Revealed ahead of International Women’s Day 2023 in support of its #EmbraceEquity theme, the Trailblazer50 list highlights incredible individuals working tirelessly to make society a better place for women.
This is the second Trailblazer50 listing to recognise and celebrate those who step outside of their day job to drive conversations around domestic violence against women and girls, period poverty, race, menopause, FGM, child marriage and social mobility.
From health, banking and law to sports, charity and broadcasting, these 50 equity trailblazers include activists, athletes, professors, CEOs, mentors and writers. Despite their different backgrounds, they share one common goal: to change the way we perceive equity and to spearhead meaningful action.
“First and foremost, our Trailblazer50 seeks to bring public recognition of the impact and influence these changemakers are having on society. In the spirit of their work and aspirations, we asked each trailblazer what action they would like to see organisations or the government take to drive gender equity.”
– Vanessa Vallely OBE, CEO of WeAreTheCity
“Across every sector and community we need to shift our understanding and relationship with our own health. It’s an absolute truth: prevention is better than cure. Employers need to put supporting staff wellbeing on their agendas and the government needs to fund and prioritise public health initiatives.” Athena Lamnisos, CEO, Eve Appeal
“The key to true gender equity is education. We know that not only does education provide women and girls access to more opportunities, but it can also provide our male counterparts with the knowledge on how they, too, can, and should, fight for a more just and equal world.” Jaspreet Kaur, Award-winning Poet, Writer and Educator
“I would urge companies to redouble their efforts to unlock vital sources of early stage funding, continue inspiring young girls into entrepreneurship and boost the business opportunities for female founders. We know that unlocking the potential of female entrepreneurs is crucial to securing gender equity and that £250bn could be added to the UK economy if women matched men in starting and scaling businesses.” Dame Alison Rose CBE, CEO, NatWest Group plc
“The government and organisations need to better understand and address gender experiences and outcomes. For example, action needs to be taken regarding the disproportionate number of Black women affected by obstetric challenges such as heavy periods and fibroids and the impact of these on their careers and everyday lives. Crucially, action must be taken to address the number of Black women dying in childbirth.” Dr Nicola Rollock, Professor of Social Policy & Race, King’s College London & Author, The Racial Code
“Normalising a shared approach to parental leave and caring responsibilities more generally. We will not make the progress we need in gender equity in the workplace if the burden stays on one set of shoulders.” Amy Cashman, Executive Managing Director, Kantar Insights, UK & Ireland
“Flexible working from day one for everyone; by default. So, the onus is on the employer to prove why it wouldn’t work, not on the employee to prove why it would.” Anna Whitehouse, Founder, Mother Pukka
HSBC Bank has kindly sponsored the 2023 Trailblazer50 List and is also hosting a networking lunch at its HQ in Canary Wharf towards the end of March. The aim of this is to enable the trailblazers to come together to connect, hear each other’s stories, share best practice and further strengthen their resolve to bring about change.
“Change takes courage and commitment. The Trailblazer50 list is full of people who are making a real difference in our community and furthering our collective goal of equality and inclusion. We applaud the recipients and congratulate them on the impact they’re making,”
– Sam Cooper-Gray, Head of Market Strategy and Engagement, Global Business Banking, HSBC
May
15may10:0011:00Legal Essentials | Supporting Women at Work
15/05/2025 10:00 - 11:00(GMT+01:00)
89% of working women say their health issues negatively affect their work, but only 1 in 3 feel supported by their employer. It’s no longer
It’s no longer enough to raise awareness, organisations must take legally informed, practical action to support women’s health in the workplace.
Join me and Hannah Strawbridge, Employment Lawyer, for this session where we’ll uncover the top legal risks employers face and how to avoid them when it comes to menopause, menstrual health, fertility, pregnancy, and more.
You’ll gain:
A clear understanding of the legal risks around women’s health
Insight into the practical steps you can take
Discover how you can to turn awareness into action
Date: Thursday 15th May 2025
Time: 10:00 – 10.45am
15may16:0016:45Empowering Pupil Wellbeing | Free Primary Stars Webinar & Resources
15/05/2025 16:00 - 16:45(GMT+00:00)
Join us on Thursday 15 May 2025 for a free, live webinar designed to help teachers confidently support pupil self-esteem, emotional wellbeing, and mental resilience. Hosted
Hosted during Mental Health Awareness Week, this session features expert insights from the Mental Health Foundation, Dr Claire-Marie Roberts (Performance Director at Coventry City FC and Chartered Psychologist) and Ruth Elborn (Education Mental Health Practitioner and former teacher).
You’ll discover:
16mayAll DayEmpower Female Founders Conference
16/05/2025 All Day(GMT+01:00)
Kraken Technology Centre
Pariser Building, 168AA, Sackville St, Manchester M1 7JR, M1 7JR
Empower Female Founders is a unique event designed by female founders for female founders,
Equipping them with the tools needed to overcome challenges and achieve success in their entrepreneurial journeys.By providing a supportive community and sharing experiences, Empower Female Founders aims to empower women to redefine their potential, amplify their impact, and thrive in their sector.
In May 2025 we will welcome 100 female founders to this one of a kind event in Manchester.
Empower Female Founders is far from your traditional conference set up. We’ve spoken to our community of Female Founders and we know what’s needed is practical action, answers to the important questions and to gain knowledge from those who have been there and done it.
The day will be built around fast-paced workshop sessions and collaboration providing the opportunity not just to learn but to connect with female founders sharing the same journey.
Our focus is on building confidence, developing a growth mindset, and providing a supportive community that empowers women to overcome challenges and achieve success.
The day will be built around panels featuring Female Founders sharing what’ it’s really like to be a Female Founder, an opportunity to ask fellow Female Founders for their advice as industry experts, celebrating and reframing the narrative around success and ambition.
There will also be an Action learning workshop on Growth Mindset led by Empower Co Founder Beckie Taylor and a fast-paced knowledge share sessions providing the opportunity not just to learn but to connect with female founders sharing the same journey.
09:00 Registration and Networking
09:30 Welcome from Beckie Taylor, Co-Founder, Empower
09:45 Panel : What it’s REALLY like to be a Female Founder
10:30 Action Learning – Female Founder Mindset
11:30 Coffee and Networking
11:45 Panel : Ask The Experts
12:30 Morning Close
12:30 Lunch & Networking
13:30 Welcome Back, Beckie Taylor, Co-Founder, Empower
13:35 Knowledge Share Session
15:15 Coffee and Networking
15:30 Panel – Celebrating Success and Ambition
16:15 Thanks and closing remarks
16:30 Cocktails and Mocktails
18:30 Close
19may18:0020:30The Future of Fairness in Leadership and Business | WBS
19/05/2025 18:00 - 20:30(GMT+01:00)
WBS at the Shard
London, SE1 9SG
This is your chance to engage in powerful dialogue and spark meaningful change in your professional sphere. After the panel discussion, network with peers from across industries
After the panel discussion, network with peers from across industries over drinks and canapés, against the vibrant backdrop of London.
This event is held annually in collaboration with our partners We are the City, Women Engineering Society, Forte, City Women Network and 30% Chair; We are delighted to welcome a distinguished line-up of keynote speakers:
Dr Dawn Eubanks – Associate Professor of Behavioural Science & EI and Panel Chair
Rukasana Bhaijee – Global Head of DEI at the Financial Times. A DEI leader with over 13 years of experience across media, technology, professional services, and higher education. Formerly led DEI for Google’s EMEA tech division and consulted at EY, Rukasana brings deep expertise in strategy, race equity, and inclusive culture change.
Geraldine Gallacher – CEO of the Executive Coaching Consultancy, author of Coaching Women: Changing the System, Not the Person, and City Women Network Board member.
Mark Swain – WBS Client Director & Executive Coach, and Fellow of The Learning and Performance Institute. With over 20 years experience in leadership development Mark has developed a framework supporting Women in Strategy.
Ben Evans – New Business Director, AtkinsRéalis, ED&I Advocate and Warwick MBA Alumnus (2013)
Together, they’ll share their invaluable insights, strategies, and real-world experiences in fostering fairness and driving success in today’s dynamic and changing corporate landscape.
Key Topics Include:
Whether you’re a mid-career professional, an established leader, or an entrepreneur passionate about shaping the future of fairness, this event will leave you inspired and equipped to make a lasting impact.
Free
21may12:0013:00Master the Art of Incredible Interviews | WeAreTheCity & City CV
21/05/2025 12:00 - 13:00(GMT+01:00)
WeAreTheCity & City CV are thrilled to present a
Do interviews leave you feeling uneasy, underprepared or unsure of how to showcase your best self? Are you stuck in a loop of missed opportunities, wondering how to stand out and seal the deal? You’re not the only one. On average, people apply for 27 roles before they land just one interview.
But don’t worry – you’re in the right place. Whether it’s been years since your last interview, you’re chasing a promotion or new role, or simply trying to stay sharp, this free one-hour masterclass will give you the edge to win your next role. Your interview isn’t just a conversation – it’s a marketing pitch where you’re the product. Discover how to demonstrate your value, convince employers you’re the best investment they can make, and leave them thinking, “We’d be foolish not to hire you.”
In this jam-packed session, Victoria McLean, Founder & CEO of City CV, guides you through the art of wowing interviewers. With a proven track record of helping people at all career levels secure their dream roles, Victoria brings decades of expertise, countless success stories and award-winning career strategies to the table.
What you’ll learn:
Looking for more career support? Explore our Career Resources page. Ready to take the next step? Browse the latest opportunities on our Job Board and find your perfect role today!
23may10:0012:00Online* Pelvic Floor Recovery Workshop FREE | Karen Ellis - Postnatal Recovery Expert
23/05/2025 10:00 - 12:00(GMT+01:00)
With former Midwife, Karen Ellis. *Available on replay. Exactly how to rebuild strength in your pelvic floor after pregnancy. All the information you should have got from
All the information you should have got from your midwife about how to recover your pelvic floor PROPERLY after having a baby and how to exercise SAFELY so you can smile with excitement and enjoy the moment when your toddler takes your hand and pulls you towards the bouncy castle instead of the feeling of dread taking over as you decline their invitation.
You are a mum who;
And so you can have dry knickers!
Free