Women entrepreneurs champion opportunity at The Rising Festival
The Rising Festival 2024 theme, 'Reinvent, Renew: Forging the Path Ahead,' encapsulates the transformative spirit at the heart of the festival. With over 30 expert speakers and more than 20 sessions planned, it is expected to attract in excess of 400 festival-goers.
More than just an event, The Rising Festival is a catalyst for profound change. Through engaging panel discussions, interactive workshops, and meaningful networking opportunities, attendees will explore strategies for reinventing themselves, renewing their sense of purpose, and forging a path forward aligned with their aspirations and goals.
Official partners include St Mary’s School, Cambridge, and the Wellcome Sanger Institute. Sponsors include the British Antarctic Survey, law firm Mills & Reeve, and communications agency KISS.
Scheduled to take place at St Barnabas Church in Mill Road on Saturday, September 21 (from 8:45 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.), this year's festival boasts a powerful cohort of women, industry experts, and entrepreneurs committed to making a difference.
Dame Mary Archer regaled audiences with her appearance at a recent Rising Festival and a powerful line-up of leading women and entrepreneurs have committed to the new event.
This year’s keynote speaker Dorothy Byrne, President of Murray Edwards College, University of Cambridge, promises to deliver an inspiring address. The college is also sponsoring the Woman Entrepreneur trophy in the Business Weekly Awards.
Byrne is described as a transformative leader with a distinguished background in media. Before her current role, she served as Editor at Large at Channel 4, where she pioneered impactful news and current affairs programs.
Festival chair, Professor Dame Carol Black, will moderate an Open Conversation titled “Inspiring Inclusion: Women's Work, Tomorrow's World,” providing a forward-looking perspective on the future of women in the workplace post-COVID-19.
Dame Carol 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.
Mary Hockaday, a distinguished media leader and Master of Trinity Hall, Cambridge, sits on the festival Steering Committee and will moderate the Open Conversation titled ‘Progress not Perfection,’ encapsulating the essence of this panel discussion.
From overcoming setbacks to embracing imperfection as a catalyst for growth, this inspiring dialogue celebrates the power of perseverance and the beauty of continuous improvement driven by ambition and fuelled by passion.
Formerly the Director of BBC World Service, Hockaday expanded its audience to nearly 100 million while as Head of the BBC Newsroom, she oversaw core news services, leading digital and visual journalism innovation."
Rising Network founder Lily Cheng – the driving force behind the Rising Festival – is an accomplished leader with a unique blend of experience in technology and community building.
Passionate about driving positive change and fostering inclusive communities, she expressed her vision for the festival: “Through the Rising Festival, we aim to elevate the aspirations of women by uniting thought leaders, industry experts, and influential figures from across the Cambridge ecosystem and beyond.
“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.”
To secure your place at The Rising Festival, visit the website. A limited number of speaking and sponsorship opportunities remain, and corporate ticket bundles are also available – email Lily Cheng for details.
• As a media partner for The Rising Festival, Business Weekly will keep you posted with updated reports and news of speakers and topics as the weeks unfold.