Theme: See the Opportunity

TEDxTeessideWomen is about the power of women, non-binary people and their allies to be creators and change makers. The programme of speakers, workshops, events - and daring discussions - will become some of the most iconic moments in Teesside. We are creating a space for inspiring talks, incredible performers, meaningful conversations, and connections to be made. The theme is 'See the Opportunity'.

Flok
20-26 Albert Road
Middlesbrough, Middlesbrough, TS1 1PR
United Kingdom

Cheryl Lee

Co-Founder

Co-Founder of Now Is Your Time, creators of The Real You® coaching methodology and authors of the Amazon #1 Best Seller, ‘Become The Real You’. After over twenty years in successful senior leadership roles we now run our own coaching services business. We are also Mams, wives and middle-aged women from the NorthEast of England who left their long standing corporate careers in their mid-forties to not just talk about living your best life, but to actually live it. Our goal is to impact on as many women as we can by empowering them to work out who they are, what they want and show them how to go and make that happen. We know the world benefits when women and girls break free from limiting beliefs, imposter syndrome and just plain fear - to become the best version of themselves by harnessing their inner power to live a radically authentic life. And it’s our mission to ignite, activate and accelerate that transformation.

David Stimson

Founding Director

David (he/him) is passionate about working with both individuals and organisations to help gain an in-depth understanding of the ‘why’ we do things the in the way in which we do. David believes that when people have an increased understanding in behaviour, emotion and their relationship to both themselves and others, then organisational systems can shift and personal and organisational performance can be massively increased. With over seventeen years’ experience in the psychotherapy, psychological and coaching services, David is now a founding director of both Bennu Consulting and Child & Adult Therapy Solutions (CATS) psychological service.

Donna Elliott

Co-Founder

Co-Founder of Now Is Your Time, creators of The Real You® coaching methodology and authors of the Amazon #1 Best Seller, ‘Become The Real You’. After over twenty years in successful senior leadership roles we now run our own coaching services business. We are also Mams, wives and middle-aged women from the NorthEast of England who left their long standing corporate careers in their mid-forties to not just talk about living your best life, but to actually live it. Our goal is to impact on as many women as we can by empowering them to work out who they are, what they want and show them how to go and make that happen. We know the world benefits when women and girls break free from limiting beliefs, imposter syndrome and just plain fear - to become the best version of themselves by harnessing their inner power to live a radically authentic life. And it’s our mission to ignite, activate and accelerate that transformation.

Dr. Rana Sabra

Business Strategist & Founder

Rana (she/her), is a result-focused business strategist, founder, mother, global speaker, former Marketing Director at multinational organizations, university professor, and published academic researcher dedicated to helping women entrepreneurs start, grow, and scale their dreams. Her Human Design is a Projector... and a good chocolate bar always makes her smile! Rana is committed to women and takes every opportunity to invest in the empowerment and education of women worldwide. Diversity is her jam and she celebrates working with people from different backgrounds and cultures worldwide. She founded Creative Minds, a marketing agency based in Arizona, serving clients globally and co-founded The Global Businesswomen, an exclusive networking community for female entrepreneurs. She partners with results-oriented, open-minded global thinkers and believes you can, should, and will have it all. That begins with developing confidence and backing it with a plan to achieve your dreams.

Eva Echo

Activist & Writer

Eva Echo (she/they) is an activist, writer and public speaker with a focus on transgender rights and mental health. She uses her own experiences to shed light on what it is to be transgender and to challenge the obstacles which gender diverse people face within today’s society. Most notably, Eva took legal action against NHS England in the High Court to challenge the unlawful waiting times for trans patients. As a proud East Asian trans woman from a working class background, Eva’s story and work have been featured at both national and international level, with appearances in publications such as Metro, Refinery29, Boots Health & Beauty, Cosmopolitan, Pride Life and iNews, in addition to appearances on BBC, ITV and Channel 4. In 2020, Eva founded the #PassItOn campaign, which created discussion around trans and non-binary image standards, in addition to better representation of trans and non-binary body types in the media.

Holly Thomson

Founder & CEO

Holly is the founder of Blonde Creative Ltd - a female-led brand & copywriting studio based in Teesside, England. Together with her team, they help transform businesses into powerful brands through their written content. She is incredibly passionate about personal development and mindset work, and believes it can be an amazing journey if we open our minds to opportunities. She is a 2022 Tees Businesswomen Awards and 2023 Startup Awards finalist. As a proud Teessider, Holly champions the region. She’s an ambassador for the Power of Women campaign, helping to lift and shift the aspirations and ambitions of women across the region, as well as being involved with The Girls’ Network. Holly believes that we all have a purpose to fulfil, and finding that purpose can be an incredible journey if you open your mind to opportunities.

Jade McSorley

Digital Activist

Jade McSorley (she/her) is a researcher, innovator and digital activist. After a 15 years career as a fashion model, she now focuses her work on building a sustainable fashion future. Her PhD researcher at the University for the Creative Arts follows on from a Masters in Fashion Futures at University of Arts London, where she subsequently worked at the Fashion Innovation Agency. Jade’s research explores the connection between digital fashion consumption, identity and sustainability. She is an advocate of using tech for good and is keen to understand the implications of emerging technologies for future fashion consumers. Jade is also the co-founder of tech start-up LOANHOOD, a circular fashion community offering more sustainable ways to experience fashion through rental and swapping.

Lady Unchained

Poet & Author

A Poet and Author of debut book- Behind Bars on Punishment, Prison and Release. Performer, Award Winning Broadcaster, Mentor, Artist Manager, TedXLondon Speaker, Presenter for National Prison Radio, Facilitator, Curator, Chair for the NCJAA Anne Peaker Lecture 2020/2023 and Advocate for Life After prison. My mission is to prove that there is life after prison through Unchained Poetry, an artistic platform for those with experience in the Criminal Justice System. For five years, I've hosted Unchained Nights, showcasing inspirational storytelling through poetry and music in partnership with Artsadmin. I also conduct poetry workshops in prisons and Women Centers, empowering women to find their creative voice. I'm the Lead Artist for the HMP Cookham Wood project in collaboration with Icon Theatre.

Meg Abernethy-Hope

Co-Founder

Meg (she/her) is a co-founder of BillyChip, and her kindness and compassion make her stand out as an amazing human being. She is a trained professional in stage management for film and TV, having studied at Bristol Old Vic. But it was her life experiences that led her to the path of helping others. In 2014, Meg was diagnosed with Immune Thrombocytopenia Purpura, a rare autoimmune disorder that affects the blood platelets. Despite this, she never gave up on her dreams and won Miss Bristol 2015, where she raised over £85K to change the way ITP is initially treated. She often wanders the streets of Bristol and Bath, talking to homeless people and getting to know their stories. She is determined to continue expanding her brother's legacy through her kind, compassionate, and caring nature. Meg's dedication to helping others is what makes her an integral part of the BillyChip team.