Women Who Challenge: Celebrating Leadership on International Women’s Day

Across every sector, women continue to push against limitations and transform the landscape of leadership and achievement. At this year’s HEP Women’s Conference, held in recognition of International Women’s Day, we will be spotlighting the trailblazers who challenge perceptions and open doors for others.

This year’s International Women’s Day theme, Give to Gain, celebrates the power of generosity, collaboration and shared experience. It recognises that when women support and uplift one another, opportunities multiply. By sharing stories, insights and lessons from their own leadership journeys, our speakers embody this theme – giving their experiences so that others can learn, grow and thrive.

Check out highlights from Women’s Conference 2025 hosted at HEP.

Hosted by Evelyn Forde MBE, women leaders from across HEP’s family of schools will gather in the HEP training rooms on Friday 13 March for a day of learning, connection and inspiration.

This year’s programme brings together powerful voices from education and beyond, each offering valuable insights into the realities, challenges and opportunities of women’s leadership.

Expect a space to reflect, connect and engage with thought‑provoking discussions that challenge assumptions, celebrate success and spark new ideas.

Evelyn brings decades of educational leadership experience to her work. She served as Headteacher of Copthall School from 2016 to 2023, leading the school through significant improvement and national recognition. In 2020, she was named TES Headteacher of the Year, followed by an MBE in the 2021 New Year’s Honours List for services to education.

Evelyn also served as Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) President (2022 – 23) and continues to contribute as a member of their Executive Team and Chair of ASCL Professional Development. Alongside her leadership roles, she is the author of Herstory and a respected voice on equity, leadership, and school improvement.

Evelyn has remained deeply engaged in the sector as a consultant and improvement partner since stepping away from full‑time headship. She works closely with senior and middle leaders, providing coaching and mentoring to strengthen leadership practice, enhance school culture, and drive sustainable improvement.

Kerry‑Ann served for 12 years in the British Army, becoming one of the most recognisable faces of military recruitment in the UK. As a Black British woman in the Armed Forces, she featured prominently in national campaigns designed to inspire more women to consider military careers.

During her service, Kerry‑Ann rose to the rank of Corporal, served with the 26th Regiment Royal Artillery in Germany, and later became an instructor at the Army Foundation College. Her leadership, visibility and expertise positioned her as a role model for many entering the forces.

After leaving the military, she spoke publicly about the discrimination she experienced and became a powerful advocate for equity, accountability and cultural change within the Armed Forces.

Her bravery in challenging systemic issues led to significant media attention and ultimately a substantial settlement from the Ministry of Defence in 2024, alongside a public apology. She has since been commended by leaders within the Equality and Human Rights Commission, who describe her as an inspiration to young soldiers and a catalyst for change. Today, Kerry‑Ann uses her platform to speak on resilience, leadership, and the importance of inclusive environments, championing the voices of those who are too often underrepresented.

Louisa has a distinguished track record of shaping major national communications strategies. Before joining Age UK as their Chief Brand and Communications Officer, she spent over six years at the Football Association, including as Director of Communications, overseeing all internal and external communications and acting as spokesperson on national issues.

She played a pivotal role in strengthening perceptions of both the England men’s and women’s teams and supporting the growth of the women’s game. Her career also spans some of the UK’s most high‑profile campaigns and moments. At the BBC, Louisa served as Head of Marketing and Communications for BBC Sport and BBC London 2012, leading the broadcaster’s communications strategy for the London Olympic Games.

She has also held senior roles at the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, British Heart Foundation and Royal National Institute of Blind People, shaping public engagement and delivering impactful awareness campaigns across the charity sector.

Through open conversation and the generous sharing of experience, the conference reflects the spirit of this year’s International Women’s Day theme, Give to Gain – recognising that when women lift each other up, the impact extends far beyond the room.

We would love for you to be part of this inspiring day, which is FREE for all HEP CPD package holders. Get your ticket below.

Jonathan is the Lead for Communications and Content at HEP. He has a passion for storytelling and has previously worked as a journalist and communications advisor in New Zealand.