Celebrating Resilience at International Women’s Day Event
A special event dedicated to honoring female resilience took place at Stratford Town Hall, in recognition of International Women’s Day.
Event Theme and Organizers
The day revolved around the theme of “Accelerate Action,” collaboratively organized by local advocacy groups, Shakespeare Soroptimists and Ladies First Professional Development.
Support for Domestic Violence Victims
The occasion successfully raised over £600 through a raffle, benefiting Refuge, a charity dedicated to providing specialist support for women and children facing domestic violence.
Inspiring Speakers
The event, hosted by Sally Bee from Stratford, featured keynote addresses from impressive figures: Captain Emma Henderson MBE, Nicky Pattinson, and Natalie Heeley.
Captain Emma Henderson MBE
One of fewer than 500 female airline captains globally, ‘Captain Emma’ shared her inspiring journey from piloting aircraft at 37,000 feet to founding Project Wingman during the pandemic. With an esteemed career, she is an award-winning CEO and Aviation Ambassador, and she has partnered with prestigious organizations to deliver transformative insights and actionable strategies. Currently preparing to summit Kilimanjaro, Emma represents the spirit of ongoing challenge and personal growth that she emphasizes in her talks.
Nicky Pattinson
Nicky Pattinson, a global speaker and coach, has experienced both success and hardship, and is in the process of reinventing her career. Known for her powerful narrative, she has influenced the fortunes of major brands in the UK, drawing from her extensive life experience to inspire others.
Natalie Heeley
A mother of three and a leader in network marketing with Forever Living Products, Natalie Heeley has authored two books—one detailing her personal journey and another concentrating on mindset and success. Her story resonates with working mothers worldwide, and she actively shares her insights through various presentations and seminars both locally and internationally.
Contributors to the Event
Sally Bee, President of Shakespeare Soroptimists, co-hosted the event alongside Tracey McAtamney, Director of Ladies First. Sally, a motivational speaker, broadcaster, and author, delivers talks globally on mental health, positivity, and empowering women and girls.
Having survived six heart attacks, Sally opens up about her journey of overcoming adversity, marking her survival as a rebirth. She has authored six bestselling cookbooks, including her latest, “Don’t go faster than your guardian angel can fly,” which focuses on the importance of women supporting one another and has achieved global bestseller status.
The Impact of the Event
Sally expressed: “The event was a genuine tribute to the strength and brilliance of women. I was proud to partner with Ladies First to create an inspiring environment for all attendees. Together, we uplifted one another, shared our experiences, and demonstrated that when women support each other, extraordinary outcomes are possible.”
Tracey McAtamney leads the Ladies First Professional Development Network, a national group that organizes events celebrating inspirational female achievers across the UK. The current year’s awards were launched with style at The House of Commons last month and remain open for nominations until March 15th.
A Platinum Champion in the Jubilee awards, celebrating her commitment to volunteering, Tracey runs the Surviving Bereavement foundation, providing legal and emotional support to bereaved families. She noted, “Collaborating with Shakespeare Soroptimists to celebrate International Women’s Day highlighted our shared values. By supporting one another as a community, we grow stronger together.”
The Importance of Raising Awareness
Attendees included a blend of businesswomen and students acknowledged for their accomplishments, with a focus on inspiring, informing, and creating connections. The day also addressed that domestic abuse can take emotional and financial forms, not just physical.
Panel Discussion
The formal segment ended with a Q&A panel featuring sponsors such as Siobhan Rowlands, Hester MacLean, Julie McGarrigle, and others representing diverse sectors, contributing to a range of insights and support.
Conclusion
Sally Bee concluded, “Emphasizing the need to Accelerate Action underlines the urgency of pursuing gender equality. We must call out stereotypes, challenge discrimination, and champion women’s achievements. Sharing knowledge and encouragement is vital for all.”
