GLOBAL WOMEN LEADERSHIP SUMMIT 2025

GWLS25 returns for its seventh and most ambitious gathering yet. From 23rd to 25th October 2025, the iconic city of Liverpool will host a transformational assembly of women leaders, visionaries, entrepreneurs, pioneers, and change-agents from across the globe. This three-day summit will be a celebration of transformational leadership, innovation, sustainability, and global impact.

Workshops and masterclasses during the summit will inspire and empower delegates to uncover their life purpose, define their vision and mission, and develop the unwavering confidence and conviction needed to lead with purpose. Participants will gain the tools and resources to make a lasting impact in their workplaces, businesses, communities, and beyond.

Global Women Leadership Summit 2025 (GWLS25) returns for its seventh and most ambitious gathering yet. From 23rd to 25th October 2025, the iconic city of Liverpool will host a transformational assembly of women leaders, visionaries, entrepreneurs, pioneers, and change-agents from across the globe. This prestigious summit will unfold across multiple esteemed venues in Liverpool’s leading universities and will feature keynote speeches, plenary sessions, panel discussions, workshops, and masterclasses focused on purpose-driven leadership, sustainability, and global impact.

All proceeds from the summit will go towards Voice of Nations CIC’s Empowerment and Transformation Programmes, providing 100 young girls and women:

✅ Self-esteem, confidence, and leadership training

✅ One-to-one mentoring and coaching

✅ Cutting-edge personal development and transformation workshops and skills development

✅ Opportunities for women and young girls to thrive and excel in leadership positions

For every ticket purchased, you will be directly investing in the future of a woman or girl, helping them rewrite their stories and unlock their full potential-creating a lasting legacy and impact.

DAY 1: Thursday 23rd October 2025 from 5:30PM - 8:00PM– Opening Ceremony & Networking Dinner at The Sir Peter Rigby Centre For Enterprise, University of Liverpool, Brownlow Hill, L69 7ZX

Global Connections, Entrepreneurship Panel & Networking Dinner: A Night of Leadership, Inspiration, and Refreshments in Partnership with The Sir Peter Rigby Centre for Enterprise, University of Liverpool.

Panel Discussion: Purpose-Driven Disruption: Harnessing Entrepreneurship for Wealth Creation, Social Impact, and a Lasting Legacy

GWLS25 opens with distinguished keynotes and dynamic panels on purpose-driven leadership, legacy building, and integrity. Breakout masterclasses cover confidence, innovation, and storytelling for influence. Experts discuss effective communication, resilience, and sustainable business impact.

Engage with global trailblazers, explore leadership blueprints, and gain strategies to navigate change with vision and conviction. A transformative day of inspiration and empowerment.

The day begins with a Networking Breakfast & Speed Mentoring, followed by insightful Panels & Q&As on Resilient Leadership, Collaboration, and Legacy Beyond Leadership. Masterclasses cover Wealth Creation, Digital Transformation, and Sustaining Impact. The event concludes with Young Trailblazers’ Panel and Q&A, highlighting mentorship, role models, and purposeful leadership in shaping future visionaries.

Day 3: Saturday 25th October 2025 from 7:00PM - 11:00PM - Global Women in Leadership Awards & Gala Dinner at the Liverpool Hope University, Eden Building, Hope Park, L16 9JD

The event will conclude in a drinks reception and awards dinner on the evening of day 3. This celebratory gathering will feature exclusive entertainment, music, and networking opportunities. During the dinner, we will recognise and honour the remarkable achievements and contributions of exceptional female leaders and pioneers. Headliner and Premier Sponsors will also have the unique opportunity to nominate awardees and present awards.

M EET OUR MATRON , HOST, KEYNOTE SPEAKERS, SPEAKERS & PANELLISTS & MENTORS

The Powerful Team of Global Visionaries and World-Class leaders who will be speaking at the summit will be updated as we confirm our global speakers.

Watch this space.

Having won global recognition for her work, teachings, strategic leadership, business acumen and community engagement, Queen Naa has evolved her work into focusing on steering the next generation of Female Traditional and Conventional Leaders, building their capacity and introducing the concept of Strategic, dynamic, Diplomatic Leadership.

Queen Naa holds a degree in Law, Politics and International Studies, Diploma in Real Estate Management, Post-graduates in Real Estate and Project Management, Qualifications in Global Diplomacy, Citizenship & Rule of Law, Internal Displacement & Conflict Resolution and Human Rights in Open Societies.

Aside from her position as Matron of the Global Visionary Women Network, Queen Naa is the CEO of Fortune Global Business and Founder the Global Conference of Empowered Dynamic Women (GLOCED), Ten Talents Networks and The Soyoo Foundation. She sits on the panel of the UK's Africa Diaspora Malaria Initiative (ADMI) and is the first female President of the National Council of Ghanaian Unions.

Queen Naa is mother to Princess Ewura-ama Dedei Adjorbo and Prince Nana Shikatse.

Dr. Sylvia Forchap-Likambi is a visionary, multi-award-winning leading empowerment and transformation authority, transformational Speaker/ Coach, and six-times international best-selling author; specialized in the delivery of very high quality/cutting-edge empowerment and revolutionary leadership and transformation programs. She Founder/Global Chair of The Global Visionary Women Network, Founder and CEO of “Behaviour Changed” Award Winning Community Interest Company, Voice of Nations; and Global CEO/Consultant of Dr Sylvia Likambi International/ Dr Sylvia Likambi International Health & Wellbeing Clinic.

Over the years, she has coached, empowered, inspired, and positively impacted/ transformed over 1.5 million lives globally, thousands of female entrepreneurs, and relentlessly empowered many to come out of addictions, depression, get into training, volunteering, employment/self-employment, leadership roles; and also offered them several of such opportunities through her organizations.

She grew up in Cameroon, and later moved to Italy where she earned a Doctor of Ph*rm*cy degree and a PhD degree. She was awarded the Italian Ministry of Higher Education and Research scholarship for excellence, and the Australian- Europe Scholarships to accomplish a year’s collaboration with the University of Sydney (Nepean Hospital). At completion of her PhD in Australia and Italy, she worked as Postdoctoral Researcher in Italy and the UK; and became Honorary Research Associate with the Royal Liverpool University Hospital in 2008, and a member of The European Hematology Association in 2009. Sylvia has participated immensely in leukaemia research and is author/co-author in a number of international peer reviewed journals. She is also an ILM certified executive and business/Life Coach and a bestselling author. She was the winner of Honorary Award for Exemplary Professional Leadership Recognition at the Enterprise Minds Awards 2018, The Positive Role Model for Gender Award at The UK National Diversity Awards 2016, and multiple nominee/ finalist for Mentoring Champion of the Year at The SEN Powerful Together Awards 2012-2014,and The Member’s Choice Awards in 2012 and 2013 (which celebrates the achievements of an individual who can demonstrate their commitment and contribution to the world of social enterprise, and critically, how they have enabled entrepreneurs to achieve their goals and aspirations).

She brings a very unique and dynamic blend of inspiration, purpose, empowerment, and transformation in her mentoring, coaching, and engagements; that has the potential of transforming the most dormant/negative mindset into a highly productive/positive and dynamic mindset, capable of setting and achieving any life goal.

She is a strong believer of the fact that as leaders we are called to serve rather than being served, and that to whom much is given much is expected. As a result, she endlessly embarks on a selfless journey of service and giving back to her community without an expectation of being financially rewarded or praised. Her greatest reward is in the satisfaction she gets from experiencing lives being transformed as a result of her humble service to humanity

Her ethnicity, life experiences, educational background, resilient nature, and down to earth personality has given her the tremendous opportunity and privilege to serve and interact with some of the most deprived and underprivileged within diverse cultures, educational backgrounds, and communities; inspiring and challenging them to step forth confidently to unleash their untapped potentials and fulfil their dreams, regardless of their background, gender or circumstances

She has also delivered several successful and life transforming revolutionary leadership, empowerment programs for VON (leading it to earn the prestigious SEN Behaviour Changed Award in 2013), WEA, and a host of commissioned projects nationally and internationally. She has featured on several national and international Radio and TV stations, to speak on the theme of female empowerment, entrepreneurship, leadership, and other topics; and been guest/ keynote speaker to several audiences, ranging from community groups to universities. For more information on Dr Sylvia Forchap-Likambi

Natalie Reeves Billing DL FRSA is a Deputy Lieutenant of Merseyside, an award-winning author, literacy innovator, and creative community leader. Born in Toxteth and now based on the Wirral, Natalie is widely recognised for her vibrant storytelling, commitment to literacy, and her ability to connect communities through creativity.

With a background in the music industry as a professional performer and songwriter, Natalie naturally transitioned into storytelling, bringing a lyrical flair and distinctive dark humour to her writing. She creates imaginative, often spooky stories for children, while also writing poetry, contemporary fiction, and flash fiction for adult audiences. Her published works include multiple anthologies and collaborations with fellow poets, musicians, and scriptwriters.

Natalie is the founder of Builder Book, an initiative that empowers communities—especially young families, women, and underrepresented groups—to tell their own stories through words and illustrations. Through her Bubs Literacy Project, she works to improve literacy and creative engagement in vulnerable communities, a mission supported by the Lloyds Bank Social Entrepreneurs Programme.

Her titles include My Mummy is a Monster (part of the Monstrous Me series) and Carry Love. She is a friend of the Arvon Foundation, a student of the Golden Egg Academy, and an active participant in Writing on the Wall’s creative writing community.

As a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts (FRSA) and a Governor of Everton Free School, Natalie continues to champion education, innovation, and accessibility in the arts. She also hosts and contributes to radio programming, regularly engaging audiences in conversations around storytelling, creativity, and community.

Natalie describes herself as a corporate and community connector—someone who builds meaningful networks and rallies people behind shared goals. Her work spans the worlds of literature, education, charity, and STEAM outreach, with a focus on encouraging others to find joy in creativity and to make their voices heard.

Her Excellency, Dr Justina Mutale is a globally acclaimed Zambian-born philanthropist, author, and advocate for gender equality and education. She is the Founder and President of the Justina Mutale Foundation, a non-profit organisation registered in both the United Kingdom and Zambia. The Foundation is dedicated to empowering women and girls through leadership training, entrepreneurship development, and scholarship programmes, particularly targeting underprivileged young women from rural and disadvantaged communities in Africa. ​

Dr Mutale’s career spans over three decades in international development, diplomacy, and gender advocacy. She served in the Gender Section of the Commonwealth Secretariat in London, contributing to the drafting of the Commonwealth Gender Plan of Action (2005–2015) and participating in the European Working Group of the Bond Network, which influenced the European Gender Plan of Action addressing the Sustainable Development Goals (2015–2030).

An accomplished author, Dr Mutale penned the international bestseller The Art of Iconic Leadership: Power Secrets of Female World Leaders and co-authored Women on Corporate Boards: An International Perspective. Her insights have been featured in various global publications, including Forbes magazine. ​

Dr Mutale holds numerous honorary doctorates and has been recognised with several accolades, such as the African Woman of the Year award and the Mandela 100 Prize, honouring her humanitarian efforts that reflect the values of Nelson Mandela.

In addition to her philanthropic work, Dr Mutale serves on various international boards, including the World Leaders Forum in Dubai, and holds positions such as Global Envoy for Gender Equality at the International Women’s Think Tank in Atlanta, USA. She is also the Convener of the World Summit on Women and Girls, a platform that brings together global leaders to discuss and promote gender equality and women’s empowerment. ​

Dr Mutale continues to be a prominent figure in global discussions on gender equality, education, and leadership, contributing to initiatives aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the African Union’s Agenda 2063.

Professor Claire Ozanne is Vice-Chancellor & Rector of Liverpool Hope University. Prior to joining the University in March 2023, she served as Deputy Director (DVC) and Provost at SOAS, University of London where she provided academic and strategic leadership with specific responsibility for the delivery of an excellent education and student experience, for working with the Student’s Union and leadership of the Colleges. In this period Claire was a member of the British Academy Strategic Committee for Languages in HE.

Professor Ozanne held the role of Principal of Heythrop College, University of London for two years from 2017. She also served as Vice Provost at the University of Roehampton where she led a number of significant developments including – transnational partnerships; the online portfolio; research leadership and REF planning and the creation of a nursing school. She was responsible for the Graduate School for a period and directed the design and implementation of the 5-year Higher Education Innovation Fund (HEIF) strategy. In her time at Roehampton, Claire also served as Head of Department, Associate Dean Learning & Teaching and a QAA reviewer. Claire is a Principal Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (HEA).

A Professor of Ecology, Claire gained her DPhil from Oxford and is an ecologist whose work focuses on habitats influenced by human activities, particularly temperate and tropcial forests. She is a founding member of the steering group of the Global Cnaopy Programme and in 2003, led on a seminal paper “Biodiversity meets the atmosphere” published in Science which marked a turning point in the exploration and investigation of the forest canopy. She was elected chair of the 7th International Canopy Conference in 2016.

Professor Ozanne has published in a wide range of journals and contributed to books for academic, technical and public audience. She has worked extensively in interdisciplinary teams to address environmental policy and sustainable development goals, leading projects in Africa (Nigeria & Ethiopia) and in Guyana and Australia involving anthropologists and policy makers and has advised on large scale research developments in Asia. Claire has led work-packages within consortia bids to the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) and the United Nations Environment Programme – Global Environment Fund (GEF) and reviewed funding bids for Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council Canada, UNESCO and recently the Research Council of Finland. She has chaired the techne AHRC DTP steering group and served as Editor in Chief of Springer Science Reviews.

Dr Playne Ebai is a highly respected Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust, where she serves as the Group Clinical Lead for Obstetrics and Gynaecology. With over two decades of clinical experience, she brings a compassionate, patient-centred approach to women’s health.

Dr Ebai earned her medical degree (MBBCh) from the University of Calabar, holds a Master’s degree from the University of Bristol, and is a Member of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (MRCOG). Her clinical interests include ambulatory gynaecology, menopause care, and emergency obstetric services.

Beyond her NHS role, Dr Ebai is passionate about early intervention in women’s health and actively supports outpatient procedures and early pregnancy assessment services. She is also committed to medical education, staff recruitment, and community outreach, regularly contributing to public health education on topics such as cervical cancer awareness.

In addition to her clinical and educational work, Dr Ebai is a healthcare entrepreneur, serving as Director of both AJEB Healthcare Ltd and JACHEL Ltd, further demonstrating her commitment to improving access to quality care.

Susan is an award winning professional and key member of the team behind Liverpool’s 2008 European Capital of Culture celebrations and the Eurovision Song Contest Visitor Experience, Liverpool 2024 – the mostsuccessful ever staged.

Now in Strategic International Relations & Partnerships for the City, Susan is a place-making professional, who has developed and driven destination strategy, creativity, and innovation, identifying untapped growth markets, and securing global strategic brand partnerships to accelerate Liverpool’s destination positioning and economic growth through the visitor economy.

Formerly an events management professional, organising events for audiences up to 300,000, Susan has over 22 years’ experience working with over two hundred high profile brands, global artists, musicians, and athletes, forming successful commercial partnerships, and generating over £8m for public sector.

In 2017, during an overseas visit to Sweden to secure the Tall Ships Regatta for the city’s 10-year EuropeanCapital of Culture Ceremony, Susan developed the relationship with the Grand Conseil du Vin de Bordeaux and French Government, securing Liverpool’s place as the exclusive UK host of the Bordeaux Fete le Vin, alongside sister cities of Bordeaux, Brussels, Quebec, and Hong Kong.

This relationship has gone from strength to strength evolving into Taste Liverpool. Drink Bordeaux, profiling the venues and people behind the city’s hospitality sector, celebrating a sector revolution. The festival was created to directly support the hard-hit hospitality sector in its post-pandemic recovery while supporting Bordeaux Wine Growers to tap into new markets, discover new trade opportunities and sustain & grow export of the world’s finest wine – Bordeaux.

Tapping into the growing trend of gastronomy tourism, Liverpool’s hospitality sector is now attracting the attention of visitors, investors, and media, and was recently named Time Out’s 11 TH Best City in the World for food. With support from the public and private sector.

Following Liverpool’s successful Eurovision Song Contest Host City bid, Susan was Chair and Lead of the Eurovision Host City Visitor Experience, working together with the private sector to ensure from the moment visitors arrive in the city, to the moment they leave, their experience was second to none. The strategic visitor experience model developed by Susan has been heralded as a national exemplarin shaping the delivery of major events of national and international significance, maximising social and economic impacts, perception of place, and visitor destination sentiment.

Working with the hotels, venues, visitor attractions, transport operators, major gateways and tourism/estate stakeholders, Susan and her team ensured visitors were immersed in an experiential Eurovision city playground.

Additionally, Susan and the team strategically supported the hospitality sector to recruit to the 2,000 + current vacancies in preparation for Eurovision and beyond, showcasing the sector as an attractive and integral career choice to support the growth of the visitor economy.

The visitor economy makes up almost 50% of Liverpool’s economy (47% business rates) and therefore it is strategically, critically important to support this thriving sector, maximising the opportunity Eurovision and other major international events present.

Inward investment is a further opportunity Susan and her team work to unlock and capitalise to re-balance the economy, showcasing the city’s other competitive value propositions, highlighting Liverpool as a great place to work, live, visit and study.

In line with the national shift in the Destination Management Organisation (DMO) landscape, and Visit England (LVEP) accreditation, Susan led on business transformation in partnership with the LCR Combined Authority, bringing all LCR local authorities together to deliver a new Tourism model, a shared single vision to grow the visitor economy, and the implementation of a new public-private sector Board, chaired by Lord Hall, former

Director-General, BBC. The new model will formally launch in Q1 2025.

Latoya Likambi is a17-year-old 3X International best-selling author, an entrepreneur, and a positive role model for children globally. A highly confident, eloquent, and inspiring young speaker and influencer, with a passion to inspire young people to unleash their creative genius and fulfill their maximum potential. She has a natural entrepreneurial spirit and a keen eye for identifying opportunities to bring her ideas to life.

She is very creative, strong-minded, and a visionary young girl who believes that she and every child is a unique creation of God, with unique and exceptional/ creative abilities and potential to add value to the world.

She wrote her first book at the tender age of seven, which was published when she turned 10 and has read over 500 books to date. Latoya’s passion for writing and storytelling at the tender age of seven, led her to co-found Likambi Global Publishing, where she serves as a mentor to aspiring authors and helps them bring their stories to the world. Through her work at Likambi Global Publishing, Latoya aims to foster a supportive community for writers and empower them to amplify diverse voices in literature.

She was the winner of the Young Entrepreneur Mind Award 2022, The Young Visionary Award 2022, The Extraordinary Achievers “Exceptional Young Achievers Award” 2023 and The Rising Female Leader Award 2024. She has featured on diverse national and international Radio and Television programs/stations to talk about her books and passions and has been a guest speaker at various schools, community groups, business events/ conferences, and in The House of Commons.

With a career spanning Fortune 100 companies, creative start-ups, and expat life, Jacqui bring’s a deep understanding of leadership and interpersonal dynamics. Leading diverse global teams and extensive travel have given her invaluable insights into the motivations behind behaviour and results.

Leveraging MSc research in Neuroscience & Psychology of Mental Health alongside gold standard coaching accreditations, Jacqui has coached hundreds of individuals across 50+ organisations. Jacqui is particularly passionate about addressing stress, burnout, and the barriers to wellbeing, that pose risks to long-term health, success and fulfilment.

Having witnessed the transformational outcomes in her clients as well as for herself, following the death of her bother when she was sixteen, Jacqui wholeheartedly believes in coaching as a powerful solution. Jacqui brings an approach that is direct, thought-provoking, and intuitive—blending humor, insights, and creativity to foster trust-based partnerships. Jacqui can help you to achieve meaningful, sustainable change.

Fomum Victorine Agum is an Olympian and highly accomplished athlete, celebrated for her unwavering dedication, perseverance, and success across seven sports disciplines. With a distinguished career that has earned her over 60 medals, 50 trophies, and numerous awards, her journey is an inspiring testament to excellence in both sport and community development.

Beyond her athletic achievements, Victorine has established herself as a performance-driven professional with extensive experience in planning, organising, and executing impactful projects. Her work, particularly in empowering women and creating safe, inclusive spaces, has positioned her as a key figure in community leadership and development. She is highly skilled in developing and implementing regulations and procedures that meet both national and international standards, ensuring that her initiatives are well-structured and effective.

Victorine’s leadership extends to managing complex initiatives such as empowerment programmes, networking events, advocacy campaigns, and leadership development activities. Her ability to foster strong relationships with key stakeholders, including civil society organisations, sports federations, sponsors, and media partners, has contributed to her lasting impact in the community and sporting arenas.

Renowned for her versatility, enthusiasm, and ambition, Victorine is committed to driving positive change in every aspect of her professional life. Her unique blend of competitive spirit and strategic leadership continues to inspire those around her, making her a powerful force for transformation and success.

Richard Leighton is the Entrepreneur in Residence for the Brett Centre for Entrepreneurship. He earned a Masters in Enterprise Development from the Institute of Applied Entrepreneurship, where he focused on the development of platforms that can provide entrepreneurs with access to the equipment, facilities and resources required to create successful start-ups. Richard is passionate about mission-led businesses and the use of entrepreneurship to create sustainable and replicable social impact. He is a Fellow of the School for Social Entrepreneurs and the RSA – as well as the first male in the UK to be employed as a Social Entrepreneur in Residence.

Dr June Williams is the Founder and Director of StreetHolistics, a pioneering complementary holistic health consultancy that delivers accessible energy healing solutions to individuals, communities, and corporate clients. With over 25 years of experience as a biologist specialising in evidence-based clinical research and holding a Doctorate in Medical Ethics, Dr Williams seamlessly bridges scientific rigour with ancient healing wisdom.

StreetHolistics is proudly registered and licensed with the Federation of Holistic Therapists (FHT) in a range of modalities, including Clinical and Future Hypnotherapy, Usui Reiki Master/Teacher, Laughter Yoga, Transformative Meditation, and more. As a passionate educator, Dr Williams teaches Consciousness and Morality studies (Integrative Intuitive Ethics), offering a unique form of Modern Mysticism to both individuals and groups. She is also a registered meditation teacher on the popular Insight Timer platform.

Under her visionary leadership, StreetHolistics has reimagined the landscape of energy healing by placing timeless practices into a modern educational framework. Dr Williams empowers individuals and organisations to embark on transformative journeys towards balance, vitality, and holistic wellness.

With deep compassion and a commitment to ethical practice, Dr June Williams is redefining holistic health consultancy — not merely to heal, but to inspire, educate, and uplift. Join StreetHolistics and discover the transformative potential of combining knowledge, ethics, and energy for a brighter, more vibrant future.

Dr. Neva Helena Alexander is a dynamic leader, educator, and innovator dedicated to inspiring transformative change globally. With a Doctorate in Educational Leadership, she combines extensive academic expertise with practical insights to guide individuals and organizations toward impactful growth and success. As the Founder and Global Leadership Strategist of Nevalliance, a certified MWBE professional development company, Dr. Neva focuses on creating global experiences and intentional growth strategies. Through strategic consulting, curated international Global Leadership Experiences, and the prestigious Inner Circle membership program, she helps entrepreneurs and leaders gain visibility, build meaningful networks, and achieve sustainable business growth. In addition to her entrepreneurial endeavors, Dr. Neva leads the Nevalliance Foundation, the non-profit arm of Nevalliance, emphasizing community impact and global connection. A respected author, renowned speaker, and passionate advocate for leadership and startup strategies, Dr. Neva has successfully hosted the International Conference at Hofstra University since 2017, actively championing underrepresented voices in business. Dr. Neva Alexander continues to inspire individuals worldwide, empowering them to build lasting legacies through leadership, innovation, and strategic vision.

Professor Tim Nichol, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Faculty of Business and Law, Liverpool John Moores University

Professor Tim Nichol joined Liverpool John Moores University in 2015, first as Dean of the Liverpool Business School and he is currently the Pro-Vice-Chancellor for the newly created Faculty of Business and Law. His research interests are in the area of corporate governance, family company governance and power maintenance in multi-generation business families and family businesses.

Professor Nichol has a degree in Jurisprudence from Oxford University and a PhD from the University of York. He is a qualified Chartered Accountant and has held or holds fellowship status with the Royal Society of Arts, the Chartered Institute of Taxation and the Chartered Management Institute. After qualifying with Coopers and Lybrand as an accountant, Professor Nichol joined the Newcastle Business School in 1992 and held senior positions as Associate Dean Undergraduate, Associate Dean Teaching and Learning and Director of Northumbria University’s London Campus. In 1997 he was seconded temporarily to the UK Government’s Know How Fund and worked as a Resident Advisor at the Ukrainian central bank as part of a multi-agency team, advising on the implementation of banking and reform measures.

Professor Nichol holds a number of external academic and professional appointments including editorial and review responsibilities, non-executive and other board directorships and Trustee positions.

“Moni Akinsanya is LJMU’s Associate Director of Diversity and Inclusion. Moni provides expertise on all matters related to diversity and inclusivity. She has also worked as a consultant with other organisations, advising on initiatives such as Reciprocal Mentoring and Positive Action Programmes. She has served as a trustee on several community boards, making significant contributions and working in partnership with key community representatives. Moni has developed numerous project initiatives with community groups and organised various women’s programmes particularly for women of colour and faith some of which attracted over 200 participants from around the world. Moni is actively involved in various local and national networks.”

Janicka, born in Chicago and Founder of WWIRE, is a specialist in the Japanese Market and went to Tokyo at the age of 17 to go to Sophia University for college. She was one of the first Women Directors in France to sell commercial French Real Estate to the International Market. She started her career at Cogedim in 1987 and sold her first building 3 months later to a large Japanese group. She opened the way to Japanese, German, and American investors into France in the 90’s. She also created the first real estate transaction department in a French bank for the Credit Lyonnais in 1993 when she sold the largest shopping center in France at the time, the Forum De Halles. She has been enjoying helping women in their real estate career for the past 25 years.

Yasmina Ibragimova

Some influencers build a brand—She is building a movement.

Yasmina Ibragimova—though online, many know her as Miya Muratta. At just 20 years

old, she has become one of Uzbekistan’s youngest female entrepreneurs to make an

international impact, blending creativity with strategy across digital platforms and business ventures. She began her journey at just 12 years old as the first cosplay blogger in her country.

Over time, she transitioned into lifestyle content, growing a community of over 214,000

followers who connect with her creative vision and authentic storytelling.

Through years of hands-on experience, she developed deep expertise in influencer marketing and campaign strategy. This opened doors to collaborations with global brands like Coca- Cola, Garnier, Elemis, and Erborian, helping me establish myself as one of Uzbekistan’s most influential digital creators.

At 17, she launched an innovative IT project that brought museums into the metaverse. It was a bold idea rooted in culture and technology—and it earned us the opportunity to present directly to both the President of Uzbekistan and the President of Turkey. That experience was pivotal. It confirmed that she wasn’t just creating—She was leading.

Soon after, she moved to London to expand her horizons and turn vision into something even greater. That’s when she founded Yamoratti.

Yamoratti is a full-service advertising agency built for bold, forward-thinking brands that

want to stand out in an oversaturated market. We don’t follow trends—we create them.

With services spanning influencer marketing, 3D and CGI production, creative

direction, social content, web development, media buying, and brand storytelling, we craft

campaigns that are visually powerful, emotionally resonant, and culturally relevant.

I built Yamoratti with three incredibly talented co-founders: my middle sister Sofiya

Ibragimova and my friend Akhror Toshkanov, both experts in 3D/CGI production that is

now super popular in digital world, and Jalol Mirislomov, a specialist in software and

website development. Together, we combine creativity, tech, and cultural fluency to help

brands connect with Gen Z in a way that feels real—and unforgettable.

But Yamoratti is more than an agency. It’s a statement. It’s proof that young, ambitious

talents from places like Uzbekistan can build globally relevant companies—and lead with

purpose.

One of her biggest goals is to grow a powerful international community of women

entrepreneurs. she wants to show the UK—and the world—that women from Central Asia cannot only participate in business, but truly lead it.

Joanne Anderson – Former Mayor of Liverpool, Equity & Inclusion Leader, and Social Investment Advocate

Joanne Anderson is a pioneering British political and social leader who made history as Liverpool’s first female Mayor and the UK’s first Black woman to be directly elected as a Mayor, serving from May 2021 to 2023. Her tenure marked a period of progressive leadership and transformation during a challenging time for the city.

With a deep commitment to sustainability, equality, and community wellbeing, Joanne implemented a “triple-lock” decision-making framework—prioritising people, planet, and equality. Under her leadership, Liverpool City Council made strides in governance and financial stability, while amplifying its international reputation. One of her standout achievements was securing and hosting Eurovision 2023, delivering a £20 million return on a £2 million investment and generating an anticipated £250 million boost for local businesses.

Joanne also launched Liverpool Against Racism, a globally unique festival combining entertainment and critical discourse on racial equality, described by attendees as an “intellectual Glastonbury.”

With nearly 30 years of experience in equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI), Joanne is the founder of Innervision, a consultancy dedicated to advancing inclusive practices in business and society. Through Innervision, she has been instrumental in supporting Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic-led businesses and launched BlaST, a standalone social investment fund specifically for those communities.

Her professional background also includes a significant role in the civil service as the Community Engagement Policy Lead at the Crown Prosecution Service, where she shaped policy with a focus on inclusive engagement.

Joanne’s work in the social enterprise and social investment sectors has earned her national recognition. She has collaborated with Social Enterprise UK to promote the Social Value Roadmap, advocating for policies that integrate social, environmental, and economic considerations into public spending. She is also spearheading efforts to develop a £50 million place-based social investment fund in Liverpool in partnership with regional and national bodies.

A trailblazer and changemaker, Joanne Anderson continues to inspire through her leadership in social justice, inclusive economic development, and community empowerment—both in the UK and on the global stage.

Host or Publisher Global Visionary Women Network