Businesses are being invited to sponsor a female employee or apprentice to be part of a
new event packed with inspirational speakers, in Warwickshire next month.
The inaugural Raise Up Conference, organised by the Leamington Soroptimists, will hear
from a dozen leading lights in the worlds of business and charity in south Warwickshire,
whilst also fundraising for local causes. And organisers say it opens the door to an experience that’s both uplifting and empowering to women in the workplace.
The speakers’ deeply personal tales will touch on a host of topics, from physical and mental
health challenges, through to bullying, addiction, grooming, misogyny and physical abuse.
All proceeds from the day will also support Warwickshire-based charities The OurJay
Foundation, Esther Project and New Futures Nepal.
The event, on September 29th is the latest passion project of Soroptimists President – and
Leamington podcaster and author – Catherine Williamson, whose Gobsmacked! Podcast is
also dedicated to celebrating inspirational life stories, and has now been heard in more than
113 countries. Catherine said:
“As a business, investing in a sponsorship for the Raise Up Conference is more than just a ticket—it's an opportunity to inspire and catalyse the next generation of leaders and volunteers in our community. By sponsoring a place for a woman, you’re not only providing her with access to inspiration and practical tools, but also investing in the future of our local workforce and community. Let’s come together to raise up and equip those who will drive positive change in the years to come.”
She added: “The conference is designed to resonate with anyone who values resilience and
the power of overcoming obstacles. Whether you’re a leader nurturing the next generation
or someone seeking inspiration in your own life, this conference will serve you
tremendously."
“Each speaker is a Soroptimist who has transformed their hardships into strength and faced
significant personal challenges—whether it’s overcoming chronic exam anxiety, surviving
bullying and grooming, or enduring six heart attacks.”
Compered by Catherine, inspirational keynote speakers throughout the day are:
Hannah Simnett, from Sutton Coldfield.
Hannah is the Founder and CEO of Cherished, a Birmingham-based charity dedicated to empowering and supporting young girls in her community who felt marginalised or bullied. Drawing from her own experiences, Hannah has transformed personal pain into a powerful purpose and is an award-winning leader and speaker who has inspired countless women to overcome obstacles.
Recently, her work was also recognised with the prestigious King’s Award for Voluntary Service, often described as the MBE for charities.
Lianne Kirkman, from Leamington
For nine-and-a-half years Founding CEO of Helping Hands Community Project in Leamington, Lianne has recently stepped down from that role in order to focus on The Esther Project, a new initiative providing gender-specific supported accommodation for women affected by trauma and abuse, which often results in homelessness, addiction, and criminal behaviour.
Her journey began after she overcame a significant mental health crisis, which inspired her to set up the project as a way to give back to the community and support others facing similar struggles. She is also a recipient of a King’s Award for Voluntary Service.
Sally Bee, from Stratford-upon-Avon
By 36, Sally had survived her first three heart attacks and is now a proud member of the six Heart Attack Survivors Club. Despite living with a potentially fatal heart condition, Sally channels her experiences into positivity, sharing life tools through her bestselling books, TV shows, and online club.
Her ITV Daytime health segments broke records, with over 1.2 million downloads in a week and her new chat show, ‘Don’t Go Faster Than Your Guardian Angel Can Fly,’ is a popular watch.
Dr Mandy Barnett, from Leamington
A psychology graduate, clinical educator and retired consultant physician, Dr Barnett has worked for over 30 years in the NHS and as an Associate Clinical Professor at Warwick Medical School.
Based on her own experiences as the mother of two children with Tourette's Syndrome, she published a guidebook for parents called 'It's NOT All About Swearing! A Practical Guide to Tourette's Syndrome for Parents in a Post-Pandemic World.’
Nicola Enoch, from Leamington
Two years after giving birth to a baby with Down Syndrome, Nicola established The Ups of Downs, a charity which now works with around 70 families. This was followed, in 2017, by the launch of Positive about Down syndrome, a website and social media support network accessible to parents worldwide, and is now part of the national charity Down syndrome UK.
Julie White, from Coventry
Julie is the owner and MD of D-Drill & Sawing with branches across the UK, and holds a series of key industry titles, including chair of Build UK and the first female chair of The Drilling and Sawing Association.
Julie is also a previous winner of the Vitalise Businesswoman of the Year – following in the footsteps of Karren Brady, and is a familiar face on national news programmes including BBC’s Question Time, The One Show, Daily Politics Show, BBC Breakfast, Sophy Ridge on Sunday and Sky News.
Dayle Adams, from Leamington
Dayle is a Reiki Master, Holistic Therapist, and Psychic Medium with a passion for end-of-life planning and spiritual growth, empowering individuals to face life’s transitions with peace, clarity, and celebration.
Inspired by the death of a close friend, Dayle founded ‘Planning Ahead of Time’ - a service that encourages open conversations about loss and end-of-life planning – and ‘Night of Our Light,’ an annual event that celebrates the lives of lost loved ones.
Tessa Morton, from Leamington
Following an early career in acting and presenting, Tessa has spent the last 20 years growing her successful Tessa Morton Partnership, working as a trainer and coach advising and directing professionals with communication challenges.
More recently she has qualified as a cognitive behaviour therapist and runs voluntary drama and social skills groups for young people on the autistic spectrum through not-for-profit organisation Act for Autism, a passionate advocate for the autistic community.
Tamar Groenevld, from Leamington
Tamar is a seasoned Wellness Expert, Personal Trainer, and Mind Coach with over 20 years of experience. She specialises in enhancing life experiences by aligning mental, emotional, and physical health. Tamar leads yoga and wellness retreats in the UK and Crete, focusing on energy healing and self-awareness.
Visitors on the day will also have the chance to hear from other guest speakers to be announced, but including Zelda Wilson, from Hampton Magna and Saorise Welland, from Leamington. Zelda recently returned from her latest adventure - a 500km cycling trip on a fold-up bike over the Alps – despite still battling Grade 4 terminal cancer!
Saorise found sobriety three years ago at the age of 26 and is now in the process of writing a book exploring her turbulent past with alcohol, drugs and an eating disorder.
The Raise Up Conference takes place on September 29th at The Fold in Leamington. Tickets
are £40, to include a light lunch.
For more information about Leamington Soroptimists visit here.
