Founders Journal

September is here, and autumn has arrived in all its quiet beauty. I always find this season symbolic – a time of change, of gathering, of turning the page. For me, it’s also a time to pause and reflect on what we’ve built together. This month has been nothing short of extraordinary. We launched the Taste of Bolton Recipe Book – a project that feels so close to my heart. It’s more than recipes; it’s about belonging, heritage, and pride. To see celebrity chefs alongside our community voices, and to do this in partnership with We Are Bolton, reminded me once again of…

Reflections by Gulnaz Brennan Just outside my home in India, in the small neighbourhood park, stands a guava tree. It isn’t marked, fenced, or named. But no one else had claimed it. So I did. It’s mine now—not in title, but in feeling. It stands tall, generous, fruit-laden. I’ve always been drawn to trees like this, carrying the weight of ripeness so uncomplainingly, as if giving is just part of their being. I don’t know why it still fills me with wonder—that fruit grows quietly on branches, needing no permission, no applause. That vegetables and fruit are just… there. Free.…

A reflection by Gulnaz Brennan There is no official name for it—actually, scratch that. There is. It’s called herpetophobia: an intense fear of reptiles and amphibians, including snakes, frogs, and yes, lizards. And if herpetophobia had a poster child, it might very well be me. As a child growing up in the heat-soaked heart of a South Asian summer, I learned early on that the season brought not only mangoes, melons, and sweet leachies—but also the dreadful return of the household lizard. While others celebrated the arrival of fruit-laden branches and bowls of chilled watermelon, I would scan every ceiling like a soldier…

By Gulnaz Brennan This is where the heartbeat of She Inspires lives between the headlines. The Founder’s Journal is my space to reflect, share, and sometimes simply pause. Here, you'll find stories that don’t always make the stage — moments behind the scenes, thoughts on leadership, community, resilience, and the quiet revolutions led by women every single day. You’ll also find The Judging Diaries, a weekly glimpse into the vibrant, unpredictable, and deeply human world of our awards judging process — from early morning Zoom calls to the powerful stories of our finalists. Whether it’s a letter to our community, a…

I am absolutely thrilled and deeply honored to share that I will be part of the HEPC event in Jammu, India, hosted at the magnificent Kashmir University in Srinagar, flanked by the world famous Dal Lake on its eastern side and Nigeen Lake on the western side. This remarkable opportunity transcends borders and resonates with the spirit of global collaboration. As an overseas participant, I am excited to contribute to the dialogue surrounding cross-border trade, ethical practices, and the global impact of our collective efforts. Amidst the grandeur of this event, which celebrates Indian Handloom exports and showcases the country's rich heritage…

Empowering Change Through Awards: Celebrating the Vitality of Women In a world where our collective journey towards equality and empowerment gains momentum with each passing day, it's crucial to acknowledge the role that awards play in driving this profound transformation. I'm Gulnaz Brennan, the founder of SheInspires Awards, and I'm here to delve into the power of awards in propelling equality and empowerment, and why the celebration of women holds unparalleled significance. The SheInspires Awards aren't just accolades; they're a testament to the dedication, resilience, and remarkable achievements of women who are blazing trails across various spheres. Through these awards,…