Cambridge showcase aims to supercharge female entrepreneurship

Leading organisations and companies are backing the event which takes place on Saturday 21st of September at St Barnabas Church in Mill Road, Cambridge.

This year’s theme, ‘Reinvent, Renew: Forging the Path Ahead,’ encapsulates the spirit of transformation and growth that defines the event. It features engaging panel discussions, interactive workshops, and networking opportunities.

Partners and sponsors include the Wellcome Sanger Institute, TTP Plc, British Antarctic Survey, Babraham Research Campus, law firm Mills & Reeve, St Mary’s School in Cambridge, Bourn Hall Fertility Clinic and communications agency KISS.

During her time at Channel 4, keynote speaker Dorothy Byrne, President of Murray Edwards College, University of Cambridge, was responsible for news and current affairs programmes which have had a national and global impact, winning numerous Royal Television Society, BAFTA and Emmy awards. She was made a Fellow of the Royal Television Society for her ‘outstanding contribution to television’.

Byrne continues to work in international documentary and was Executive Producer of Leaving Neverland, The Hunt for Jihadi John, Sri Lanka’s Killing Fields, The Ballymurphy Precedent, The Man Putin Couldn’t Kill and Island of Secrets – a film about sex abuse in the Falklands.

‘Young Minds, Big Dreams’
Dorothy’s keynote in the Main Hall is followed by a talk from newly-appointed Head of St Mary’s School in Cambridge, Hannah Helliar. Reflecting on her own journey to becoming Head of St Mary’s, ‘Young Minds, Big Dreams’ will explore the path that women follow, from school to the workplace and to leadership roles.

Drawing on her experience as a teacher, and passionate advocate of girls’ education and informed by the outlook of her students, the talk will consider how we can best help young women to prepare for the future, build supportive and positive networks and experience growth and joy in their professional lives.

‘Progress not Perfection’
Mary Hockaday, Master of Trinity Hall, Cambridge then heads a panel sharing their insights and experiences navigating the pursuit of progress, ambition, and passion in various aspects of life and work – from overcoming personal and professional setbacks to embracing imperfection as a catalyst for growth.

She is joined by Laura Wright from Europe’s leading independent technology development consultancy, TTP Group. Laura oversees the Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning and Cyber work in Awerian, a TTP subsidiary that specialises in Defence and Security. Shortly after joining TTP, she established a Women’s Network to help support and bring together women across the business for events, workshops and talks.

Completing the ‘Progress not Perfection’ panel line-up are Dr Shreeya Tewary – Consultant Gynaecologist and IVF Specialist at Bourn Hall – and Gwenhivir Wyatt Moon, CEO and co-founder of Cambridge University spin-out Prospectral which recently secured $1.2 million pre-seed funding from Creator Fund, Unruly Capital and Cambridge Enterprise Ventures.

‘Inspiring Inclusion: Women’s Work, Tomorrow’s World’
The final session in the main hall before lunch features a panel moderated by Professor Dame Carol Black, Chair of the British Library titled ‘Inspiring Inclusion: Women’s Work, Tomorrow’s World’, which forward gazes into the future of women at work. Panelists joining Dame Carol include entrepreneur Alison Cork MBE, Jas Rai (Chief Operating Officer at The British Library), and Dorothy Byrne.

‘Resilient Minds: Women in STEM’
The afternoon session is kickstarted by Hanadi Jabado, Managing Partner of Sana Capital and Deputy Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire, who moderates a panel of women who have overcome challenges in various areas of science and technology. Joining her are Dr Julia Wilson (Associate Director of the Wellcome Sanger Institute), Caroline Austin (VP of Business Development & Head of Transactions, UK, AstraZeneca) and Rachel Hurst (Chief Operating Officer at Domino Printing Sciences).

‘Thriving Wellness’
‘Thriving Wellness,’ moderated by Kiss Communications MD, Sarah Reakes, is a dynamic open conversation focused on essential elements of women’s health. Dr Dupe Burgess (Founder & CEO, Bloomful), Dr Dawn Arda (Science Research Writer, specialising in Health and Nutrition), and Dame Lesley Regan (Professor of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Imperial College) join the panel. The panellists, dedicated to promoting health equality, will share valuable insights and practical advice to enhance your health and well-being, exploring various aspects of women’s health and strategies for leading a healthier and happier life.

The Rising Festival is organised by The Rising Network, founded by entrepreneur Lily Cheng. She said: “As a British-born Chinese female founder, I’ve faced adversity – fuelling my commitment to inclusivity. Through The Rising Network and our Rising Festival, we’re dismantling barriers.

“Through initiatives focused on not only leadership and personal development but also wellbeing and self-care, we aim to support women in maintaining balance and resilience as they navigate the demands of the workplace and entrepreneurship.

“Supported by esteemed partners like the Wellcome Sanger Institute, TTP Group Plc, St Mary’s School, Cambridge and sponsors such as the British Antarctic Survey, Mills & Reeve, Babraham Research Campus, Bourn Hall Fertility Clinic and Kiss Communications, our mission gains momentum. Our champions of change are dedicated to propelling our mission forward.

“Since its inception in 2018, the Rising Festival has emerged as a vital platform for women, particularly in STEM fields, addressing pressing issues that women face today and fostering a supportive community. It’s more than just an event; it’s a catalyst for profound change, where we celebrate strengths, honour unique gifts, and embrace collective resilience.

“As we continue our journey, we remain committed to bridging the gender gap and fostering a more inclusive and equitable future for all.”

• For the full Rising Festival programme and to reserve your place, visit https://www.therisingnetwork.com/the-Rising-festival-2024 (registration ends tomorrow, Friday, September 20th at 12pm).