Theme: ‘Free to be me’

‘Free to be me’ will provide a platform for young women and leaders from across our community to inspire curiosity, challenge perceptions, and provide guests with new ideas about how we can empower the next generation of girls to celebrate individuality. We’re bringing together a brilliant group of thought-provoking speakers.

Sutton High School GDST
Sutton High School GDST
55 Cheam Road
Sutton, Surrey, SM1 2AX
United Kingdom

Bethany Dawson

Head of Sutton High School

Beth was raised in Sutton and has been teaching for over twenty years, in a variety of schools. She is currently Head at Sutton High School and has greatly enjoyed developing an ethos of kindness, courage and independence, where individuality is valued and nurtured. Beth is a keen singer and has a particular passion for the arts.

Diya Saul

Student at Sutton High School GDST

Hi, my name is Diya and I am 13 years old. Some of my favourite hobbies I take part in are netball, dance, and swimming! I hope you enjoy listening to my TED talk today because I know I'm excited to present it!

Hannah Farr

Student at Sutton High School GDST

Hello, I’m Hannah- I'm 12 years old, in my free time I enjoy swimming, reading and spending time with my family and friends.

Jane Iwo

Co-Founder of Halo Collective

Jane Iwo, 19 year old second year Law student at the University of Birmingham and a co-founder of the Halo Collective. Loves to listen and learn from other’s stories and share that knowledge with others.

Jo Wimble-Groves

Co-owner of Active Digital

Jo Wimble-Groves is the co-owner of Active Digital, an award-winning mobile telecommunications company. A self-confessed ‘accidental entrepreneur’, Jo put her hand up and took an opportunity to run a business with her brother at just sixteen years old, dropping out of sixth form college at the same time. Jo regularly spends time visiting schools, colleges, and universities to share her story, as well as explaining the power of how raising your hand can shape your future. Her aim is to inspire the next generation of female entrepreneurs. In March 2019, Jo was one of 100 women to be invited to No.10 Downing Street to meet the Prime Minister on International Women’s Day.

Kabelo Sepanya

Student at Sutton High School GDST

Hi, my name is Kabelo. I like music, my favourite colour is green, and my favourite subject is Geography. I have two sisters and one brother, they are all older than me unfortunately. When I grow up, I want to be a movie music score composer.

Kaisha-Wade Speid

Co-Founder of Halo Collective

She is a passionate and driven young activist who is apart of The Advocacy Academy class of 2021. From this, she has co-founded "The Halo Code", a campaign working to destigmatise natural hair in schools and rout out hair discrimination.

Nakieah Maye

Co-Founder of Halo Collective

Nakieah Maye, 19. Co-founder of the Halo Collective and currently studying Criminology and Psychology. She enjoys reading and trying to learn new languages.

Orlaith Davidson

Student at Sutton High School GDST

Hello, my name is Orlaith, and I am 13 years old and so excited to be doing this speech today. A few things about me are that I love sports, especially netball, hockey and snowboarding, I love creating things by sewing, plus I have two adorable cats. I would love to be vet when I grow up because I love animals, especially cute little baby ducklings. I hope you enjoy the event, and I can’t wait to speak!

Sahar Gulamali

Student at Sutton High School GDST

Hi everyone, my name is Sahar and I'm 13 years old. A couple of things about me is that I enjoy playing sports like netball and cricket, and love spending quality time with my friends and family. I can't wait to perform my speech and share my ideas with you all.

Tharani Somanathan

Student at Sutton High School GDST

I am a 12-year-old Academic Scholar, who loves swimming, public speaking, music and have my own music channel TM Tones. I have travelled to 23 countries and enjoy experiencing different cultures. I shaved my head with family members and raised over £1000 for charity when I was younger.

Yvonne Telford

CEO of Kemi Telford

After her first child started school, Yvonne felt it was time she followed her childhood dream of owning a shop that sold fabulous clothes to women. Clothes that would make women feel great about themselves. From the very beginning, the core focus of Kemi Telford has always been on the people involved from the manufacturers to the staff, to the customers. The aim of Kemi Telford is to make sure that everyone who the brand meets are seen and acknowledged. Yvonne feels if people are seen and acknowledged then every other important thing will fall into place. She strongly believes that we must put people first.