Bethan Garland | Chief of Staff & Commercial Operations Lead | ViiV Healthcare | GSK
I am a passionate marketing and communications professional with a strong background in the pharmaceutical, medical devices, and healthcare industries.
My journey has been driven by a desire to make a meaningful impact through innovative strategies and effective engagement. Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to work on exciting projects, such as launching new products and creating customer-centric strategies. In addition to this, I am incredibly passionate about driving inclusion and co-lead the UK Women’s Leadership Initiative at GSK, and I have been honoured with several awards, including ’Women’s Leadership Initiative Rising Star’ and recognition for my impact on inclusion at GSK. I am proud of the work I have done and the teams I have been a part of. My career has been a journey of continuous learning and growth, and I’m excited about the future and the opportunities to make a positive difference in the healthcare industry.
Kanchan Chandegra | Volunteer | London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust
I am currently retired after working for 34 years with the NHS at Central Middlesex Hospital as a phlebotomist and in admin.
I was not retired for long, when in 2023 I jumped at the opportunity to become a ‘Butterfly’ volunteer at Northwick Park Hospital, providing end of life care to patients. I have always wanted to give back to the dying, something I have been conscious of since my sister passed away 25 years ago at the age of 38. The work is mentally exhausting but so rewarding. I sit with the patients, talk, play music, sing and give them hand massages to help their tired muscles. I believe they are aware of my company. I feel privileged to be able to help the exhausted families, giving them some respite. In 2024, our volunteer team won the Beryl Carr Volunteer of the Year Award for our efforts in this end-of-life care. I married at 16 and migrated from Tanzania to London, not being able to complete any further education. I always wanted to work in the medical field and the lack of a degree did not stop me. I have always ensured I am learning, growing and giving back. There is no end to my love for caring and giving to others. I lived in a joint family until I was 50, through which I acquired strong caring and sharing skills. I cared for my mother-in-law who was bed bound on top of three children.
Amy Firkin | Audit Manager, ESG | Northern Trust
Amy has a passion for ESG within the financial services industry, particularly within internal auditing.
After graduating with a degree in Money, Banking and Finance from the University of Birmingham, she was randomly assigned an ESG role as part of her graduate scheme and that was where it all began, now she wouldn’t change her career in ESG for the world… Amy leverages her diverse experiences, implementing key ESG financial regulations, supporting the development of Net Zero strategies and enhancing ESG risk and control frameworks through creating an ESG audit approach. She currently works at Northern Trust as an Audit Manager, specialising in ESG and enjoys the evolving and diverse nature of the subject matter and role. In addition to her role she is very passionate about social mobility and volunteering her time to support others and charities close to her heart.
Saniye Oktem | BIM Consultant | Arup
I hold a bachelor’s degree in Civil and Geomatic Engineering and a master’s degree in Construction Management.
With a strong passion for digital transformation in the construction industry, I have dedicated my career to advancing Building Information Modeling (BIM) and emerging technologies. (BIM is a digital approach to creating, managing, and sharing building data for design, construction, and operation.) My professional journey began as a BIM Coordinator for Turkey’s first public metro project implemented with BIM, where I played a key role in integrating digital methodologies. I have since contributed to over 20 BIM projects of varying scales, working on complex, multidisciplinary designs. Currently, I serve as a BIM Consultant at a global design and engineering firm in the Netherlands, leveraging cutting-edge technologies to drive efficiency and innovation in major international projects. Beyond my technical expertise, I am deeply committed to knowledge-sharing and mentorship. I have spoken at over 30 industry events and serve as a Regional Lead for Turkey & Netherlands at Women in BIM, where I mentor and support young female professionals in industry. I also worked as a Steering Committee Member at buildingSMART Turkey, actively shaping BIM adoption strategies in the region. My achievements have been recognized internationally, including being named one of Autodesk’s 40 Under 40: Construction Champions of 2019 and a nominee for Innovator of the Year at the AEC Excellence Awards. Currently pursuing a Ph.D., I continue to bridge academia and industry, driving forward research on BIM implementation and its impact on the built environment.
Pratyusha Manukonda | Technology Delivery Lead | Barclays
As the Technology Delivery Lead for Sustainable Finance and Climate Risk, I am deeply committed to designing and implementing innovative business solutions that advance our firm.
As a computer science engineering graduate, my passion for technology drives me to continuously improve and learn new things, ensuring that we stay at the cutting edge of our industry. Throughout my career, my dedication and hard work have been recognized with various awards. I am honored to have received the Technology SPOT award for outstanding achievement, demonstrating my firm’s Values and Mindsets, and the Technology Game Changer award for the Climate Change Program at the WIT Tech Expo in 2022. These achievements culminated in being awarded the prestigious Women’s Bond Club Rising Star Award in 2023. I conducted workshops for elementary students on Sustainability Development Goals pertaining to Education and Climate change. I also volunteer and contribute to activities supporting GIRLS in STEM. I take pride in significant contributions to Women in Technology initiatives, through mentorship and active participation in creating a supportive and empowering community. I have mentored women colleagues in learning new technologies, and I also work diligently to help the firm recruit new talent, ensuring that we continue to foster a diverse and inclusive workforce. My work style emphasizes the ”Art of Possible” and going that extra mile to bridge the gap between technology and sustainable business, ensuring that we advance the firm’s ESG agenda.
Jasmina Negrini | BE Chief Operating Officer - VP | Barclays
Jasmina has a career in financial services spanning over 25 years. She has lived in five countries and travelled extensively developing strong cultural awareness and sensitiveness.
Jasmina is passionate about bringing DE&I and Sustainability together as she believes that achieving inclusion and creating a level playing field is an enabler to finding the many innovative and diverse solution needed to address climate change and the loss of nature and biodiversity. As a side of desk job, she chaired the Gender Network at J P Morgan pioneering intersectionality through collaboration and partnership across different diversity networks and is currently the London regional lead and co-chair of the London Environment Network at Barclays. Jasmina dedicates her spare time and expertise to business development programmes including mentoring of charities, helping social businesses addressing strategic challenges and coaching entrepreneurs tackling social and environmental challenges. Her passion for stewardship and her talent in finding scalable solutions were acknowledged in the 2021 ‘Micro Tyco for Leaders’ entrepreneurial challenge championing the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals in recognition of designing and implementing an inclusive ‘Menopause Strategy’ that provides tools and resources for all colleagues. She is also a Board Trustee, a Climate Reality Leader, a Climate Safe Lending Fellow and a UN CSW 68 and 69 UK participant. Jasmina is focusing on mindset shift and system change to accelerate the transition to net 0 and considers gender equality a prerequisite and, specifically women, key leaders in significantly contributing to the solutions needed.
Sharon Oranekwu | Co-Founder | Emboldened
Sharon Oranekwu is a strategic ESG and corporate governance leader with a decade of experience driving compliance, and ethical leadership across multiple industries.
She has advised C-suite executives and board members on aligning with international sustainability frameworks, including CSRD, SFDR, and others, ensuring organisations meet evolving regulatory expectations. She is currently the co-founder of Emboldened, and has held a number of senior positions leading enterprise-wide sustainability transformations across energy, banking and mining, sectors across the EMEA region. Her work has improved ESG reporting efficiency by 45%, strengthened climate risk mitigation strategies, and positioned organisations for regulatory readiness. Beyond corporate governance, Sharon is deeply committed to empowering women in their careers and advancing ESG in organisations. As Founder of Corp N’ Femme, she has used her voice to empower women across the UK and has built an online community of 47,000+ women from around the world; providing advice, career development tools and resources, and strategic networking opportunities for women in corporate spaces. Her advocacy extends to education and community impact as a Non-Executive Director for the Fizi Community, where she integrates ESG principles into refugee education programs in Kenya. A recognised thought leader, speaker, and author, Sharon has contributed to publications on regulatory compliance, corporate governance, and sustainable leadership. She has worked with organisations like UK Power Networks, Barclays, and WIMBIZ, helping shape policy, compliance, and ethical governance practices. Sharon’s career is defined by a passion for a world where governance is not just a duty, but a graceful dance of ethics and leadership.
Hannah Spence | Founder and Social Media Strategist | Clockflower Solutions
I am a dedicated social media entrepreneur with a diverse background that spans education, social impact, and business.
After spending over 10 years as a primary school teacher and an asylum caseworker, I transitioned into the entrepreneurial world in 2023. Driven by a desire for more flexibility and financial freedom for my two children, I founded a business that helps female entrepreneurs raise their visibility on social media platforms. During the COVID pandemic, Hannah founded an online tutoring business, aimed at supporting children from the BAME community, helping them gain access to top 11+ grammar and independent schools. My focus on educational equity and social mobility led me to empower underrepresented children by providing tailored academic support, ultimately helping many secure places at prestigious schools such as Croydon High GDST, Trinity Croydon and Wilsons. Alongside running my social media business, I am a board member for the University of Greenwich Business Generator, where I support aspiring entrepreneurs. I also organise events designed to foster a supportive network of women in business, creating opportunities for collaboration and growth. Throughout my career, I have consistently demonstrated a commitment to uplifting others. Whether as an educator, mentor, or business leader, I have dedicated myself to supporting communities, especially those facing systemic challenges. My experience across multiple sectors, combined with an entrepreneurial spirit, makes me a trailblazer and an inspiring role model in the business world.
Grace Smith | Founder | Forge Female Fitness
Grace is the founder of Forge Female Fitness, Northern Ireland’s No.1 Female Health Studio, dedicated to transforming women’s health across every stage of life.
Her journey is one of extraordinary resilience and transformation—after losing 156lbs in 12 months, she overcame debt, depression, and homophobia to build a multi-award-winning business that has helped thousands of women locally and globally. With zero funding, zero mentoring or help, just a determined attitude to use her transformation to inspire others to change their lives and be a positive force in women health and wellness. From struggling with confidence and self-worth to becoming a Guinness World Record holder, National Weightlifting Champion, and Ireland Cycling Representative, Grace has proven that strength is more than just physical. She built Forge Female Fitness to provide a safe, empowering space for women of all backgrounds, abilities, and ages to reclaim their health. Her work has been recognised with multiple industry awards, including Gym of the Year Northern Ireland, Best Female Coach Northern Ireland (twice), and Great British Entrepreneur of the Year. She has also raised £9,000 for local charities, including funding a custom sports wheelchair for an athlete now competing at the national level. Her story is proof that adversity can be turned into impact—helping others to find their own strength, inside and out.
Sajna Rahman | Co-Founder | Tomorrow Meets Today
A pivotal moment in my journey was when I read Heels of Steel by Vanessa Vallely. The book resonated deeply with me, inspiring me to take ownership of my career and ambitions.
Around the same time, I participated in a workshop called Project You, which challenged me to think bigger about my impact. This experience led me to create Tomorrow Meets Today in 2015 as a side hustle, addressing the lack of women and ethnic minorities in senior positions. What started as a networking initiative quickly evolved into a powerful platform that not only connected future leaders with executives but also became a sustainable revenue stream. From Tomorrow Meets Today, I expanded into public speaking, corporate workshops, and facilitating leadership programs. I developed the Global Leadership Program for Women, helping professionals advance in their careers, and later built a customer service training and consultancy business, embedding DE&I principles to drive cultural change. This journey—from a single idea sparked by a book to a thriving entrepreneurial career—has reinforced my belief in the power of community, visibility, and strategic networking. Every initiative I’ve created stems from the same mission: to empower individuals and organizations to excel, create more compassionate leaders, and drive meaningful change in workplaces