Etta mentors women from start-ups to senior managers, delivers motivational talks, and runs training workshops on networking skills. She is also a judge for the Stevie Women in Business Awards and The Flavours of Herriot Awards. In 2015, HM The Queen graciously awarded Etta an OBE in recognition of her services to women in business and entrepreneurship.

Sharon Jandu OBE is the Director of the Northern Asian Power Policy Think Tank, Founder of the Yorkshire Asian Business Association, and Chair of Unity Enterprise. She sits on the board of the Unity Housing Association, and is a Director of the Federation of Small Business. She was listed in the New Year Honours list 2023 receiving an Order of the British Empire for her contributions to international trade.

Professional Lead, Royal College of Nursing

Caroline Steven is the Professional Lead Learning and Development (L&D) at the Royal College of Nursing (RCN), having joined the RCN in November 2018. Caroline is a registered adult health nurse with over 11 years’ experience, in a variety of roles in the NHS prior to coming to the RCN. Her key roles have been within education, training, and development, as well as Quality Improvement and Patient Safety, and is also a certified Scottish Improvement Leader, having completed the course in 2016.

Chief Officer, Holbeck Together

In 2011, having retired from nearly 30 years in the retail sector and latterly providing care staff to the care home sector, Elissa joined Holbeck Together (formerly known as Holbeck Elderly Aid) as a consultant and has been the Chief Officer of the charity since 2013.

Elissa has a wealth of experience in charity sector leadership and is responsible for strategic direction, developing income streams, and partnerships with Leeds City Council, The NHS, and funders such as the National Lottery and the development and delivery of health and social care services for the priority neighbourhood of Holbeck, Leeds.

During the Covid-19 pandemic Elissa and her small team delivered over 13,000 meals to the older members of the community.

Registered Manager, Millennium Support

Vicky is a Registered Manager, with over 30 years’ experience in the Health and Social Care sector.

Currently managing a service with over 40 members of staff and up to 15 adult, males with complex needs; Vicky has previous experience managing large teams both in community and in residential services.

Vicky says, “As a woman in the third age, I have been in perimenopause for over 2 years. I use HRT, which has been life enhancing for me. I always strive to ensure that women in the services I have responsibility for, who are experiencing symptoms of menopause, have access to active support, signposting and a safe space at work; as well as challenge negativity and misnomers, in the wider team.

Given the proposals for changes in legislation, I also think it’s important that employers recognise the need within their own workplace, which will safeguard women experiencing menopause from discrimination.”

Business Development Manager, Women in Healthcare

Our very own Munavvar is currently working for Women in Healthcare as Business Development Manager. Munavvar has degrees in business administration and international business.

Munavvar is a champion for women empowerment and through her doctoral research, she developed a framework to support female entrepreneurs in the UK. Before joining Women in Healthcare, she worked on a number of projects across Leeds supporting women and children, promoting health, equality, economic development and equality and diversity.

Our Sponsored Charity

As we celebrate womanhood and empower ourselves in this event, we also have partnered with Maggie's Yorkshire - a cancer charity supporting patients across the UK and online.

Part of our proceeds help cancer warriors and their loved ones manage the mental and emotional challenges that arise at this time.