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Virtual Conferences for Women

Gender Equality

Gender Equality

Hope, Trust and Change: A New Gender Equality Vision for 2026

Posted by author-avatar aspireforequality
January 9, 2026
This article launches my 2026 vision and renews our commitment to the 1 Million Change Leaders movement, a global, collective endeavour...
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Aspire conferences are a gift to all those who aspire to a life best lived vs. a job well done. You will find connections that are meaningful, realisations that are a catalyst for change and give yourself that space to recognise the power you have … and to use it!

Mel Stack Non Executive Director and Operating Partner, Private Equity

The workshop was probably the best investment I have made over a 30 year career (including a medical degree and an MBA!). I have come away with the confidence and tools to make my impact, and thus the impact of my charity, exponentially higher.

Dr Penny Woods, Chief Executive, British Lung Foundation

The Aspire 2025 Phoenix programme lead by the fantastic Dr Sam Collins. Definitely is not your normal leadership programme but that’s exactly what made it SO special!. The time taken to understand participants prior to the programme, the opportunity to apply everything back to your goals in real time, the space to build genuine connections, theory is brought to life by the most amazing and inspiring mix of real speakers, it supports women to be great leaders in an authentic way and not to "fix" or mimic traditionally male leadership styles, it goes beyond leadership at work and challenges the impact we can have on wider society, finally, it is so much fun!

Gemma Benbow Director of People & Organisations, Kia LTD

A huge thank you to Dr Sam Collins and the amazing volunteer team at Aspire for organising such a great event and to Greenwoods Legal LLP for investing in its next generation of leaders

Natalie Williams Managing Associate, Greenwoods Legal LLP

I virtually attended the Aspire "Achieve the Impossible" conference led by the amazing Dr Sam Collins . With inspirational , thought provoking activities and opportunities to focus on our projects, the event was a powerful reminder of what women in leadership are capable of - if we are just courageous enough to reach for it!

Laura Tucker Head of Compliance and Business Resilience, Manchester Airports Group

I attend Aspire events to get powerful strategic insight into the next steps for my professional development, combined with the energy and support to take it forward and make a difference. At my first Aspire event, I thought 'I've found my people'. I always feel welcome.

Brian Ballantyne, Regional Manager, Amazon

It was a pure inspiration. I have the empowerment to change static views and engage further in equality for women. Aspire crosses borders, it crosses sectors, it unites a flame inside you to stand up, raise the roof, to make a change with a massive support crew in tow.

Helena Clarke, Ambassador, ONE Campaign

Great content, fantastic energy and a room full of invigorated, inspired leaders. The vibe though Avtrade has changed since I stumbled across Aspire. Today we’re a force for change, inspiration and encouragement to leaders (whatever gender) and to all staff across the company.

Tracy Keegan, Director of Contract Management, Avtrade Ltd

Whilst Aspire have a strong focus on gender diversity and women leaders they strike a balance which, as a man, has made me feel totally included and equally supported. I have recommended Aspire to many people and will continue to do so.

John Fenech, International Organisational Development Consultant, The Bank of New York Mellon

Our leaders are more confident, assertive, better networkers and thriving as a consequence of attending your programme. I am now counting on them to pay that forward by supporting, encouraging and coaching other women who are trying to find their purpose, voice and authentic leadership style in their careers.

Elizabeth Vega, CEO, Informed Solutions

I left the event feeling inspired, energised, on a mission, empowered, grateful and truly wanting to make a difference. To be in a room full of so many like-minded people is what truly sets this event apart, all of us so different and unique but ultimately so alike. I would describe it as an event that nourishes the soul.

Melanie Thomas, Head of NYR Organic Business Development, Neal’s Yard Remedies.

Truly inspirational. A room of like minded people from all walks of life, all sectors, diverse backgrounds and organisations. all with a common purpose of wishing to be more inspirational in their leadership, and with a desire to support and inspire women to develop.

Trudy Stammer, Head of Volunteer Fundraising, Cancer Research UK.

I left feeling re-energised, re-focused and strong! I have already received feedback from other team members who attended and I am confident they will become a network of trailblazers within our organisation and beyond.

Diane Smith, Head of Talent, Learning and Development, Babcock International Group

Truly inspirational, and personally for me, the workshop was life changing. A safe, supportive environment… an extremely interactive and engaging day where you went away with key action points rather than just 'theory'.

Nisha Manaktala, Head of IT, AutoProtect Limited

Totally unique. You leave feeling truly lifted and with the knowledge that you have achieved a lot already and can maximise your potential to do more, professionally and in your personal life.

Shirley Joseph, Talent Leadership and Inclusion, The UK Home Office

It was a fabulous. The environment created encourages the very best out of any delegate. I felt extremely relaxed and motivated to optimize my learning. The content was sharp and the messages easy to digest.

Murray Stewart, Learning and Development Leader, Velonetic

Excellent, allowed me to reflect and learn new techniques that will enable me to continue my effective communication development. Also, it was very helpful to meet other great leaders. Extremely powerful. It exceeded my expectations.

Beth Butterwick, CEO, Karen Millen

Exactly what I needed! The workshop reminded me of a) the joy of working with a group of enthusiastic people who truly want to make a difference and b) that I need to be true to myself – my talents & values.

Kate Edgar, Business Manager, Microsoft Ltd

I don’t think it is over-cooking it to say I found it life changing. I was immediately able to put the learning into practice the following day and it made a complete difference to both the outcomes and to how I felt.  Thank you so much – you and your team are amazing!

Nicola Browell, Head of Operations - TU Claims, Tesco Underwriting

Aspire is down to earth and practical. Events are organised with great attention to detail and I love the fact that I have been a speaker and am now an Aspire mentor. I hold the organization in very high regard.

Julie Nazerali, President, INSEAD Women in Business Club and Member of Global ex Co

I have never experienced a conference quite like yours anywhere! It was such a great experience.

Nicole De La Loza Rivera, Workforce Development Manager, Downtown Women's Center, LA.

I woke up this morning buzzing, feeling positive, less fearful and ready for the day ahead. Please, for all out there who doubt themselves, who are hung up about not fitting the cookie-cutter leader shape, keep doing this.

Kirsten Tedder, Regional Finance Director – EMERI, Christie's International

I had the incredible opportunity to attend a two day Aspire Leadership training event hosted by Aspire with some fabulous colleagues and fellow delegates. The session on ‘quiet change’ really struck a chord, emphasising the importance of role modelling behaviours and values from the top down. Now to just put into practice all the great learning. It wasn’t all hard work – we managed to find time to unwind with a cheeky drink, and 5 posh fishfinger sandwiches! Heathrow Airport has never looked so glamorous

Sophie Askew Partner, Greenwoods Legal LLP

THIS is what a leadership conference looks like. I'm committing to more curiosity, more courage, raising my voice, taking up space. And most importantly supporting humans who support women to do the same. 131 years to gender equality is not good enough or soon enough for the sake of the future of our planet and its population. There is work to do.

Annabel Daley Director of Researcher Marketing, Oxford Academic Press

The event left me inspired, enriched by insightful discussions, valuable strategies, and compelling stories of speakers embodying true leadership, courage, and authenticity. I'm grateful for the experience and excited to implement some key learnings into my personal action plan to enhance my communication skills, expand my network, own my expertise, leverage my compassionate leadership strengths (rather than viewing as weaknesses) and say 'yes' to new opportunities

Natelie Merrett EDI Trainer, Anna Freud

The event was full of courageous stories, practical tools, and brilliant speakers of all genders leading with courage, conviction, and love. Truly inspired! 

Ola Soneye Ola Soneye, IT Leader, British Red Cross

A full-on and fulfilling 2 days of learning from and connecting with some of the most ready-to-change-world women I've ever met. An amazing event 

Nnenna Urum-Eke Assistant Director of Housing Development, Lewisham Council

I 100% recommend that people consider attending future events. The word "Inspirational" is often over used, but it is the one that comes to mind when I think of this event.  Excellent structure and flow of the training, to Sam who is a grounded and gifted trainer and leader. It was my first Aspire conference, but it won't be my last. 

Paul Smith Director, Compliance 2425

Aspire - has all the leadership values I believe in! A wonderfully life affirming experience which makes you aspire to be a more purposeful you! All that I stand for and more with these INCREDIBLE women 

Dr Mandeep Rai Author, BBC World Service

I left inspired, confident and purposeful, and as a result I have given three speeches this week which were my best to date. I've also followed up with a couple of contacts I made, who offered some help on a particular funding issue.  A truly brilliant couple of days  

Hanna Streeter Joint CEO, Orange Tree Theatre
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