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Our People

She Inspires is powered by an extraordinary community of leaders, educators, entrepreneurs, changemakers and experts who share one purpose: strengthening Women’s Economic Agency. Together, they bring decades of experience, insight and generosity to help recognise potential, develop leadership and create opportunities for women to thrive. Their collective expertise, integrity and commitment shape every programme, partnership and initiative, ensuring that everything we do creates meaningful and lasting impact. Together, these are the people who help shape the vision, uphold the values and bring the work of She Inspires to life.

Leadership

Meet the founders whose vision and leadership continue to shape She Inspires.

Gulnaz Brennan

Founder | Social Impact Entrepreneur | Innovator | Collaborator

Named one of the Daily Mail and Marks & Spencer’s Five Most Inspirational Women of the Year 2025, Gulnaz Brennan is the founder of She Inspires and the visionary behind its mission to strengthen Women’s Economic Agency through Recognition, Leadership and Opportunity.
 
Over the past decade, she has grown She Inspires from a local initiative into an internationally recognised social enterprise with a growing global community. Through the She Inspires Awards, RISE – Women Leading the Future, the She Inspires Marketplace, Empower 50,000 Girls, Let’s Talk Money and a growing portfolio of community initiatives, she has created pathways that celebrate achievement, develop leadership, build confidence and open doors to new opportunities.
 
A passionate advocate for collaboration, Gulnaz brings together businesses, educators, policymakers, charities and community leaders to create lasting change. Her work is guided by a simple belief: when women are recognised, empowered to lead and given meaningful opportunities, they strengthen communities, drive economic growth and create a more equitable future for everyone.

Ray Hanks

Co-Founder | Business Adviser | Growth Strategist | Mentor

Ray Hanks is Co-Founder of She Inspires and an award-winning business adviser with extensive experience in business growth, innovation, marketing and leadership. Throughout his career, he has supported thousands of entrepreneurs, business owners and professionals to build confidence, unlock potential and achieve sustainable growth.
 
Before co-founding She Inspires, Ray held senior leadership roles within some of the UK’s leading advertising agencies before joining the North West Development Agency, where he played a key role in supporting the growth of the region’s creative and digital industries, including the development of MediaCityUK. His expertise spans business strategy, entrepreneurship, marketing, innovation and organisational development, and he has worked extensively with universities, public sector organisations, businesses and start-ups as a trusted adviser, mentor and facilitator.
 
As Co-Founder of She Inspires, Ray plays a central role in shaping the organisation’s strategic direction and long-term growth. He helps develop partnerships, programmes and opportunities that strengthen Women’s Economic Agency through Recognition, Leadership and Opportunity, ensuring that more women, entrepreneurs and communities have the support, confidence and connections to thrive.

Our Patrons

Providing guidance, advocacy and support to our mission.

Edith Conn OBE JP DL
(Patron 2024–Present)

Patron | Civic Leader | Charity Champion | Advocate for Women

Edith Conn OBE JP DL is Patron of She Inspires and a lifelong champion of public service, community leadership and charitable endeavour. Having supported She Inspires since its early years as a Founding Ambassador, she continues to play an important role in championing the organisation’s mission to strengthen Women’s Economic Agency through Recognition, Leadership and Opportunity.
 
Awarded an OBE for services to the British Red Cross, Edith has dedicated more than four decades to voluntary service. Her distinguished career includes serving as High Sheriff of Greater Manchester, Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Greater Manchester, magistrate and President of the British Red Cross across Greater Manchester. She also chaired the We Love Manchester Emergency Fund, supporting those affected by the Manchester Arena attack, reflecting her unwavering commitment to compassion, resilience and public service.
 
Throughout her career, Edith has brought people together, championed charitable causes and strengthened communities through exceptional leadership and service. Her wisdom, integrity and generosity continue to inspire everyone connected with She Inspires, and her patronage embodies the values at the heart of the organisation: collaboration, inclusion, leadership and lasting social impact.

Baroness Trish Morris of Bolton OBE DL (Patron 2019–2023)

Former Patron | Parliamentarian | Charity Leader | Education Advocate

Baroness Trish Morris of Bolton OBE DL served as Patron of She Inspires from 2019 to 2023, providing valued guidance, encouragement and advocacy during an important period in the organisation’s growth. Her commitment to public service, education and community leadership has long reflected the values at the heart of She Inspires.
 
A respected parliamentarian and civic leader, Baroness Morris has dedicated her career to championing education, social mobility, health and charitable causes. She has held a wide range of leadership and trustee roles across the education, voluntary and public sectors, supporting organisations that improve opportunities for individuals, families and communities across the UK.
 
As the first Chancellor of the University of Bolton, she has been a passionate advocate for education and lifelong learning, while her work with numerous national charities has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to inclusion, equality and social impact.
 
Everyone at She Inspires remains deeply grateful for Baroness Morris’s patronage and the lasting contribution she made to the organisation. Her support helped strengthen our mission to advance Women’s Economic Agency through Recognition, Leadership and Opportunity, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire our work today.

Advisory Board

Our Advisory Board brings together respected leaders with expertise across business, leadership, finance, governance, communications, culture and community engagement. Together, they provide strategic insight, trusted guidance and specialist knowledge, helping to shape the direction of She Inspires and strengthen Women’s Economic Agency through Recognition, Leadership and Opportunity.
 

Ray Hanks

Co-Founder and Chair of the Advisory Board
As Co-Founder of She Inspires, Ray continues to support the organisation as Chair of the Advisory Board. Drawing on extensive experience in business growth, innovation, strategy and leadership, he provides strategic guidance and commercial insight to support the organisation’s long-term vision and sustainability.

Jackie Hyde

Managing Director, Insurance Specialist and Architect of the She Inspires Awards Judging Process
Jackie is an accomplished business leader and insurance specialist who brings extensive leadership and commercial experience to the Advisory Board. As the architect of the She Inspires Awards judging process, she helps uphold the integrity, fairness and credibility that define the Awards.

Sandra McManus

Leadership Coach and RISE Conference Director
Sandra is an experienced leadership coach specialising in developing confident, purpose-led leaders. As Conference Director of RISE, she helps shape the strategic vision and delivery of the conference, creating meaningful learning experiences that inspire leadership and opportunity.

Alessia Falsarone

International Finance and Governance Leader
Alessia is an international finance, sustainability and governance leader with extensive global experience. She brings strategic insight, international perspective and expertise in responsible leadership, helping strengthen the governance and long-term impact of She Inspires.

Sohini Roy Chowdhury

Global Ambassador and Cultural Advocate
Sohini is a global ambassador and cultural advocate with a passion for building meaningful international relationships. She brings a global perspective to the Advisory Board, helping strengthen partnerships, broaden opportunities and extend the reach of She Inspires worldwide.

Sue France

Award-Winning Networker and Community Champion
Sue is an award-winning networker and passionate advocate for empowering women and girls. Through her leadership of the Empower 50K Girls initiative, she helps build partnerships, secure support and expand opportunities that enable more girls to realise their full potential.

Our Awards Judges

The integrity of the She Inspires Awards is built on the expertise and independence of our judging panels. Each year, respected leaders from business, education, healthcare, the public sector and the voluntary sector generously volunteer their time to review nominations, conduct finalist interviews and select our winners. Their experience, fairness and commitment ensure every decision reflects the values and standards of She Inspires

Our judging panels include over 100 independent experts from across the UK and internationally.
Meet Our Judges

Empower 50K Girls Champions

Behind Empower 50K Girls is a remarkable community of champions who generously give their time, expertise and passion to inspire the next generation. Together, they help bring our Health, Wealth and Worth programme to life, opening doors, building confidence and creating opportunities for girls to believe in themselves and their potential. Their commitment reminds us that lasting change happens when people come together with a shared purpose—to help every girl realise that her future is full of possibility.
 

Together, these are the people helping to strengthen Women’s Economic Agency through Recognition, Leadership and Opportunity.

Ram Gupta – Nybble

Julie Robinson – Mini Minds Matter

Kiki Smith – Liquid Lipo

Claire Dexter – Liquid Lipo

Dawn Thornber – Adullum Homes

Sohini Roy Chowdhury - Sohinimoksha Dance

Sukhi Kaur – Build 4 U

Lisa Williams – Womanifest

Christine Baldwin – ASDA

Lucinda Longster – Cox Properties

Dr Zaheda Atcha – Kildonan House

Saj Kadva – Leisure Guard Security

Preeti Choudhary- PBC

Sue France

Join Our Community

Behind every She Inspires initiative is a growing community of people who believe in creating opportunities for others. Whether you’re looking to partner with us, become a judge, champion a programme or support our mission, we’d love to hear from you.

Get Involved

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