The Rising Festival: A Resounding Success Celebrating Womenā€™s Empowerment and Resilience
Sep 23, 2024The Rising Network proudly announces the success of the Rising Festival, held on 21 September 2024 in Cambridge. This dynamic event brought together thought leaders, aspiring professionals, and community members for a day filled with inspiring performances, insightful discussions, and transformative workshops focused on women's empowerment, leadership, self-care, and wellbeing.
Since its launch in 2018, the Rising Festival has become a crucial platform for women, particularly in STEM, addressing key issues and fostering a supportive community. More than just an event, it serves as a catalyst for change, celebrating strengths and embracing collective resilience.
The festival featured a remarkable lineup of speakers and sessions that resonated deeply with attendees. Among the highlights was Jaspreet Kaur (Hothi), whose powerful spoken word performance titled "I am" set an inspiring tone for the day. Attendees described it as “incredible” and “moving,” illustrating its profound impact.
Dorothy Byrne, a prominent advocate for women’s health, captivated the audience with her humorous yet poignant keynote address, addressing the challenges faced by women in the workplace and the importance of modelling self-care. One participant remarked, “I loved Dorothy’s keynote—wow! She was amazing and allowed us to be so open and honest throughout the day.” Following her, Hannah Helliar, newly-appointed Head of St Mary’s School in Cambridge, presented “Young Minds, Big Dreams,” exploring how to support young women as they transition to leadership roles.
The festival continued with the “Progress Not Perfection” panel led by Mary Hockaday, Master of Trinity Hall, Cambridge. She was joined by Laura Wright, Head of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning at TTP Group; Dr. Shreeya Tewary, Consultant Gynaecologist and IVF Specialist at Bourn Hall; and Gwenhivir Wyatt Moon, CEO and co-founder of Prospectral. They shared insights on navigating ambition and overcoming setbacks while embracing imperfection. As one attendee noted, “It’s inspiring to hear so openly of the genuine life experiences, wins, and challenges from such incredible women.”
The afternoon session kicked off with Hanadi Jabado, Managing Partner of Sana Capital and Deputy Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire, moderating the “Resilient Minds: Women in STEM” panel. Joining her were Dr. Julia Wilson, Associate Director at the Wellcome Sanger Institute; Caroline Austin, VP of Business Development at AstraZeneca; and Rachel Hurst, Chief Operating Officer at Domino Printing Sciences, sharing their experiences overcoming challenges in science and technology. Hanadi’s advice resonated: “Be the change.”
Throughout the day, workshops offered practical tools and insights, while mentoring sessions provided opportunities for personal growth. Industry leaders led discussions on effectively building and expanding professional networks.
Key statistics shared during the event illuminated the challenges women face: 26% of young women in their 20s are grappling with mental health issues, and women over 50 represent the fastest-growing group of entrepreneurs. Furthermore, while female-led businesses provide a return of over 35% to investors, only 2% of venture capital funding goes to women-led initiatives.
Attendees shared their key takeaways, highlighting the authenticity and openness of the speakers. One participant noted, “I just loved how open and honest we could all be—thank you!” Another shared, “This was a truly inspiring experience, and I'm so pleased to have been able to attend.” Many expressed how empowering it was to hear speakers like Dame Carol Black, who inspired them to view age as an asset rather than an obstacle. The atmosphere of support was palpable, with one attendee stating, “I entered the festival feeling interested and excited and left feeling empowered and uplifted.”
Lily Cheng, founder of The Rising Network, shared her enthusiasm for the festival: “As a British-born Chinese female founder, my journey has inspired a deep commitment to inclusivity. The Rising Festival is not just about dismantling barriers; it’s a vibrant celebration of women’s potential. Through our initiatives, we empower women by focusing on leadership, personal development, and overall wellbeing, helping them cultivate resilience and balance as they navigate their careers and life’s opportunities.”
She added, “I am immensely grateful to our inspiring speakers, dedicated committee, and supportive community in Cambridge. A heartfelt thank you to our partners and sponsors for their invaluable support. Your passion and dedication made the Rising Festival a truly transformative experience. Together, we are building a powerful movement for women’s empowerment, paving the way for future generations to thrive.”
The Rising Network expresses sincere gratitude to our esteemed partners, including the Wellcome Sanger Institute, TTP Group Plc, and St. Mary’s School, Cambridge, along with our generous sponsors such as the British Antarctic Survey, Mills & Reeve, Babraham Research Campus, Bourn Hall Fertility Clinic, and Kiss Communications. To our media partners Business Weekly and Eastern Promise. Your support has been instrumental in propelling our mission forward.
The Rising Festival was a testament to the strength and resilience of women in our communities, igniting a renewed commitment to fostering an inclusive environment for all.
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