Annual Conference

Thursday 26th June 2025

The University of Manchester

Get ready for a game-changing 2025 conference! Together with The University of Manchester, this year's event is a practical exploration of what it takes to be bold, step outside your comfort zone and drive real change in higher education. Expect powerful insights, transformative discussions and the inspiration to take bold action - for yourself and your institution. 

The day will feature:

Workshops  I  Keynote Speeches  I  Pecha Kutcha  I  Panel Discussions  I  Networking

Remember your early bird discount

It's not too late! Book before 30th April to take advantage of the early bird 45% discount. Use code stronger-together at checkout for tickets at just  £104.50 or £159.50

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This conference is for you if you want to:

  • Seize the moment and take bold steps to bring meaningful change to our sector
  • Deepen your understanding of the current state of gender equality in higher education and explore intersectional perspectives to inform your actions
  • Be inspired, hear powerful stories from women who have driven change for themselves, their teams and their institutions. Let their journeys ignite your own 
  • Think differently, rethink and redefine how we can achieve progress  embracing innovation, resilience and bold new ways of thinking 
  • Feel connected to our thriving, vibrant and dynamic community of women in higher education
  • Meet like-minded women from across the sector, build relationships that inspire, support and empower you
  • Capture insights from our expert speakers and panel
  • Identify practical actions to achieve positive change for yourself, your team and your institution

Our plenary sessions

Conference opening

Professor Duncan Ivison, President and Vice Chancellor of The University of Manchester along with Founder and CEO of WHEN, Alice Chilver will welcome participants, set the scene for the conference and provide practical tips on how to make the absolute most of the day.

 

Keynote speech

Women in Higher Education: What We Know Now. Professor Rachel Cowen will share key insights on the current landscape, followed by an interactive Q&A, where you’ll have the chance to engage, ask questions, and contribute to the conversation shaping the future.

Panel discussion

Career Trajectories Unpacked: Redefining the Possible. Our panel will explore the possibilities of a new reality for women in higher education, answering the question "How can we learn from those who have already paved the way?"

Pecha Kucha

In the fast paced setup of our Pecha Kucha 'Be BOLD', be inspired by powerful stories of women who are embodying the change they want to see in themselves, their careers and in  higher education.

Networking

Join us for an interactive session designed to make networking fun and meaningful. You'll forge new connections, share ideas, and build lasting relationships in a relaxed, dynamic environment.

Workshops

Attend a workshop of your choice. These practical sessions will enable you to refocus, gain new insights and take bold action in your career.

In a world filled with endless demands and opportunities, learning to say "no" is a crucial skill for maintaining balance, focus, and well-being. This interactive workshop, The Art of Saying No, will empower participants to set healthy boundaries, prioritise effectively, and communicate their limits with confidence and clarity. Through practical strategies, attendees will explore the psychology behind saying "no," overcome guilt or fear of rejection, and discover how to decline requests gracefully without damaging relationships. Whether in personal or professional settings, this workshop will equip you with the tools to reclaim your time, energy, and peace of mind. 

Key Takeaways:

  • Explore why this is an issue in the first place, i.e. why we have found it difficult to say No
  • Understand the importance of setting boundaries.
  • Learn techniques to say "no" assertively and respectfully.
  • Practice real-life scenarios to build confidence.
  • Discover how to prioritise what truly matters.

Join us for this session and master the art of saying "no" with grace and intention!

This session will be delivered by Katherine Leopold, Senior Fellow at University of Greenwich, Jo Richardson, Professor at NTU and Tao Jiang, Sarah Budello Co-Chairs of the Women at Leeds Network from University of Leeds

What would your life look like if fear was not holding you back? In this inspiring and thought-provoking session led by Michal Oshman, author, leadership expert, and former Head of Company Culture at TikTok, participants will explore the transformative power of confronting and overcoming fear. Drawing on her deep expertise in psychology, mindfulness, and personal growth, Michal will guide attendees through a journey of self-discovery, helping them uncover the fears that limit their potential and teaching practical tools to move forward with courage and clarity.

Through engaging storytelling, reflective exercises, and actionable insights, this session will challenge you to rethink your relationship with fear and embrace a life of purpose, authenticity, and bold decision-making. Whether in your career, relationships, or personal aspirations, you’ll leave with a renewed sense of empowerment and a roadmap to take the first steps toward living fearlessly.

Key Takeaways:

  • Identify the fears that are holding you back.

  • Learn mindfulness-based techniques to manage and overcome fear.

  • Gain clarity on your true desires and aspirations.

  • Develop the confidence to take bold, intentional action.

Join Michal Oshman for this empowering session and discover what’s possible when you live a life unbound by fear.

This session will be delivered by Michal Oshman, Partner at Oxford Leadership and Former Global Head of Company Culture at TikTok.

Advancing in your higher education career isn’t just about skills and opportunities—it’s about clarity, perspective, and meaningful connections. This interactive workshop is designed to help you to reflect on your career journey, gain fresh insights, and define a clear path forward. Through guided self-reflection and paired discussions, you’ll explore your strengths, aspirations, and the challenges holding you back, while learning from the experiences of your peers.

This session will create a safe space for sharing, collaboration, and discovery. You’ll leave with a deeper understanding of your unique value, practical strategies to overcome obstacles, and defined actions to take the next step in your career. 

Key Takeaways:

  • Reflect on your career goals, strengths, and challenges through guided exercises

  • Gain new perspectives by sharing experiences and insights in paired discussions

  • Identify actionable steps to advance your career in higher education

  • Build connections with peers to foster ongoing support and collaboration

Join us for this reflective and collaborative session to redefine your career path and take meaningful steps towards your professional aspirations in higher education!

This session will be delivered by Alice Chilver, Founder and CEO, WHEN and Ellie Rich-Poole - Lead Faculty from WHEN's Career Accelerator Programme and Executive Career Coach.

Your story is your superpower. In this inspiring and interactive workshop, you’ll learn how to embrace, refine, and share your unique narrative in a way that resonates with others—whether in your career, personal life, or community. Through creative exercises, and paired sharing, you’ll uncover the defining moments, values, and experiences that shape who you are and how you want to be seen.

Led by the Director of Stori, together with the SHE network, this session will help you craft a compelling and authentic story that builds connection, inspires others, and opens doors to new opportunities. You’ll practice sharing your story in a safe and supportive environment, gaining feedback and insights from peers to refine your message. By the end of the workshop, you’ll feel empowered to own your story and share it with confidence and purpose.

Key Takeaways:

  • Identify the key elements of your unique story.
  • Learn how to structure and share your story in a way that engages and inspires.
  • Gain confidence by practicing your narrative in paired discussions.
  • Receive constructive feedback and new perspectives to refine your message.

Your story matters—join us to own it, share it, and let it shine! This workshop is perfect for anyone looking to build authenticity, connection, and impact in their personal or professional life.

Delivered by Trina Everall, Director of Stori and Louise Wood, both co-founders of the SHE network. 

Wow, we are being seriously bold and have an amazing, actual stylist coming along to deliver this workshop.

Your image is more than just how you look—it’s how you show up in the world and communicate your values, confidence, and intentions. In this transformative workshop, you’ll explore the power of image and learn how to align your personal style, body language, and communication to create a lasting and authentic impression.

Through engaging discussions, practical exercises, and paired reflections, you’ll uncover how your image influences your personal and professional relationships, opportunities, and self-perception. Led by an expert in personal branding and image consulting, this session will provide actionable tips to refine your presence, enhance your confidence, and project the best version of yourself in any situation.

Key Takeaways:

  • Understand the key elements of a powerful and authentic image.

  • Learn how to align your appearance, body language, and communication with your personal brand.

  • Gain practical tools to project confidence and credibility in any setting.

  • Reflect on your current image and identify areas for growth through paired discussions.

Whether you’re looking to advance your career, build stronger relationships, or simply feel more confident in your own skin, this workshop will empower you to harness the power of image and make a lasting impact. Join us to unlock your full potential and step into your most authentic self!

Led by Harriet Chunu-McClatchey a.k.a Harriee, a Personal Brand Stylist and Certified Style Coach™.

Meet our speakers

Are you ready to hear from amazing women and allies just like yourself? This years lineup is shaping up to be truly exceptional. We are thrilled to welcome a diverse group of brilliant speakers and contributors who will share their insights, experiences and bold ideas.

Professor Jo Richardson

Associate Dean for Research at Nottingham Business School, Nottingham Trent University

Professor Olive Mugenda

Former Vice-Chancellor, Kenyatta University

 

Professor Duncan Ivison

President and Vice-Chancellor, University of Manchester

Katherine Leopold


Senior Teaching Fellow, University of Greenwich

Tao Jiang


Associate Professor of Marketing Practice,
University of Leeds

Makeda Alleyne


Programme Co-Director, WHEN

Professor Jackie Carter

Professor of Statistical Literacy, University of Leeds

Harriet Chunu-McClatchey

Founder, Radiant Styling

Professor Rachel Cowen

Director of the Centre for Academic and Researcher Development, University of Manchester

Sarah Fox


Executive Director of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, University of Manchester

Deborah Sloan


Author

Michal Oshman


Formerly Company Culture, Diversity and Inclusion at TikTok and Facebook (Meta)

Louise Wood

Deputy Director of Communications and Public Relations, University of Chester

 

Dr Shareefa Fadhel

Research Culture Strategy Project Manager, University of Leeds

Trinna Everall

Founder, Stori

Dr Jenny Douglas

Senior Lecturer in Health Promotion, The Open University

Jennie Wong


Project Manager and Equity Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Lead, Loughborough University

Alice Chilver


Founder and CEO, WHEN

Dr Sayema Rahman Khan

Research Project Officer, University of Manchester

Sarah Budello


Digital Practice Advisor, University of Leeds

Sally-Ann Efstathiou


Director of People and Culture, Cardiff University

Ellie Rich-Poole


Career Development Coach, Consultant and Speaker

Professor Dawn Edge

Professor of Mental Health and Inclusivity, University of Manchester

Book before 30th April to take advantage of the early bird 45% discount. Use code stronger-together 

For group bookings email [email protected] and find out how you can save an additional 10% off.

To help you plan your day

 

Timings

09.00 - 10.00: Registration

10.00 - 11.00: Welcome & Keynote

11.00 - 12.30: Networking & Panel

12.30 - 13.30: Networking Lunch

13.30 - 15.00: Workshops 

15.00 - 16.30: Plenary & Close 

 

Location

Nancy Rothwell Building, University of Manchester, Booth St E, Manchester, M13.

Fully accessible venue, 20 minute walk from Manchester Piccadilly Station. 

Maps and travel
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Access conference recordings 

We are recording the entire conference. So if you weren't able to join us for the live event, you can still access all of the content. Shall we let you know when it's ready?