Athena Effect 2026

Friday 6th March 2026

Athena Effect 2026 is a women’s spotlight and celebration event, shining a light on women; their successes, hard work, commitment, determination and the impact they have across workplaces, industries and society.

It exists because I believe women deserve to be seen, celebrated and supported, not occasionally, but consistently. The Athena Effect brings together women and organisations who share a core belief that I hold deeply: celebrating women is not symbolic! It is a space where women are recognised, genuinely connected and empowered to grow, lead and thrive.

Be prepared for high energy, movement and fun. Most of all, be your authentic self.

A MASSIVE THANK YOU to all the sponsors, supporters, hosts and panellists for being part of my team and making today happen.

Event Overview

Panel One

LevitateHer:

Women in Construction

Dr Carol Massay

Founder of Unity for Construction

Chandni Vora MBE FCMA

Chief Operating Officer, Vascroft Contractors Ltd and Advocate of Female Entrepreneurship and Philanthropy

Amelia Fletcher-Blackburn

Enterprise Customer Experience Director, Causeway Technologies

Karen Heigham

Public Sector Director, Wates Construction

Panel Two

High Stake Professions:

Women in Precision Roles and Industries

Dame Kelly Holmes

Founder and Host of Athena Effect Events

Dr Bex Bennett

Higher Specialist Trainee in Forensic Psychiatry, Co-Founder of Sisters in Service

Clare Sharpe

President Chair of Women in Nuclear (WiN) UK

Emma Riley

Programme and Operations Manager for the Global Privacy Office, RX Global

Chelsea Walters

Group Legal Director, Wates Group

Panel Three

Beyond the Plate:

Women Leading in Food, Bolney and Hotels

Dame Kelly Holmes

Founder and Host of Athena Effect Events

Cara Lee Dely

Winery and Operations Manager, Bolney Wine Estate

Karisha Pithwa

Founder, Crème De La Cakes

Shelina Permalloo

MasterChef UK Winner and Award-Winning Chef

Charlotte Weatherall

General Manager, Corinthia London

Panel Four

Power in Balance:

Health, Confidence and Strength

Faye Edwards

Founder of Faye’s Intentional Training and Mind Fit Retreats

Dr Naomi Potter

Founder of Menopause Care Ltd, Outstanding Achiever of the Year Award 2025

Kate Rowe-Ham

Women’s Health Coach, Menopause Fitness Expert and Bestselling Author

Dr Linia Patel (PhD), RD, MBDA

Award-Winning Women’s Health Dietitian, Performance Nutritionist and Public Health Researcher

Rosie Nixon

Visionary Leader, Author, Coach and Founder of Rosie’s Reinvention Retreats

Panel Five

Why Care?:

Stronger Together, Inclusion Matters

Nadia Nagamootoo

CEO of Avenir, Podcast Host, Bestselling Author

Linda Riley

LGBTQIA+ Activist, Diversity Champion and Founder of Lesbian Visibility Week

Raga D'Silva

Host: Older Queer Voices, TEDx Speaker, Author and Human Rights Activist

Vikki Feltam

Visible Difference Advocate | Cancer Survivor, Mrs Southampton 2026, Nobody Nose Podcast

Insight One

Life as a Singer, Interview with Starling

Angie Greaves

Multi Award Winning British Radio Presenter

Starling

Singer

Insight Two

Ancient Insights and Modern Healing

Jo Neill

Professor of Psychopharmacology and Co-host of the Drug Science Podcast

Linda Riley

Breathwork Practitioner

Entertainment

Starling

Singer

Faye Edwards

Founder of Faye’s Intentional Training and Mind Fit Retreats

DJ Riot Girl

Resident DJ

Breakout Sessions

Session Hosts

Jane Wake

Dr Naomi Potter

Dr Eloise Elphinstone

Jane James

Dr Claire Kaye

Rosie Nixon

Kate Rowe-Ham

Deb Mills-Burns

Lisa Talbot

Sonica Beckmann

Gold Partner

Official Drinks Sponsor

Women in Business

Keynote and Q&A

Caroline Nokes MP

Member of Parliament and Deputy Speaker of the House of Commons

Jagdeep Rai

Managing Director, Head of Uk Client Coverage, SME Business Banking (HSBC)

Spotlight Awards

New for 2026

These personal awards are chosen and presented by Dame Kelly Holmes to celebrate women and businesses, she believes have driven meaningful change, created lasting impact and used their influence to raise awareness and open doors for others.

Women who have broken “glass” ceilings, challenged expectations and are building legacies through courage, resilience and belief.