Women of the Future Summit

We have been very fortunate to be invited to a wide range of Women of the Future events for many years, from workplace visits and ambassador receptions to awards ceremonies and gala dinners. Each opportunity has opened doors for our young women. It has connected them to an inspiring network of leaders and role models.

This year, we were delighted to attend the Women of the Future Summit for the first time. Centred on the theme Courageous Leadership: Rising to the Challenge, the Summit explored what it means to lead with courage and purpose in uncertain times. It highlighted the bravery required not only to challenge injustice, but also to lead with authenticity, resilience, and integrity. Attendees heard from leaders working on critical issues such as human rights, climate justice, and diversity. They also gained practical insights into influencing a world rapidly shaped by new technology.

Seven of our Lower Sixth students set off from Petersfield Station early on Monday morning, full of anticipation, and travelled to the Hilton Bankside in London. After registering, we enjoyed a lively networking breakfast. The girls had the privilege of meeting Pinky Lilani CBE DL, Founder and Chair of the Women of the Future Programme. It was a wonderful start to a day dedicated to connection, learning, and inspiration.

The Summit opened with a warm welcome from Kate Quilton, journalist, TV presenter and producer, followed by an inspiring address from Pinky. Jules Chappell OBE, CEO of Kokoro, then introduced the day’s theme. She went on to lead an engaging discussion with Dex Hunter-Torricke, President and Founder of The Center for Tomorrow.

Sessions on courageous leadership in action followed. These featured Kim Rowell, Trustee and Board Member at UN Women UK, in conversation with Dana Rentenaar, peace activist; Adam Hegedus of Teach Us Consent; and Adele Walton, Founder of the Logging Off Club.

Participants then joined masterclasses led by Rob Stephenson, speaker and wellbeing advocate, and Ideja Bajra, Founder of Edvance AI. These explored sustaining personal energy and wellbeing, as well as the fast-evolving world of AI.

The afternoon featured a captivating keynote from Tom Ilube CBE, Chair of The King’s Trust UK and Chair of LINK. His reflections on leadership, failure, and resilience set a powerful tone. He was followed by Angela Rayner MP, who spoke about leadership, public service, and the importance of authenticity.

Later, Vicki Treadell CMG, MVO, Vice Chair of the Women of the Future Programme and former senior diplomat, hosted a moving conversation with Louise Prashad BCAv, Corporate Partnerships Manager at Special Olympics GB and Founder of the Second Chance Project.

This was followed by Ash Alexander-Cooper OBE, former elite military unit commander and leadership and resilience expert, in conversation with Shabnam Khan Dawran, BBC journalist with the BBC Pashto World Service. They explored courage in the face of conflict and displacement.

During the day, the Global Visionary Award was presented by the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan. The award recognises a leader shaping conversations, challenging boundaries, and expanding opportunities for women worldwide. It went to the highly acclaimed, multi-award-winning British-Turkish novelist Elif Shafak.

Our day concluded with an energising interactive exercise led by Nicola Briant, Associate Partner at Oaklin and Tag Rugby World Champion. This was followed by a final conversation between Miriam González Durántez, international trade lawyer and Founder of Inspiring Girls International, and Dame Karen Pierce DCMG, UK Special Envoy to the Western Balkans. They offered global perspectives on leadership, diplomacy, and the future.

Our students left energised, thoughtful, and inspired. Their key takeaways for courageous leadership were simple yet powerful: do it scared, be your own storyteller, support each other, be kind, and be authentic. It was a brilliant day that will shape our behaviours, aspirations, and sense of responsibility for a long time to come. We are deeply grateful to the Women of the Future team for curating such a powerful and uplifting experience.