Nicole Noelia Mihailovici | Social entrepreneur, Writer, Engineer | Little Globy
Nicole Noelia Mihailovici is a British student born in December 2005, currently studying Information Technology (IT) with a passion for education, sustainability, and creative expression.
As a co-author of an educational story focused on environmental protection and sustainability, Nicole collaborates with her mother, Dr. Cristina-Steliana Mihailovici, to inspire young readers to take care of the planet. Beyond her academic pursuits, Nicole is a talented poet and performer. She has showcased her poetry at several cultural and literary events, including Our Green Planet (2022), Liverpool Irish Festival (2023), and Fair Story Tale (2023), among others. Through her poetry, she explores themes of nature, culture, and social responsibility, using her voice to advocate for positive change. Nicole is also a member of the Liverpool City region Combined Authority Youth Committee. Her involvement in environmental storytelling and literary festivals highlights her commitment to raising awareness about sustainability and cultural diversity. As a young creative mind in both technology and the arts, Nicole continues to blend her skills in IT, literature, and advocacy, making a meaningful impact in her community.
Saba Maskin | Principle Energy and Sustainability Engineer | WSP
Changemaker focused on holistic environmental improvement, reducing carbon and optimising energy use in the built environment and beyond.
Promoting sustainable solutions that extend past our surroundings inspiring change and a positive global impact.
Sarah Picasso | Human Rights Manager | Sainsbury's
I am passionate about making a positive difference in the world. Throughout my career, I have aspired to make businesses a force for good, by contributing to flourishing and thriving communities where people are empowered and celebrated.
As a Human Rights Manager for a large UK retailer, I aim to improve the livelihoods and resilience of the people working in global food supply chains - from tea pluckers in Kenya to cocoa farmers in Ghana and many more. Previously, I worked to advance organisations’ sustainability practices as a sustainability consultant. I supported businesses to develop sustainability strategies, helped organisations to receive funding for much-needed climate change projects, and advanced women’s economic empowerment through international development programmes. I am a passionate advocate for gender equality and I fervently believe in empowering women, men and people of diverse genders. In addition to my role as a Human Rights Manager, I play a leading role in my business’ colleague network on gender. I lead the Voice and Culture workstream, where we aim to drive a positive and inclusive culture within our business, and support all our colleagues to achieve their potential, regardless of gender. I volunteered for Refuge as a National Domestic Abuse Helpline Volunteer for two years. My journey reflects my passionate pursuit of meaningful change for people, wherever they are in the world. I believe in the transformative power of truly diverse and empowered workforces, and I aspire to continue playing my part in creating an inclusive and equitable future for everyone.
Fatou Ferraro Mboup | Writer, Journalist & Editor | SCREENSHOT Media
I'm a Staff Writer & Editor at SCREENSHOT Media, covering cultural and political discussions, specifically the ones being had online.
My journey into journalism began at Birkbeck University, where I studied Journalism and Media with a focus on Critical Race Studies and Postcolonial Thought. This academic background has given me a detailed understanding of cultural identity, diaspora dynamics, and the intersection of race, history, and media representation. My experience includes a six-month internship at The Guardian, where I contributed to editorial projects, followed by a role at The Borgen Project, working on global poverty advocacy. I also contributed to a project launched by The Borgen Project, which focused on tackling female genital mutilation (FGM). These experiences shaped my commitment to inclusive storytelling and broadened my perspective on the media’s role in effecting social change. As a mixed-race individual—half Italian, half Senegalese—I’m passionate about amplifying underrepresented voices, particularly in media, especially the entertainment sector. My studies and personal experiences drive me to challenge stereotypes and champion narratives that reflect diverse backgrounds. At SCREENSHOT Media, I’m focused on expanding my work within Black, or more broadly, global entertainment spaces. My goal is to create content that not only entertains but also engages with crucial social issues. I believe inclusive media is key to fostering representation and understanding, and I’m eager to continue making an impact in both mainstream and independent media.
Abigail Noonan | Digital Marketing Manager | Vision Linens
Abigail Noonan immigrated to the UK in 2019 to attend the Alliance Manchester Business School where she was given an award for Best Sustainability Dissertation, and a First Class degree.
Abigail then worked for Lifeshare, the oldest homelessness charity in Manchester for three years helping to raise awareness and funds with media coverage including Granada Reports, ITV Radio, BBC Radio 3, Times Radio Manchester, Hits Radio, Steph's Packed Lunch and The Metro. Abby also developed their corporate partnerships and volunteering programme which coordinated with companies including Amazon, Syngenta, Natwest, and AstraZeneca. Her work there won her a Manchester Young Talent Award in 2023 for Marketing and Communications Professional of the year as well as the Northwest Business Insider Young Professional Award for Business Development Professional of the Year in 2024. Abby now works for Vision Linens, one of the most respected hospitality textile suppliers around the Globe. Abby was named to the Northern Power Women Future List in 2024 and has been featured on panels at the Midlands Ecommerce Retail Summit, Insider Media Sales Summit North West, Telecom's Connected North, and Connected Britain. Abby is currently the Deputy President of the Manchester chapter of JCI.
Charlene Gravesande | Founder | Ink Media Ltd
I've been in the industry for over 16 years. I started off as a production runner, making teas and coffees but I always had the ambition of being a Sports Producer.
After three years as a runner, I was promoted to Production Junior before taking up multiple roles including an F1 Producer. In my previous organisation I was and still remain the only Black woman Producer in the F1 department. Last year, I left to start my own sports media production company. My new venture is the first of it's kind, specialising in thought-provoking content in Football and Formula One. My mission is to tell stories from the lens of underrepresented communities that aren't being told in mainstream media. Creating a safe space for individuals in sports to be unapologetically themselves through the art of storytelling. My career contributions include producing live content at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in 2021, which won a BAFTA. I've also been named on the Premier League Football Black List in 2020, crowned the winner of the Game Changer in Sport Businesswoman of the Year in 2023. I had my most successful year in 2024 after winning three awards, including being named on the Diversity Power List 50 alongside the likes of the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan. It's an honours list of inspirational diverse people driving change in the UK. My leadership and dedication to inclusion have had a significant impact on the sports world, pushing for more diverse and equitable systems.
Clare Gore | Marketing Manager | EY
As the current Marketing Manager leading AI initiatives for EY UK, I am driven by a passion for adding value and transforming the marketing landscape.
My career has been characterised by a commitment to breaking down traditional barriers and advocating for marketing as a powerful business driver. A notable achievement has been the seamless integration of brand awareness and demand generation strategies, ensuring that customer journeys are interconnected and aligned. This holistic approach has allowed me to effectively guide clients through the marketing funnel aligned with business development. Recognising the need for confidence and proactivity, I have consistently challenged the status quo with innovative ideas, taking full responsibility for my actions. This journey has taught me to navigate challenges, whether they involve GDPR compliance or conflicting viewpoints, whilst maintaining a focus on business growth and confidence among clients. With extensive experience in orchestrating successful go-to-market campaigns, I specialise in strategies that resonate with target audiences and enhanced user journeys. My background in product marketing, coupled with my role in running the EY Entrepreneur of the Year program in the Midlands previously, has enriched my understanding of innovation and leadership. I believe in fostering a collaborative environment where every team member's contributions are valued. I bring a unique blend of strategic vision, digital expertise, and a passion and energy for driving growth. I don't fear failure I view it as an essential part of growth and innovation and we should all embrace it.
Ella Greenwood | Filmmaker & Entrepreneur | Broken Flames
I'm a filmmaker and the Founder of Broken Flames Productions, which focuses on mental health-based projects.
Recent films include 'Smudged Smile' starring BAFTA Winner Mia McKenna-Bruce, 'Self-Charm' starring BAFTA Winner Bukky Bakray, and 'Twofold' which was selected for the Amazon MGM Studios Short Film Competition. Broken Flames has created films in partnership with charities including HUMEN and PAPYRUS, and our projects have screened at festivals across the globe. I have been an ambassador for leading teenage mental health charity stem4 since 2020, and I'm also an ambassador for youth social action charity IWill. I was selected for the Forbes 30 Under 30 List at the age of 19, and was a Women of the Future Award Winner at 21. I have recently received the Diana Award - the highest accolade a young person can achieve for social action or humanitarian work. I have screened projects at various schools and institutions, and have spoken at places such as the University of Oxford about the representation of mental health in the media.
Tara Majumdar | Junior Associate Programmatic | Dentsu
I am passionate about people, languages, cultures, DEI, and learning and development. My career has had a squiggly path as I moved three countries and brought up two children.
A mature starter, I bring a unique perspective to my current junior associate role in programmatic advertising. My experience working with intergenerational teams at Dentsu has been particularly enriching, creating powerful synergies in our work. Previously managing 150+ volunteers at a charity developed my ability to coordinate diverse teams across multiple time zone whilst I worked with refugees and asylum seekers from over 35 countries. Again my experience as Partnerships Manager at a start up, helped me hone my client relationship skills towards building trust based partnerships worldwide. The myriad experiences that I've had since starting out as a software developer many years ago have enriched me with a diversity of perspectives. Whilst family was in the foreground before, I decided to take this new plunge for myself bringing in my transferable skills but learning new skills every single day!
Gayatri Rajgor | Full Stack Engineer | ITV
I am an experienced Software Engineer and Tech Mentor with a passion for empowering ethnic minority women to break into the tech industry.
From a young age, inspired by my dad, I knew I wanted to pursue a career in tech. As the eldest sibling and the first in my family to attend university, I have always embraced challenges and responsibilities-qualities that now drive my mission to support others on their tech journeys. Determined to increase diversity in tech, I founded my business to help women land their first role in the industry. To achieve this, I developed a 12-week online program, offering structured learning, career coaching, and practical job search strategies. My program not only equips women with the technical skills they need but also builds confidence and resilience, helping them navigate the challenges of entering a male-dominated field. Beyond my business, I actively mentor women through SheCanCode, guiding them in their tech careers, and volunteer in local schools, delivering career talks to inspire young girls to explore STEM. Through these initiatives, I strive to create a ripple effect, where those I support go on to uplift others, fostering a more inclusive and diverse tech industry. My ultimate goal is to normalise the presence of women in tech, ensuring that when the next generation looks at me, they think: "If she can do it, so can I."