In The Community

In a town built on graft and grit, food has always been more than nourishment — it’s been a conversation, a comfort, and a quiet kind of poetry passed from one generation to the next. And now, for the first time in years, Bolton’s kitchens are speaking again — in the pages of Taste of Bolton, a new recipe book that celebrates who we are, where we’ve come from, and where we’re going. Created and curated by Gulnaz Brennan — the visionary behind SheInspires and the woman responsible for previous community recipe books that honoured Bolton’s stories through food — this book is a heartfelt continuation of a legacy. But this time, it’s bolder, broader, and beautifully timed. Taste of Bolton brings together the beating heart of the town — its people — through dishes fill...

London, UK – June 2025 Founder of the She Inspires Foundation, Gulnaz Brennan, has been honoured as one of the five most inspirational women in the UK at the prestigious Daily Mail Women of Inspiration Awards 2025, in partnership with Marks & Spencer. The awards, now in their third year, celebrate exceptional women from across the nation who are leading positive change in their communities. Held at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London, the glittering gala event was curated by journalist James Campbell and hosted by renowned broadcaster Nina Hossain. Guests were treated to an evening of celebration, connection, and storytelling — all centred on the extraordinary contributions of women like Gulnaz. Gulnaz Brennan was recognised for her pioneering work in champi...

Screenshot The day began with a quiet sense of purpose, the kind that builds not in noise, but in anticipation. Across time zones and borders, screens flickered to life as voices from around the world prepared to take the stage—not on a single platform, but on a global stage where geography held no limits and influence knew no boundaries. In the morning session, Louise Walden-Edwards, SheInspires 2024 winner for Women in Fitness & Well-being, took the helm. Her panel was a masterclass in resilience—not just in body, but in mind, in spirit, in the quiet decisions that shape a life of strength. Pat Wilson’s words carried weight as she spoke of endurance, the power of pushing forward even when no one is watching. Zaynab Jogi built on this, delving into the intersection of&...

In an exciting new chapter for the She Inspires Community, we are thrilled to announce the upcoming 2025 edition of the “Taste of Bolton” recipe book. This year’s collection promises to be a gastronomic delight, featuring recipes from both celebrated chefs and our very own community members. At the forefront of this initiative is the esteemed chef and philanthropist, Mike Harrison, whose passion for culinary arts and community engagement makes him the perfect spearhead for this project. Mike Harrison has long been recognised for his innovative approach to cuisine and his dedication to mentoring aspiring chefs. His involvement brings a wealth of experience and a commitment to showcasing diverse culinary traditions. As we embark on this journey, Mike’s leadership ensur...

Food is more than just something we eat—it’s a story, a journey, a connection. It’s the warmth of a family recipe passed down through generations, the hustle of a small kitchen growing into something bigger, the courage to take a passion and turn it into a business. This February, we had the absolute pleasure of bringing these stories to life with Cooking Up Dreams: Stories of Passion, Food, and Business, a special video series by SheInspires in collaboration with Taste of Bolton. Featuring Dipti Modi, Diana Portoro, and Gayle Coleman, three incredible women who have built businesses around their love for food, this series was a celebration of resilience, creativity, and the entrepreneurial spirit. Each conversation was filled with insights, laughter, and the real, un...

In a world bustling with hustle and bustle, where dreams often take a back seat to the demands of corporate conformity, there shines a beacon of resilience, determination, and authenticity. Meet Diana Potora, a spirited soul whose journey from Romania to England in her early twenties was not just a geographical shift but a profound quest for purpose and meaning. Driven by an insatiable desire to be seen, accepted, and valued, Diana’s journey began humbly, mastering the art of crafting exquisite coffee as a barista. Yet, her heart beat with a fervent passion to uplift and support others, especially women, in their pursuit of greatness. Despite scaling the corporate ladder with success, Diana couldn’t silence the nagging feeling of emptiness, a whisper that urged her to seek more, to ...