Rupa Jones | Transformation and Strategy Controller | Sky Media
Throughout my career, I've traversed diverse industries, from Volvo to Christies before joining Sky in 2014 as a Lead Analyst. Evolving seamlessly, I assumed the role of Product Manager and presently serve as a Transformation and Strategy Controller.
My unwavering commitment to excellence propels me to deliver my best in every task, often proactively removing obstacles before they arise, earning the trust of colleagues and suppliers alike.
My contributions extend to pioneering solutions within Sky Media. Notably, the team who launched Web Attribution, revolutionising TV effectiveness measurement. Additionally, I managed the end-to-end delivery of the Shoppable QR Code Proof of Concept, leading to a nomination for “Best Use of Data & Creativity” at the Media Campaign awards.
As a key architect of the One Campaign for Ireland, I facilitated a ground-breaking advancement in media, enabling advertisers to purchase inventory across multiple platforms holistically.
My commitment to innovation and impact extends beyond professional endeavours. I co-lead the Minds Matter @ Sky Mental Health Leadership team, overseeing six workstreams. I also organise mentorship initiatives, such as Masterclass Series, and balance initiatives, ensuring colleagues maintain a healthy work-life balance.
In every pursuit, I approach with energy and passion, striving to achieve market-leading capabilities and foster a culture of giving back within Sky.
Roha Raheel | Cyber Security Vulnerability Management Specialist | WPP
As a south-east Asian woman, I always knew I wanted to become successful but didn’t have many role-models around me.
My parents always told me that I could achieve everything I ever wanted. With this mindset, I decided the sky was my limit. I’m Roha, a Cyber Security professional. After completing university, I went on to work for Sainsbury’s and run their Cyber Security Awareness programme. My experience spans over many sectors including Retail, Finance and now Marketing. Today I am helping lead a Cyber Vulnerability Management Programme for a global company. But as I progressed in my career, I couldn't ignore the fact that there weren't many women like me in cybersecurity. If women make up just 10% of the cyber workforce, how many of them are of colour? The answer is not many. It hit me that I had a responsibility to inspire and pave the way for future female leaders in this field. That is why I'm so passionate about advocating for Women in Tech. Seeing someone who looks like you in a position you aspire to be in can make all the difference, and I want to be that representation for others. I want to be the person I needed to see in the workplace growing up.
Finn Shorrock | Marketing Assistant | ZEDRA
Over the past six years, my professional journey has been rooted in marketing, where I've cultivated a passion for digital marketing.
With a particular emphasis on social media, website optimisation, email marketing, event invitations and management, as well as video creation, I've honed my skills and expertise in various components of the digital landscape.
My first employment was at an eCommerce company, this sharpened my focus on social media strategies, website creation, email marketing campaigns, and influencer collaborations, providing me with invaluable practical experience and insights into driving online engagement and conversions.
I started at my current company with a Digital Marketing apprenticeship, providing me with invaluable hands-on experience and a solid foundation to build my expertise and knowledge in the specialised industry that is the financial sector.
I've consistently gravitated towards leveraging digital platforms to create impactful campaigns and drive brand awareness and engagement. Whether making compelling email marketing strategies to nurture customer relationships or harnessing the power of social media to amplify brand messaging, I've always been motivated to stay updated on the latest technologies and trends to meet marketing objectives.
My diverse experiences have shaped me into a versatile marketer, capable of developing strategic campaigns and initiatives tailored to meet the unique needs of each project and audience.
Ali-Mai Joseph | Miss Nations International UK 2023/24 | Miss Nations International
Ali-Mai, a dynamic and accomplished individual, is a beacon of inspiration in the realms of leadership, community service, and cultural advocacy.
As a Young Ambassador for 'The Princes Trust' and 'Youth Employment UK,' Ali-Mai has earned accolades for her exceptional communication and leadership skills, including recognition from 'The Royal Bank of Scotland' and 'Team London.'
Her philanthropic journey is marked by successful fundraising for causes such as 'Big Red Nose Day' and 'Teen Cancer UK.' Ali-Mai's commitment to the 'National Autistic Society' is demonstrated through her completion of Level 1, 2, and 3 qualifications in Autism Awareness, coupled with her ambitious goal to establish a creative hub for individuals with autism.
A multitalented individual, Ali-Mai is a member of 'Hip Hop Shakespeare,' recognized by music artist 'Akala.' She leverages her spoken word talents to inspire and provoke thought, contributing to impactful performances that resonate with diverse audiences.
Ali-Mai's journey as a crowned Queen of Miss Nations International 2023/24 Pageant and also placing in Miss Caribbean UK reflects her commitment to celebrating Caribbean heritage and promoting positive change. Her love for Caribbean showcased through her musical talents, carnival participation, and aspiration to be an Ambassador for her country, underscores her cultural pride.
Beyond her achievements, Ali-Mai excels as an online tutor, motivational workshop leader, and multilingual communicator, reflecting her dedication to education and community empowerment. Her journey is a testament to resilience, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to making a lasting impact in various facets of her vibrant and purpose-driven career.
Rebekah Schelfhout | Partner - Sourcing Operations | Dentsu UK Limited
Becky, with 16 years of unwavering commitment at dentsu, currently serves as the Partner – Sourcing Operations within dentsu Media UK.
Over the past 4 years, she has actively championed borderless teaming and integration across different locations. Her passion for inclusivity has transformed the way dentsu collaborates globally.
Becky co-chairs the dentsu UK Parent & Carer network, advocating for parents to bring their whole selves to work. Her impact extends beyond words—she successfully introduced policies such as baby loss support, carers assistance, fertility and an expanded paid parental leave from 2 to 6 weeks. Becky’s commitment to family well-being is unwavering.
As part of the People & Culture (P&C) Committee, Becky fosters community, breaks barriers, and celebrates milestones. She collaborates with other network chairs, promoting diversity and inclusion. Balancing work and life, Becky works 3 days a week and proudly advocates for flexible arrangements. Her legacy at dentsu is one of leadership, compassion, and positive change.
Nicola McInnes | Communications Director, EMEA | Dentsu
Nicola is a passionate communications practitioner with over 13 years experience working across different sectors from Energy to Advertising where she has spent much of her recent career.
Nicola is a multi-discipline communications expert and has worked across employee and change communications, brand and content marketing, and is skilled at developing integrated communication strategies. Currently, Nicola leads communications for the EMEA region of Dentsu, working collaboratively across the MarComms network to deliver best in class communications for dentsu.
Mollie Leivars | Filmmaker | Spirit Productions
Hello! My name is Mollie Leivars and I am a writer/director based in the East Midlands.
I started writing and directing in 2019, making my first short film when I was 15, after moving over from the acting industry. Since then I've been lucky enough to work with schools and local police forces to showcase the films, have the shorts shown at film festivals across the UK and USA and teach/mentor young actors and filmmakers at the start of their careers.
Milica Lukic | Account Director | Adform
My career began while studying Advertising Management and Digital Communications at Buckinghamshire New University, where I engaged early with the world of media through assignments that involved briefs from media agencies.
This allowed me to fast-track into the world of advertising and land a job at Wavemaker, a media agency, as a Journey Activation Executive on its Vodafone team.
My tenure at Wavemaker provided me with an invaluable knowledge base that laid the foundation for my future endeavours. From there, I moved to work for a dynamic audio company, where I delved into the profound impact of sound on how consumers perceive a brand, before moving to work across Display, Connected TV, and Gaming, helping to expand my omnichannel expertise.
Two years ago, the opportunity to join Adform as an Account Director presented itself, marking a significant milestone in my career journey. Being part of a company that is so innovation-focused, passionate about the consumer, and growing at a rapid pace aligns perfectly with my values of drive and ambition.
Adform has also allowed me to champion a cause dear to me, sustainability. I am driving this heavily within the business through being part of the Interactive Advertising Bureau’s (IAB) Sustainability group.
Championing the representation of women in the male-dominated ad tech space is also something close to my heart, and I collaborate at every opportunity with like-minded women and men to ensure this cause is front and centre in the industry.
Kaia Nicholl | Reporter | Newsquest (East Anglian Daily Times)
Having graduated from the University of Lincoln in 2021, with a first-class degree in journalism, Kaia started work as a reporter at Suffolk News and its associated papers, including the Bury Free Press and the Suffolk Free Press.
In June 2023, she joined the East Anglian Daily Times where she covers the west Suffolk and Sudbury patch.
Jessica Frank-Keyes | Political Reporter | City A.M.
Jessica Frank-Keyes is a political reporter for City A.M., a business-focused newspaper based in the City of London.
She covers politics at Westminster and London’s City Hall and writes a fortnightly column exploring key issues in the worlds of politics and business.
Highlights of Jessica's first twelve months in the Lobby have included joining the press pack accompanying Rishi Sunak to COP28 in Dubai; covering the Conservative and Labour Party conferences - including interviewing shadow business secretary Jonathan Reynolds on the eve of Labour’s ‘Business Day’, and reporting on Sunak’s interview with X owner Elon Musk.
Before joining City A.M., Jessica worked at start-up news website LondonWorld as senior reporter. She led the title’s coverage of the ongoing crisis at the Met Police, including securing a series of exclusive interviews with the families of victims of the Stephen Port murders. She also revealed exclusive claims of alleged misconduct by police officers at Charing Cross Station, and tirelessly reported on the aftermath of Sarah Everard’s murder. This included dogged reporting on the Met Police’s efforts to convict protesters who attended the vigil, and an anniversary piece focusing on women’s safety.
Jessica graduated from the University of East Anglia in 2017 with a first-class BA in History and Politics, before joining the Eastern Daily Press as a trainee journalist. She studied for her NCTJ with PA Media - where she later worked as a Real Life Features reporter - and secured the media law and ethics award for her NQJ Senior exams.