Women Empowerment Events

Women Empowerment Events

About The Athena Effect

Women who Support Women.

Leadership, Inclusion, Health and Wellbeing.

Celebrating International Women’s Day.

Format of the Day*

Prepare to be Inspired

*Subject to change

12:00

Guest Arrival

DJ Riot Girl

Buffet Lunch

12:40 - 13:10

Anna Bayne

Buffet Lunch

12:40 - 13:10

Anna Bayne

Singer-Songwriter

13:00

Guests Seated

Be quick we have lots of fun ahead

13:15

Let's Do This

Welcome - Sheraton Grand London
Spoken Word Poet - Deb Mills-Burns
Founder and Host - Dame Kelly Holmes

13:30 - 14:25

Panel One

The Power of Women

We’ll explore what it takes to be a female leader, the challenges women face, and the power of women supporting women and thriving in business and entrepreneurship.

14:25 - 14:40

Dance Like No One Is Watching

Singer-Songwriter

14:45 - 15:40

Panel Two

Embracing Inclusivity and Allyship:
The Voices We Need in a Diverse World

This dynamic panel discussion explores the power of inclusion and the critical role of allyship in fostering diverse communities.

15:45 - 16:40

Panel Three

Focus and Flow
Balancing Growth, Health and Ambition

We will explore the complex intersection of work-life balance, burn out and the physiology of change and growth.

16:45 - 17:15

Break

DJ Riot Girl

Afternoon Tea

17:20 - 18:15

Panel Four

Your Body, Your Health

A candid and informative panel exploring key women’s health topics, including menopause, gut health, and gynaecological well-being.

18:15 - 18:35

WICKEDER Performance

Elesha Paul Moses and Megan Armstrong

18:35 - 19:30

Panel Five

Lifting Your Spirits

A dynamic panel focused on empowering women through fitness, wellness and a positive mindset.

19:30 - 21:30

Dancing

Networking

DJ Riot Girl

Networking and Connecting - The more you connect the more you get out of it. This is the time to get on your dancing shoes.

21:30

Athena Effect 2025: Accomplished

Dress Code:

Day – Smart but authentically you

Evening – Casual, Dance-worthy

Meet Your Host

Dame Kelly Holmes MBE (mil) OLY

As we reflect on the remarkable journey of two-time Olympic Gold Medalist Dame Kelly Holmes, we celebrate not just her extraordinary achievements but also her enduring impact as a role model and inspiration worldwide. 

Dame Kelly’s story began when she joined the British Army at just 17, where she served for nearly a decade as a qualified HGV driver and Physical Training Instructor. Her dedication and service were recognised in 1998 when she was awarded an MBE by the now King Charles, honouring her contributions to the armed forces.

Her illustrious athletic career spanned 12 years, during which she claimed multiple medals at the Commonwealth, European, World, and Olympic levels. The pinnacle of her career came in 2004 at the Athens Olympic Games, where she made history as the first British woman ever to win two gold medals in a single Olympics, triumphing in the 800m and 1500m events. In recognition of her monumental achievements in sport, she was honoured with a Damehood by the late Queen Elizabeth in 2005.

In 2008, Dame Kelly founded the Dame Kelly Holmes Trust, a groundbreaking initiative that pairs world-class athletes with disadvantaged youth, empowering them to realize their potential. Her philanthropic efforts have garnered numerous accolades, including the Beacon Award for Philanthropy in 2017 and the Sport and Recreation Alliance’s Arthur Bell Trophy in 2023.

From 2018 to 2024, Dame Kelly held the prestigious role of Honorary Colonel of the Royal Armoured Corps Training Regiment, making history as the first individual to be attached to a regular regiment in this capacity—an appointment that required the approval of the late Queen Elizabeth.

Dame Kelly’s influence extends beyond athletics. In 2024, she received an Honorary Fellowship from the Royal College of Psychiatrists, adding to a remarkable collection of 13 honorary degrees she has received since retiring. Her powerful documentary, “Kelly Holmes: Being Me,” aired in June 2022, showcasing her journey toward authenticity and her commitment to advocating for diversity and inclusion.

As a global inspirational and motivational speaker for over 20 years, a TV presenter, and a trained Mental Health First Aider, Dame Kelly continues to be a voice for change. She embodies resilience, determination, and the spirit of empowerment, serving as a true trailblazer for countless causes.

Dame Kelly Holmes—a beacon of strength, a champion of change, women empowerment and a relentless advocate for those striving for greatness.

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Five Inspirational Panels

Panel One

The Power of Women

We’ll explore what it takes to be a female leader, the challenges women face, and the power of women supporting women and thriving in business and entrepreneurship.

Host

Angie
Greaves

Multi Award Winning British Radio Presenter

Angie Greaves is an award-winning British radio presenter known for her warm, engaging style and trailblazing career in broadcasting…

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Erica
Bourne

CPO of London Stock Exchange Group

Erica was appointed Chief People Officer and a member of the Executive Committee at LSEG in January 2023. She is responsible…

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Cathryn
Wright

Managing Director of the Sedulo Group

Cathryn is the Managing Director of the Sedulo Group, one of the UK’s fastest growing financial advisory firms and investment houses…

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Lydia
Stirling

People Director for the Welsh Rugby Union

Lydia joined the Welsh Rugby Union as their People Director in September 2021. Sitting on the Executive Board, Lydia is responsible for the…

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Guest

Angellica
Bell

Television and Radio Broadcaster

Angellica Bell has been a television and radio broadcaster for over two decades and has emerged as a significant presenter of adult factual…

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Panel Two

Embracing Inclusivity and Allyship

This dynamic panel discussion explores the power of inclusion and the critical role of inclusion and the critical role of allyship in fostering diverse communities.

Host

Dame Kelly
Holmes

Founder and Host of The Athena Effect

Col. Dame Kelly Holmes MBE (mil) is one of the UK’s most popular athletes. Joining the British Army at 17, serving for nearly 10 years…

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Lady
Phyll

Co-Founder of UK Black Pride

Phyll Opoku-Gyimah, known widely as Lady Phyll, is a political activist and advocate for racial, gender and LGBTQ+ equality. She is the…

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Kat
Parsons

Head of DE&I for Centrica

Kat is the Group Head of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for Centrica, a leader who has experience driving company wide cultural change…

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Nadia
Nagamootoo

Founder and CEO of Avenir

Nadia Nagamootoo (she/her) is a Chartered Psychologist, MBA, accredited coach and the Founder and CEO of Avenir, a diversity, equity…

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Jennifer
Thomas

Global Head of EDI - LSEG

Jennifer joined the Board as a non-executive Director in 2024. Jennifer is a prominent diversity and inclusion and communications…

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Panel Three

Focus and Flow

We will explore the complex intersection of work-life balance, burn out and the physiology of change and growth.

Host

Dame Kelly
Holmes

Founder and Host of The Athena Effect

Col. Dame Kelly Holmes MBE (mil) is one of the UK’s most popular athletes. Joining the British Army at 17, serving for nearly 10 years…

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Dr Tania
Pilley

Founder of Think You Can

Dr Tania Pilley graduated from UCL in the 90’s as a Clinical Psychologist. She currently works in the UK and Internationally…

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Dr Claire
Kaye

Executive Career Coach

Dr Claire Kaye helps women rediscover their confidence, find career clarity, and take back control. A former award-winning GP turned Executive…

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Kelly
Swingler

The Burnoutologist

Kelly Swingler, The Burnoutologist. Her first burnout made her seriously ill. Her second almost killed her. That was her wake-up call. Now she’s…

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Panel Four

Your Body, Your Health

A candid and informative panel exploring key women’s health topics, including menopause, gut health, and gynaecological well-being.

Host

Dame Kelly
Holmes

Founder and Host of The Athena Effect

Col. Dame Kelly Holmes MBE (mil) is one of the UK’s most popular athletes. Joining the British Army at 17, serving for nearly 10 years…

Read More

Dr Naomi
Potter

Founder of Menopause Care Ltd

Dr Naomi Potter is the founder of Menopause Care Ltd: a highly respected menopause clinic – combining expertise and knowledge…

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Dr Milli
Raizada

Founder of Dr Milli Health

Dr Milli Raizada, an award-winning doctor, MBCHB Hons, DGM, PgCert Med Ed, IBLM, MRCGP AFMCP, is a GP with more than 15 years’…

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Lisa
Macfarlane

Co-Founder of The Gut Stuff

Lisa and her twin sister Alana (The Mac Twins), have done everything from DJing at the Olympics, to presenting on the Brits red carpet…

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Panel Five

Lifting Your Spirits

A dynamic panel focused on empowering women through fitness, wellness and a positive mindset. Featuring expert insights and inspiring stories, this discussion explores movement, mental resilience and self-care.

Host

Faye
Edwards

Founder of Faye’s Intentional Training App and Mind Fit Retreats

Faye Edwards is an internationally recognized fitness presenter, celebrity trainer, and the visionary founder of Faye’s Intentional…

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Dr Jenna
Macciochi

Director of S&I for Ancient + Brave

Dr. Jenna Macciochi is a leading immunologist and expert in the science of staying well, with over 20 years of experience studying how diet and…

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Jane
Wake

TV Fitness Expert and Personal Trainer

Jane started her career in fitness aged 19 when she trained as a fitness instructor whilst doing her undergraduate studies in London…

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Nadia
Alibhai

Founder of Back 2 Well-being

Nadia Alibhai is the founder and Principal Osteopath of Back 2 well-being, a multi-disciplinary healthcare clinic based in London. With over 22 years…

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Entertainment Artists

Deb
Mills-Burns

Spoken Word Poet

Deb Mills-Burns is a spoken word poet, veteran, and published author whose work explores themes of resilience, identity, and the human…

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Jess
Princeton

DJ Riot Girl

Jess is a highly respected and sought-after DJ at London’s most exclusive venues, with residencies at the legendary Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club…

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Anna
Bayne

Singer-Songwriter

Anna is a Singer-Songwriter from London and has been performing at private events and weddings for over eight years now. You will also…

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Faye
Edwards

Founder of Faye’s Intentional Training App and Mind Fit Retreats

Faye Edwards is an internationally recognized fitness presenter, celebrity trainer, and the visionary founder of Faye’s Intentional…

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Elesha
Paul Moses

Award-Winning Actor

Elesha Paul Moses is an award-winning actor and powerhouse vocalist who has graced some of the world’s most prestigious stages, including the Royal Albert…

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Megan
Armstrong

Actress and Purpose & Human Design Coach

Megan Armstrong is an accomplished actress and Purpose & Human Design Coach, combining a deep understanding of performance…

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