogan, “Pro-sex. Pro-porn. Pro-knowing the difference.” While less than 2% of venture funding goes to women-led companies, and porn continues to be the main source of sex education for many, her ambition to end rape culture and socialise, normalise and de-stigmatise sex is truly inspiring.'
<ul><li dir="ltr">Mao Kawakami, Growth Manager</li></ul>

Erica Greci, Co-founder, <a href="https://www.tocamaderadesign.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tocamadera</a> (<a href="https://www.tocamaderadesign.com/about" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Image</a>)
<ul><li dir="ltr">Africa Lopez, Marketing Designer</li></ul>

Gloria Ruiz &amp; Maria Carmona, Founders, <a href="https://wearefido.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FIDO</a> (<a href="https://wearefido.org/about" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Image</a>)
While 70% of graphic design students are women, 89% of Creative Directors are men. FIDO is a professional platform raising awareness about the lack of equity in the design sector and enhancing women’s work in Design.

<a href="https://herminiaibarra.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Herminia Ibarra</a>, professor and author (<a href="https://champions-speakers.co.uk/speaker-agent/herminia-ibarra" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Image</a>)
‘She has the most perfect qualities of humility, courage, vulnerability, and the ability to communicate simply. I've bought and given away so many of her books (well over 100) and she continues to inspire me with the way she approaches seemingly impossible challenges.’
<ul><li>Morgan Holt, Chief Strategy Officer</li></ul>

<a href="https://keelycatwells.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Keely Cat-Wells</a>, Founder, <a href="https://making-space.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Making Space</a> (<a href="https://www.facebook.com/KeelyCatWells/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Image</a>)
‘Keely was <a href="https://saffron-consultants.com/work/making-space" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">our client</a> and founder of Making Space. She is a Disability rights advocate and a super successful entrepreneur making a positive social impact.’
<ul><li dir="ltr">Jorge Müller, Senior Strategist</li></ul>

May Chow, Chef/Owner, <a href="https://www.little-bao.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Little Bao</a> and <a href="https://www.happyparadise.hk/about" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Happy Paradise</a>, named Asia's Best Female Chef in 2017 (<a href="https://www.timeout.com/singapore/news/asia-best-female-chef-may-chow-holding-popup-in-singapore-020224" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Image</a>)
‘As a big foodie, Little Bao is one of my all time favourite restaurants back home. Because you can never go wrong with a delicious bao in hand. What founder May Chow does so well is blend brand with food perfectly. A restaurant is as much about the food as the story it tells and most importantly the experience you have. From the deliciously well crafted menu to the design of the menu itself, all these little details matter.’		
<ul><li dir="ltr">Carmen Rodriguez Lo, Strategist</li></ul>

Melanie Perkins, CEO &amp; Co-founder, <a href="https://www.canva.com/en_gb/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Canva</a> (<a href="https://time.com/collection/next-generation-leaders/6278544/melanie-perkins/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Image</a>)
‘Canva inspires me as it was created out of necessity which nowadays is difficult to find. I would 100% recommend Canva to other people.’
<ul><li>Fernanda Duque de Estrada, Business Development Coordinator</li></ul>

Mette Lykke, CEO, <a href="https://www.toogoodtogo.com/es/business/?utm_medium=Search&amp;utm_source=Google&amp;utm_campaign=ES_B2B_Paid_Marketing_Search_Google_Brand&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gclid=CjwKCAiA6KWvBhAREiwAFPZM7lLBWKmft-ZbwkNRCHc8f7GjhTsewPgZGSzksU1ZD6S9aDpEEzBvFBoCk5wQAvD_BwE" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Too Good to Go</a> (<a href="https://www.berlingske.dk/virksomheder/dansk-superivaerksaetter-boern-og-ivaerksaetteri-kan-godt-gaa-haand-i" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Image</a>)
‘Too Good to Go tackles a real problem: food waste. CEO Mette Lykke made a bold move to quit consultancy and start her own thing to pursue entrepreneurship. I think that bravery is admirable.’

Natalia Kopiszka, Founder of <a href="https://kopi.com.pl/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">KOPI</a> (<a href="https://kopi.com.pl/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Image</a>)
‘Natalia's work and dreamy retail spaces are infused with vibrant and positive feminine energy.’
<ul><li dir="ltr">Joanna Paczkowska, Motion Designer</li></ul>

<a href="https://referentas.si/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Referentas</a> (<a href="https://referentas.si/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Image</a>)
<ul><li>Nacho Gago, Lead Designer</li></ul>

Tamara Cohen, Founder, <a href="https://www.mazalmadrid.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mazál Bagels</a> (<a href="https://elpais.com/gastronomia/2023-05-21/el-bagel-el-pan-de-origen-judio-consagrado-en-nueva-york-que-se-abre-paso-en-espana.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Image</a>)
‘As a New Yorker living in Madrid for almost a decade, Tamara's Mazál Bagels brings the two cities together and makes me feel at home. What inspires me? Tamara's starting in Madrid as a teacher and then hustling to build this business from scratch. The way she's brought her Philly and Sephardic Jewish identities to the project, as well as her incredible work ethic and dedication that never lets up as Mazál keeps growing. The way she remembers her customers and the passion she puts into the details. I couldn't recommend Mazál more. Best bagels in Spain and an entrepreneur who brings joy to her chosen home city.’
<ul><li dir="ltr">Liz Moe, Marketing Director</li></ul>

<a href="https://tetayteta.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Teta y Teta</a> (<a href="https://www.lacasitadewendy.com/product/pantalon-teta/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Image</a>)
‘Puts under the spotlight everything that's important for women and society at large, from breast cancer to #freethenipple to female inmates’ lives and issues to other inspiring women to everything that is taboo about women to... you name it.’
<ul><li dir="ltr">Elena Espinosa, Client Director</li></ul>

Verònica Fuerte, <a href="https://heystudio.es/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hey Design Studio</a> (<a href="https://tortugaforma.co/blogs/home/veronica-fuerte-of-hey-studio" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Image</a>)
‘It appears to me as if Veronica is encouraging, bold and endlessly curious. Feels like she is paving the way for a generation of (female) leaders.’
<ul><li>Lisa Fleck, Senior Designer</li></ul>

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