EARLY BIRD RATE ends 1st May!
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About the Event
A FESTIVAL FOR INSPIRATION AND GROWTH.
Join us at the Rising Festival, where diverse women unite to celebrate empowerment, leadership, innovation, and the power of authenticity and self-care. Since 2018, it's been a vibrant community for women, leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators.
Step into an atmosphere of collaboration, inspiration, and growth, prioritising self-care, as connections flourish, and insights spark change. In Cambridge's city centre, the Rising Festival defies convention, celebrating women's potential, ambition, and fostering belonging.
Join us, where empowerment knows no bounds. Let's rise together to new heights of success, fulfillment, and well-being.
Register Now
Why Attend?
Welcome to the Rising Festival, an annual gathering dedicated to empowering women to embrace change, unlock their potential, and chart a course for a brighter future. This year's theme, "Reinvent, Renew: Forging the Path Ahead," encapsulates the spirit of transformation and growth that defines our event.
At the Rising Festival, attendees will have the opportunity to gain valuable insights, connect with inspiring leaders, and embark on a journey of self-discovery and renewal. Through engaging panel discussions, interactive workshops, and meaningful networking opportunities, participants will explore strategies for reinventing themselves, renewing their sense of purpose, and forging a path forward that aligns with their aspirations and goals.
Whether you're seeking to overcome obstacles, explore new opportunities, or simply connect with like-minded individuals, the Rising Festival offers a supportive and empowering environment where you can gain the tools, inspiration, and support needed to thrive in both your personal and professional life.
Join us at the Rising Festival and discover the transformative power of reinvention, renewal, and forging your own path to success.
Connect & Network
Cultivate meaningful relationships within a supportive environment, where like-minded individuals come together to form lasting bonds.
Inspirational Insights
Join dynamic workshops and talks led by industry experts, igniting creativity and transformation to illuminate your path forward.
Personal Growth
Explore new perspectives, develop essential skills, and unlock your potential in a nurturing environment dedicated to self-improvement.
Well-being Focus
Prioritise your mental, physical, and emotional health with sessions and activities designed to promote self-care and holistic well-being.
Official Partners
Sponsors
Don't Miss
Who's Speaking
Festival Chair
Professor Dame Carol Black DBE
Chair of the British Library & Centre for Ageing Better
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
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
11:15 - 12:00 | Upper Hall
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
15:15 - 16:00 | Main Stage
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.
"I am grateful to be
surrounded by strong, powerful, inspiring women!" - Previous Attendee
Topics
"I am so pleased I came to this year's Rising Festival. Not only did I have a great opportunity to meet and listen to extraordinary and successful women, I have also made new connections throughout the day. Coming out of the Festival made me realise that being a woman is great and if they can do it...I can too!" - Previous Attendee
Schedule AT A GLANCE
08:45 - 09:45: DOORS OPEN | REGISTRATION & MINGLE
MAIN HALL
SEPTEMBER 21
09:45 | WELCOME
09:55 | PERFORMANCE | JASPREET KAUR
10:00 | KEYNOTE BY DOROTHY BYRNE
10:35 | TALK BY HANNAH HELLIAR
11:15 | Progress Not Perfection
12:15 | Inspiring Inclusion: Women's Work, Tomorrow's World
13:00 - 14:15 | LUNCH & MINGLE
14:15 | Resilient Minds: Women in STEM
15:15 | Thriving Wellness: Nourish, Move, Rest
16:15 | Farewell Fiesta
16:30 - 17:30 | After Party
UPPER HALL
SEPTEMBER 21
11:15 | Session Details Coming Soon!
12:15 | Session Details Coming Soon!
13:00 - 14:15 | LUNCH & MINGLE
13:15 | A 15 MINUTE BREATHER
14:15 | Awaken Your Inner Light: A Journey to Self-Transformation
15:15 | Session Details Coming Soon!
RETURN TO MAIN HALL
OUTSIDE HALL
SEPTEMBER 21
11:15 | WORKSHOP Details Coming Soon!
12:15 | Mentoring Circles
13:30 | VIP NETWORKING - FOR VIP TICKET HOLDERS ONLY
14:15 | WORKSHOP Details Coming Soon!
15:15 | Conscious Networking: Insights from Industry Leaders
RETURN TO MAIN HALL
MEET THE FOUNDER, Lily Cheng
WELCOME!
Hello, and thank you for joining us here at the Rising Network. I'm thrilled to have you here as we embark on a journey of personal transformation together. The Rising Festival isn't just an event; it's a transformative experience where we celebrate our strengths, and honour the unique gifts that each of us brings to the world and our collective resilience.
Our mission is clear: to empower each other to break through personal and professional barriers while prioritising our well-being. As the founder, creating this nurturing space for women to connect, learn, and grow has been my greatest passion.
Immerse yourself in a day filled with inspiration and growth, featuring captivating speakers and interactive workshops. Together, let's cultivate our minds, bodies, and souls as we embark on this transformative journey.
Whether you come with a friend, colleague, or alone, you'll leave with new skills, insights, and connections that will propel you forward.
I invite you to prioritise yourself and seize this opportunity for personal transformation. I can't wait to see you there!
Get Involved
Partner with us to unlock unparalleled exposure and influence. Expand your reach, forge impactful connections, and make a lasting impression by joining forces with our dynamic community. Benefit from increased brand visibility, access to a diverse audience, and opportunities for collaboration and innovation. Take the next step to elevate your brand and make a meaningful impact today!
Sponsorship Opportunities
Elevate your brand's visibility and engagement by sponsoring our festival. Benefit from extensive exposure to our diverse audience and showcase your commitment to empowering women.
Partnership Collaborations
Join forces with us to create memorable experiences and amplify your reach. Partnering with us opens doors to new opportunities for growth, innovation, and community building.
Media Partnerships
Enhance your media presence and support our mission by forming a partnership. Gain access to exclusive content, interviews, and promotional opportunities to connect with our audience.
Featured Coaches
Share your expertise and connect with potential clients as an official coach at our festival. Showcase your skills, mentor others, and contribute to the growth of our community.
Get in Touch to Learn More
I'm Excited to Get Involved at the Rising Festival 2024!
Thank you to our Supporters
FAQ
What's Included with My Ticket?
HOW DO I GET TO THE VENUE?
Can I Speak at the Festival?
Do I need to sign up for breakout sessions in advance?
What's the attire?
WHAT DOES A VIP TICKET INCLUDE?
I'm Interested in Sponsorship: Who Should I Contact?
I'm a Coach and would like to speak and get involved?
Venue: Find Us Here
The Rising Festival will take place at St Barnabas Church, Mill Road, Cambridge, CB1 2BD.
St Barnabas Church is on the corner of Mill Road and St Barnabas Road with access via the front entrance on Mill Road (CB1 2BD).
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