Festival Chair

Professor Dame Carol Black DBE 

Chair of the British Library & Centre for Ageing Better

12:15 - 13:00 | Main Stage

Professor Dame Carol Black DBE is a leading advocate for societal change, renowned for her impactful independent reviews on drug misuse, employment, and health. She chairs influential boards including the British Library and the Centre for Ageing Better. Recently awarded the Dame Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire (GBE) for her outstanding contributions.

Founder

Lily Cheng

Founder of the Rising Network and the Rising Festival

Passionate about driving positive change and fostering inclusive communities, Lily is an accomplished leader with a unique blend of experience in technology and community building. As the Founder of the Rising Network, she spearheads initiatives to empower women and champion diversity. With a proven track record in orchestrating transformative initiatives and forging strategic partnerships, she is dedicated to creating a more inclusive and equitable future.

Keynote

Dorothy Byrne

President of Murray Edwards College, University of Cambridge

10:00 - 10:35 | Main Stage

A transformative leader with a distinguished background in media. Prior to her current role, she served as Editor at Large at Channel 4, where she pioneered impactful news and current affairs programs. Under her guidance, Murray Edwards College has become a beacon for women in STEM and launched innovative entrepreneurship schemes. Dorothy's vision and dedication continue to shape the future of education and empowerment.

Mary Hockaday

Master of Trinity Hall, Cambridge

11:15 - 12:00 | Main Stage

Mary Hockaday, Master of Trinity Hall, Cambridge, and Trustee of the British Library, is a distinguished media leader. Former Director of BBC World Service, she grew its audience to nearly 100 million. As Head of BBC Newsroom, Mary oversaw core news services, leading digital and visual journalism innovation. With a background as a correspondent and author, Mary remains committed to fostering excellence in media and serving on various boards and trusts.

Jaspreet Kaur

Educator, Poet and Author, Behind the Netra

Jaspreet Kaur, known as Behind the Netra for her poetry, is a spoken word artist, writer, and educator from East London. With a background in history and gender studies, she uses her platform to address social justice issues. Jaspreet's powerful performances have taken her to prestigious venues nationwide, including TEDx London, where she shares her journey of overcoming mental health challenges through the power of words.

Harriet Fear MBE 

Founder & Director, Harriet Fear Associates Ltd

Harriet, a career Diplomat for over 20 years, served in 17 countries with the Foreign Office. Recognised with an MBE in 2016, she led One Nucleus to become Europe's largest life science and healthcare membership body. As the Prime Minister’s Business Ambassador for Life Sciences, Harriet undertook high-profile duties. She currently serves as Special Adviser to Cambridge&, Founder and Director of Harriet Fear Associates Ltd (HFA Ltd).

Dr Julia Wilson

Associate Director and Deputy Chair of the Sanger Leadership, Wellcome Sanger Institute 

Julia spearheads strategy development and partnerships at the Wellcome Sanger Institute, driving academic and industry engagement crucial for its mission. With oversight of research strategy, policy, and faculty planning, she elevates the Institute's scientific impact. Julia fosters partnerships across academia, industry, and government, ensuring high-impact research and enhancing the Institute's global profile. She holds key roles in prominent scientific committees and advisory boards.

Dr Soraya Jones

Director of Engagement for Homerton Changemakers, University of Cambridge 

Driven by a passion for innovation, diversity, and entrepreneurship, Soraya is deeply involved with initiatives like the Homerton Changemakers Programme and as Royal Society Entrepreneur in Residence at the University of East Anglia. Former CEO of Cambridge Wireless, she transformed it into a leading tech cluster, showcasing her leadership in driving impactful change. With a diverse background, Soraya continues to shape future leaders and sits on various boards.

Sarah Reakes

MD of Kiss Communications

With over 20 years of marketing and brand strategy experience, Sarah has left her mark on blue-chip multinationals like Colgate-Palmolive and Nestlé, as well as leading advertising agencies like Publicis and JWT. Her journey began with United Biscuits in the UK and has taken her across the globe, shaping campaigns for household names. As a pivotal member of KISS since 2011, Sarah continues to drive impactful projects, offering fresh insights and strategic direction across various industries.

Alison Cork, MBE

Interiors expert, Entrepreneur, Author  TV presenter

Alison Cork, a trailblazer in women's entrepreneurship, made history in 1994 as the youngest female founder of a public company. She founded the Alison at Home Interiors brand, Make it Your Business and launched National Women’s Enterprise Week to support female entrepreneurs. As an ambassador for the British Library Business & IP Centre, she supports female-led start-ups. Alison's dedication to fostering female entrepreneurship and her pioneering spirit inspire others in the business world.

Jas Rai

Chief Operating Officer, The British Library

Jas is the Chief Operating Officer of the British Library, having previously served as its Director of People. With a background as a Non-Executive Board Member, Trustee and Chartered Fellow of CIPD, Jas excels in aligning business and people strategies in various sectors. Experienced in HR transformation and talent management, she drives impactful strategies to achieve business goals. Jas's recent launch of the British Library's three-year People Strategy demonstrates her commitment to driving organisational change.

Shikha Gupta

Mindset & Manifestation Coach, The Skihka Way

Shikha Gupta, a Mindset & Manifestation Coach based in Denmark, empowers women to achieve transformative results. With expertise in meditation, manifestation, stress coaching, and Vedic teachings, she studied under an Indian Guru for many years. Shikha offers practical methods for busy lifestyles, promoting balance and alignment of mind, body, and soul. Her mission is to cultivate love, gratitude, and support while guiding individuals to become masters of their own lives.