Inspirational Women Of Portsmouth

The Inspirational Women of Portsmouth Awards celebrates individuals making a positive impact within their communities, whatever the context. We don't use the term ‘Winners' in our Awards as we recognise that behind every woman or girl making a positive impact to her community is a tribe of people supporting her in different ways, and the Award is the product of a whole tribe.  This is ubuntu. Join our host Jo Morgan, founder of Engendering Change as she talks to Inspirational Women of Portsmouth nominee Joanne Mcgee. 

Before the Award event, Shamila Dhana spoke to Claire Odd (nominated in the Business: Established) and Jo Austin (nominated in the Inspirational Role Model category).  The annual Awards celebrate individuals making a positive impact within their communities, whatever the context.  As well as raising money for Endometriosis South Coast, our pre award event Ubuntu Afternoon Tea Party hosted at the Queens Hotel celebrates all people nominated for the awards. A showreel of the sold out 2024 event hosted at The Guildhall is available here

Before the Award event, Shamila Dhana spoke to Chelsea Barrett who was nominated in the Business Emerging Category.   The annual Awards celebrate individuals making a positive impact within their communities, whatever the context.  As well as raising money for Endometriosis South Coast, our pre award event Ubuntu Afternoon Tea Party hosted at the Queens Hotel celebrates all people nominated for the awards. A showreel of the sold out 2024 event hosted at The Guildhall is available here

Shamila Dhana speaks to Kate Pearce who was nominated as an Inspirational Elder and Role Model The annual Awards celebrate individuals making a positive impact within their communities, whatever the context.  As well as raising money for Endometriosis South Coast, our pre award event Ubuntu Afternoon Tea Party hosted at the Queens Hotel celebrates all people nominated for the awards. A showreel of the sold out 2024 event hosted at The Guildhall is available here

The Pamodzi Inspirational Women of Portsmouth Awards would not be possible without the support of sponsors like Jodie Phelps who is pictured with this year's Business Emerging  Award Recipient Helen Brown and Lady Mayoress Nikki Coles. As well as raising money for Endometriosis South Coast, The annual Awards celebrate individuals making a positive impact within their communities, whatever the context.

The Inspirational Women of Portsmouth Awards would not be possible without the support of sponsors like Yvonne Clay, Centre Director of Gunwharf Quays. In this episode, our podcast host Shamilla Dhana spent some time with Yvonne. The annual Awards celebrate individuals making a positive impact within their communities, whatever the context.  As well as raising money for Endometriosis South Coast, our pre award event Ubuntu Afternoon Tea Party hosted at the Queens Hotel celebrates all people nominated for the awards. 

Shamila Dhana speaks to Sandra Baker who was nominated as an Inspirational Role Model.  The annual Awards celebrate individuals making a positive impact within their communities, whatever the context.  As well as raising money for Endometriosis South Coast, our pre award event Ubuntu Afternoon Tea Party hosted at the Queens Hotel celebrates all people nominated for the awards. A showreel of the sold out 2023 event hosted at The Guildhall is available here

Sarah Roads (SLR Recruitment owner) inspires me...She is making it all happen..she is the kindest, sweetest most uplifting person ..  you can be successful and be a beautiful human being as well. She's given me a lot of self belief Sammie Burr   Pamodzi Creatives was proud to have  SLR Recruitment Solutions as the  Pamodzi Inspirational Women of Portsmouth Awards 2023 Event Sponsors. The Pamodzi Inspirational Women of Portsmouth Awards which mark International Women's Day took place at the Portsmouth Guildhall. The awards celebrate individuals making a positive impact within their communities, whatever the context. Pamodzi Non-Exec and founder of the The Female Creative Hannah Roper spoke to Sammie Burr, Group Recruitment Administrator. Contact sponsors@pamodzicreatives.com to find out about sponsorship opportunities for the Inspirational Women of Portsmouth 2024 event to be held at the Guildhall, Portsmouth. 

I am an NEU Caseworker...many women may have just given up their jobs..but by having someone just sitting by them and supporting them...them they were able to continue in their careers. Helen Reeder NEU Pamodzi Creatives was proud to have The Beautiful Mind Coach and Phoenix Photography as Pamodzi Inspirational Women of Portsmouth Awards 2023 Award Sponsors. The Pamodzi Inspirational Women of Portsmouth Awards which mark International Women's Day took place at the Portsmouth Guildhall. The awards celebrate individuals making a positive impact within their communities, whatever the context. Pamodzi Non-Exec and founder of the The Female Creative Hannah Roper spoke the NEU  Joint Branch Secretary, Helen Reeder. Contact sponsors@pamodzicreatives.com to find out about sponsorship opportunities for the Inspirational Women of Portsmouth 2024 event to be held at the Guildhall, Portsmouth. 

“Its all about making that (mental health and well being support) accessible for everyone…no matter who you are, where you come from, what your background is” Hannah Murray, Beautiful Minds   " I work with high trauma background women who  want to be photographed just for them ..and reminding them we are incredibly powerful'  Debbie Fowler, Phoenix Photography    Pamodzi Creatives was proud to have The Beautiful Mind Coach and Phoenix Photography as Pamodzi Inspirational Women of Portsmouth Awards 2023 Award Sponsors. The Pamodzi Inspirational Women of Portsmouth Awards which mark International Women's Day took place at the Portsmouth Guildhall. The awards celebrate individuals making a positive impact within their communities, whatever the context. Pamodzi Non-Exec and founder of the The Female Creative Hannah Roper spoke to Hannah Murray, Founder of Beautiful Minds Coach and Debbie Fowler, founder of Phoenix Photography.  Contact sponsors@pamodzicreatives.com to find out about sponsorship opportunities for the Inspirational Women of Portsmouth 2024 event to be held at the Guildhall, Portsmouth. 

"Even at our board level, we're top  heavy in terms of women Directors…empowering women has been something I've been quite passionate about all my life".  Alison Lee , Biscoes MD   Pamodzi Creatives was proud to have  Biscoes Solicitors as the  Pamodzi Inspirational Women of Portsmouth Awards 2023 Event Sponsors. The Pamodzi Inspirational Women of Portsmouth Awards which mark International Women's Day took place at the Portsmouth Guildhall. The awards celebrate individuals making a positive impact within their communities, whatever the context. Pamodzi Non-Exec and founder of the The Female Creative Hannah Roper spoke to Biscoes Solicitors Managing Director Alison Lee . Alison was born in Portsmouth and apart from university, she has lived here all her life. Alison loves being part of this city, especially the Royal Naval connections due to her father serving in the Falklands war. Contact sponsors@pamodzicreatives.com to find out about sponsorship opportunities for the Inspirational Women of Portsmouth 2024 event to be held at the Guildhall, Portsmouth.     

The Creative Transitions Schools Engagement programme includes the Who Inspires You? strand. The Admiral Lord Nelson School project aimed to provide inspirational and aspirational local connections for the young people of colour. Activities included an opportunity for young people to volunteer for the Haven Women's Drop in centre, a chance to meet a Portsmouth Football club player through Pompey in the Community, an Afro-Caribbean cooking workshop,  a CPD session for school staff delivered by Duke Harrison-Hunter, a networking meal with local inspirational people at Natty's Jerk restaurant and a podcast interview with some of the participants.     In this episode, Sef and Tanaka reflect on their life in Portsmouth and the challenges of constructively navigating unconscious bias  and society's ‘adultification' of young men of colour.  This project was supported by the Portsmouth City Council Community Inclusion Grant. 

The Creative Transitions Schools Engagement programme includes the Who Inspires You? strand. The Admiral Lord Nelson School project aimed to provide inspirational and aspirational local connections for the young people of colour. Activities included an opportunity for young people to volunteer for the Haven Women's Drop in centre, a chance to meet a Portsmouth Football club player through Pompey in the Community, an Afro-Caribbean cooking workshop,  a CPD session for school staff delivered by Duke Harrison-Hunter, a networking meal with local inspirational people at Natty's Jerk restaurant and a podcast interview with some of the participants.     In this episode, Mahdiya and Tanisha reflect on positive changes in diversity and representation in the city and how the school could capitalise on celebrating this diversity within the curriculum.    This project was supported by the Portsmouth City Council Community Inclusion Grant.     

Becky Lodge is a degree and CIM qualified entrepreneur ; she is Director of Little Kanga Ltd and brand founder of StartUp Disruptors. One of TechRounds Women in Tech to watch in 2022 and awarded as one of Sky News 100 Women in Business in 2018;  for her work engendering more parity; diversity and inclusion in business both in the U.K. and worldwide to help women be heard. Becky founded her business Little Kanga Ltd a management consulting firm that helps universities and governments with strategies around business and start-up growth from her kitchen table - and in 2016; she founded StartUp Disruptors; an online business incubation community and social media brand; that has helped over 5000 people to start businesses; aiding them to raise over £2mn in funding for their journeys. This community is sponsored by the University of Portsmouth Business School; U.K. Business Angels Association; Uber and many other corporates and SMEs and is the largest and first incubator of its kind in the U.K. She employs 3 people and is actively hiring and growing the business and she is on a mission to help women and neurodiverse people; minorities and their allies thrive in starting their businesses to realise their dreams of being business owners. Becky is also neurodiverse and has spoken openly about the barriers that women and neurodiverse women especially face in business and has set out to change the landscape for others.   Linked in : https://www.linkedin.com/in/beckylodge/ littlekanga.co.uk  startupdisruptors.co.uk 

The schools engagement strand of Pamodzi Creatives aims to facilitate creative collaborations inspired by the curriculum.   The Creative Transitions programme of works will focus on supporting PSHE needs and raising aspirations. The programme will include two focus areas; the Mindful Movement and Who inspires you strands.   The Mindful Movement PSHE strand led by The Mindful Movement Coach Claire Tamplin will train a practitioner, support school staff, and young people preparing for their SATS exams.   This episode introduces Claire Tamplin ; a Secondary School Teacher of English with over 11 years' experience of Portsmouth Schools, she completed her NPQSL at UCL London, specialising in emotional intelligence. She trained in Teen Yoga and Yoga and Mindfulness ; promoting well-being and mental health in education for young people. Recently endorsed by Joe Wicks, Claire Hosts a radio show and regularly delivers community sessions, school sessions and after school programmes to address the mental health crisis impacting young people across Portsmouth. Claire has proudly led sessions at the Local Young Carer Festival and several other large wellbeing events designed for our most vulnerable young people.   Claire has a vast experience of delivering wellbeing sessions in school settings of various key stages, she has spent many years carrying out rigorous studies and training, including from Dr Siegel, a pioneering neuropsychiatrist on the neurodevelopment of a child's and teen's brain. Siegel's research evidence through his concept ‘move it or lose it' that mindful movement is pivotal in shifting through children's emotions and identifying their sense of ‘self'.  

‘Lead with empathy and you'll never go wrong'. This episode is a radio feature of Rebecca Lodge, founder of StartUp Disruptors with special thanks to Express FM's  Nicola Lashley. StartUp Disruptors are an inclusive online incubation and business acceleration community that provides world-class mentoring, coaching and advice, without any expensive risks. They will help you to refine and realise your business offering and make that move away from the day job, or corporate life, once and for all.   Rebecca Lodge, talks to Nicola Lashley of Express FM about creating a sustainable echo system for entrepreneurs and the joys of being able to support local initiatives such as Urbond and Pamodzi. Rebecca also talks about the importance of challenging the subtle and not so subtle ways that women can be marginalised from ‘sluts to nuts' and what can be done to support all entrepreneurs from marginalised communities. https://www.startupdisruptors.co.uk/ Special thanks to www.expressfm.com       

‘I like the quote: you never look down on someone unless it stops help them up..I genuinely believe this” Alison Lee   The Inspirational Women of Portsmouth Project would not be possible without the supporters behind it. This series takes time out to meet some of the wonderful Award Event Sponsors. In this episode Roni Edwards talks to Alison Lee, Managing Director of Biscoes Solicitors about the challenges and opportunities women and young girls face in the city.   Biscoes is  an award winning law firm based in Hampshire & the Isle of Wight. They can advise businesses, organisations and individuals in a wide range of legal issues. Their team are flexible, proactive problem solvers, who use law as a tool to provide innovative and tailored solutions that deliver a better outcome for you, or for your business.   https://www.biscoes-law.co.uk/   Head to our Youtube Page for a video blog of this interview. You can find find out more about the work of Pamodzi through our social media platforms on link.tree page

“At a local level its much more like (a family) so its kind of an extension of your school family. There's people there who you can bounce ideas off, who you can share ideas with and collaborate with”.   The Inspirational Women of Portsmouth Project would not be possible without the supporters behind it. This series takes time out to meet some of the wonderful Award Event Sponsors. In this episode Roni Edwards talks to Alison Rogers, National Education Union (NEU) Portsmouth Equalities Officer about the important role the NEU plays in supporting its members.   “The National Education Union (NEU) is the largest education union in Europe, representing educational professionals across the UK” says Alison Rogers. “Together, we want to shape the future of education and we have a powerful voice in making the changes that will benefit teachers, support staff and ultimately our pupils”.   https://neu.org.uk/ Head to our Youtube Page for a video blog of this interview. You can find find out more about the work of Pamodzi through our social media platforms on link.tree page    

“(As employees) I'm proud we're able to offer taking your child to playgroup as the norm…..a fundamental issue for people in the city is childcare…its got to be worth you going back to work”  Anna Smith  The Inspirational Women of Portsmouth Project would not be possible without the supporters behind it. This series takes time out to meet some of the wonderful Award Event Sponsors. In this episode Roni Edwards talks to Sarah Roads and Anna Smith, founders of The Middle Group about the importance of work life balance and making sure you're paying attention to the correct child in their swimming lesson...   The Middle Group was formed by two experienced recruiters who started their own businesses in the Marine, Insurance, Financial Services and Pharmaceutical sectors, offering permanent, temporary and contract solutions to many clients around the UK. Their aim was to create a work/life balance that couldn't be gained by working in the 'normal' recruitment office environment.  Whilst running successful businesses since 2017 they have joined forces to create the Middle Group, offering recruiters the opportunity to run their own business with full autonomy supplying all the tools required to hit the ground running. www.themiddlegroup.co.uk Head to our Youtube Page for a video blog of this interview. You can find find out more about the work of Pamodzi through our social media platforms on link.tree page

 So we got all the friends together on the group chat and I said  “(the police will find you)..just tell them, be honest and tell them what happened ….  if you don't tell anyone and you try and keep it hidden, you' re going to be guilty..if you give yourself in, then you'll still be guilty, but  you'll have the respect of knowing that you know that you messed up and you want  to tell someone”…so that made them realise and they told their mum  (Jack, 15 )    Pamodzi means together. We celebrate inspirational stories and collaborate with creatives to challenge, affirm and inspire.  To mark #international mens day, our "Conversations With My Son" series celebrates the magic of family and leans into conversations around mental health and the impact of culture to our definition of family.  Jack and his Mum Vicky talk about the importance of open lines of communication with each other and how opportunities of counselling gave them the tools to communicate more effectively with each other.  For Jack especially, it has also given him the gift of empathy in supporting friends who are themselves struggling with their own mental health.     #boystomen #internationalwomensday #conversation #podcast #podcast community #mentalhealth #whoinspiresyou #whatinspiresyou #family #community #mumswithboys #boymum  

“Mental health means being kind to yourself….and it also means being able to let your emotions help you”  (Dylan, 7) Pamodzi means together. We celebrate inspirational stories and collaborate with creatives to challenge, affirm and inspire.  For #internationalmensday,  our "Conversations With My Son" series celebrates the magic of family and leans into conversations around mental health and the impact of culture to our definition of family.   Dylan and his Mum Siobhan talk about the  post transition back to school and  he also gives the grown up in his life some advice on how to protect their mental health. #boystomen #internationalmensday #conversation #podcast #podcast community #mentalhealth #whoinspiresyou #whatinspiresyou #family #community #mumswithboys #boymum #lockdown #stories #sparkjoy

"Sad feels like you're falling 100 miles into a black world….hugging my mummy helps".   (James, 7)  Pamodzi means together. We celebrate inspirational stories and collaborate with creatives to challenge, affirm and inspire.  To mark #internationalmensday,  our 'Conversations With My Son' series celebrates the magic of family and leans into conversations around mental health and the impact of culture to our definition of family.  James and his Mum Julia  talk about the power of hugs, the importance of empathy and kindness and the joys of planning an unplanned pregnancy with four weeks notice ! #boystomen #internationalwomensday #conversation #podcast #podcast community #mentalhealth #whoinspiresyou #whatinspiresyou #family #community #mumswithboys #boymum

“Advice to my younger self ? Stay connected. Keep your eye on the ball..don't look from the outside in” As part of this year's Inspirational Women of Portsmouth Awards, we took the opportunity to hear from some of the women nominated for being inspirational. Jessica Whitbourn recently launched her own Performing Arts School and is an Award Recipient (Sports) for her incredible commitment to building an international Twirling movement during Lockdown.  Find out more about her work on these platforms : Website : Jessica Whitbourn School of Performing Arts Instagram JW School of Performing Arts   & Twirlversity  You can find the complete film of the  2021 Inspirational Women of Portsmouth Awards on our YouTube page. Explore all our social media platforms through Linktree      

"I find everything about Autism amazing. It's like undoing a little puzzle piece,  finding these connections..... and once you get the communication and they come to you with a symbol or something like that, it's just amazing. I just love my job ". As part of this year's Inspirational Women of Portsmouth Awards, we took the opportunity to hear from some of the women nominated for being inspirational. In this episode Gemma Hinks talks to Shamila Shirima about why her father is her inspirational role model, what motivates her in her  and the privilege of being able to volunteer in different ways through out lockdown.  You can find the complete film of the  2021 Inspirational Women of Portsmouth Awards on our YouTube page. Head to our website to find out more about our work and follow us on  Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and Linkedin    

"Children don't have the magic for long enough and this Christmas... I really wanted to create that magic (with) the North Pole Elf Company and ... wanted to help families create memories that were really tangible and weren't necessarily through a screen.... we gave away a number of visits (people nominated families who had a particularly difficult year) ..the nominations and stories that came out of it were incredible ....". As part of this year's Inspirational Women of Portsmouth Awards, we took the opportunity to hear from some of the women nominated for being inspirational. Hazel is founder of  Black Heart Theatrical  and in this episode she speaks to Shamila Dhana about  having to overcome the challenge of transferring an interactive creative practice online. This has included an online interactive Bedtime Stories project, The North Pole Elf Company, and an online parent club with practical, creative advice and ideas. www.blackhattheatrical.com You can find the complete film of the  2021 Inspirational Women of Portsmouth Awards on our YouTube page. Head to our website to find out more about our work and follow us on  Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and Linkedin  

"when I've thought about it, it's actually the people in my tribe, my close personal friends, my partner, my daughter who I want to be the best version of themselves and they want me to be the best version of myself ....who encourage me to be braver with the decisions that I am making. To spread my wings, to be the biggest version of myself....they are actually the people who inspire me".   As part of this year's Inspirational Women of Portsmouth Awards, we took the opportunity to hear from some of the women nominated for being inspirational. Claire is founder of  Balanced Wellness  and in this episode she speaks to our Non-Exec Board member Jasmine  about how learning about herself helped inform her interest in  emotion, health and nutrition. Claire argues that 'we have lost sight of how simple it is to run the human body because we're so bogged down in how complex our lives are ". She has developed an accredited practitioner training course combining tried and tested kinesiology techniques and methods, cutting edge research in both physiology and functional nutrition, and practical effective emotional tools based on the interplay between sets of hormones.   To find out more about Claire's  work : @balancedwellnessuk  @collegeoffunctionalwellness @functionalkinesiologyuk   You can find the complete film of the  2021 Inspirational Women of Portsmouth Awards on our YouTube page. Head to our website to find out more about our work and follow us on  Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and Linkedin    

"Its about the tribe.. a lot of us have never been involved in any campaigning. We've come out of our comfort zones completely and we've gone out there ; we've spoken at rallies, we've spoken at meetings, we've lobbied at parliament...'  As part of this year's Inspirational Women of Portsmouth Awards, we took the opportunity to hear from some of the women nominated for being inspirational. In this episode, Shelagh speaks to our Non-Exec Board member Jasmine  about her involvement in the WASPI (Women Against State Pension Inequality campaign that fights for justice for all women born in the 1950s affected by the changes to the State Pension Age). She also talks about who inspires her and how Janey Godley's  voice over commentary would make an excellent addition to any dinner party !    To find out more about Shelagh's work: Local network:  https://www.facebook.com/SolentWASPI  Twitter @solent_waspi. Instagram @waspi_campaign.  Email solentwaspi@gmail.com. www.waspi.co.uk Facebook https://www.facebook.com/WaspiCampaign Twitter @WASPI_Campaign.    You can find the complete film of the  2021 Inspirational Women of Portsmouth Awards on our YouTube page. Head to our website to find out more about our work.

"If you are campaigning (within a community) that sees things from a different point of view to yours, its really important to be determined but, also not to lose sight of the fact that other people's values and opinions are just as relevant as your own are"    As part of this year's Inspirational Women of Portsmouth Awards, we took the opportunity to hear from some of the women nominated for being inspirational. In this episode, Laura speaks to our Non-Exec Board member Jasmine  about the values behind her campaigning and environmental work  and how projects like play-streets really do enable deeper community cohesion.    To find out more about Laura's work go to: www.facebook.com/groups/portsmouthplayingout   https://www.hiwwt.org.uk/identify-your-local-wasteofspace   You can find the complete film of the  2021 Inspirational Women of Portsmouth Awards on our YouTube page. Head to our website to find out more about our work  

‘You can do so much more as a team than on your own..I’m hoping that the (creative) industry as a whole will carry on embracing that”  As part of this year's Inspirational Women of Portsmouth Awards, we took the opportunity to hear from some of the women nominated for being inspirational. In this episode, Nicole speaks to our lead podcaster Shamila about  the #performerpreneur movement ; a wonderfully supportive group for with over 900 professional performers turned entrepreneurs. She also reflects on her personal inspirations and how, as a child, her grandmother’s often humorous proclamations that Nicole was in fact a ‘chief and not an Indian’  enabled her to step into her leadership skills.    To find out more about Nicole’s work Instagram @manicsp_entertainment @nicolelouisegeddes @performerpreneur LinkedIn Nicole Louise Geddes Facebook Manicstageproductions   You can find the complete film of the  2021 Inspirational Women of Portsmouth Awards on our YouTube page. Head to our website to find out more about our work

"Covid (lockdown) has shown me I don't need anything I don't already have.." As part of this year's Inspirational Women of Portsmouth Awards, we took the opportunity to hear from some of the women nominated for being inspirational. In this episode, Bethany speaks to our lead podcaster Shamila about motherhood, breakups in a time of lockdown and the joy of being able to share sunflower care packages. Shamila's wonderful gift is to inspire and empower and their conversation closes with a lovely anecdote about the value of a £10 note.... Search Inspirational Women of Portsmouth on Podbean, Itunes, Spotify or follow the link http://ow.ly/lMQq50E3SGF    

‘One of the biggest lessons that I’ve learnt is that I need to have more faith in myself…and I need to trust the process and enjoy the journey’ . As part of this year's Inspirational Women of Portsmouth Awards, we we took the opportunity to hear from some of the women nominated for being inspirational.  In this episode, Hannah speaks to Jasmine Bone. Hannah reflects on what she’s learnt from the past year and how for her, inspiration is far richer when its found in the people you interact with locally.   To find out more about Hannah’s inspirational work, Instagram contact: @plussize_vreality @Little.ginger.life Head to our social media platforms to find out more about the work of Pamodzi Creatives follow the link to our Website, Twitter, Instagram & FaceBook. 

As we approach the next #IWP Inspirational Women of Portsmouth 2021 Awards, listen to Annelies James interview some of the Award Recipients and organisers  on the night of the awards (complete with background sound effects of a performer's getting ready !) as they reflect on their experience of the award night, what it means to be in a tribe and what advice they would give to their younger selves. This section includes Sassy Harvey (Event host), Carrie Wilson (Business: Established Nominee), Janine Milburn (Community:Activism Award Recipient) and Diane Urquhart (Community: Volunteer Award Recipient).

This one-off episode accompanies a Blog Post of the same title reflecting on our culture's relationship with Elders. The podcast was a spontaneous opportunity to capitalise on a gathering of women who were related to each other but very rarely saw each other. In this episode, Roni Edwards has a conversation with her aunts and  Gogo (grandmother) about what inspires them, what changes they have seen in their country, and how to deal with someone who accuses you of witch craft ! This episode is dedicated to Esther Gumbie who briefly features in the episode and recently passed away.   Image credit Juciara Awo

‘I would suggest to my younger self ..be enthusiastic …….look for reward, fun, enthusiasm’  Professor Claudia Maraston has lived and worked in Italy, Germany, Oxford and Portsmouth. In this episode she talks about the importance of treating life like an adventure and the privilege and responsibility that comes with being in an exclusive (and literal) club of female astrophysicist Professors ! 

‘I am almost privileged that I had that opportunity to understand a part of a mental ill health  episode . Its very easy for people to see their view of it and its that you’re just a mum not coping….and I’ve learnt a lot and even now  its very easy for people to label you’  Diane Urquhart is the Inspirational Women of Portsmouth: Volunteers Award Recipient for the broad range of work she does with Portsmouth Family church. In this episode she talks about  self care, learning from others and overcoming mental health. 

‘After my heart transplant I was asleep for a few days, but when I woke up, my Mum told me that I had been asked to do the mini mode fashion show. It was probably the best thing I could have woken up to and funnily enough about six days later I was out of ICU. Maybe the knowledge that if I got out I could do it pushed me to do everything I could to get healthy'.Grace Fincham, our youngest Inspirational Women of Portsmouth Finalist talks about living life to its fullness as a DEBRA fundraiser and Fashion Model who has over come the challenges of Desmoplakin deficiency (a genetic skin condition).   

‘I would say to my younger self: Dream. Dream and do it. Don’t wait, just do it.”Kasia Rajca , our Inspirational Women of Portsmouth Arts Finalist and founder of Salsa Solent talks about building a creative community and being kind to yourself during lockdown. Kasia also  talks about healing  from a hip arthroscopy surgery; something that could have taken away her passion for dance.Follow her on Facebook & Instagram @salsasolent   

‘There is also this element  (in law firms) that you can’t possibly be effective unless you’re there from seven in the morning till seven at night’. In this episode, Alison Colley talks about how her refusal to conform to a gruelling work culture motivated her to set up her own law firm, which she established when her baby was six months old. In this episode Alison also talks about  what inspired the growth of  https://realemploymentlawadvice.co.uk/   and the unique opportunities she has had to build an organisation with positive values  that focus on nurturing teams. * Please note that this episode was recorded online and in isolation during lock-down and elements of the audio may be slightly compromised.

‘I am glad I was brave and strong enough to just say I’m not happy here, so I am just gonna go with it’….Grainne Gregory was a Finalist in the Inspirational Women of Portsmouth Arts Awards category and in this episode she talks about the joy of being able to bravely nurture her passion for dance ; regardless of what society dictates you should be aspiring towards. * Please note that episode was recorded remotely during the coronavirus lock down.  

'I was so determined…from not being able to see..I ended up playing table tennis for England’ …Sarah Hilditch is an integral part of the Portsmouth Teaching School Alliance team and is also the moderation lead for Portsmouth City Council and Portsmouth Schools. In this episode she talks about her passion for education work and how the personal challenges she has faced moulded her into a determined advocate for raising standards in education. *Please note that this episode was recorded remotely during the coronavirus lock down. 

‘I hope for the young women (involved in Project Catalyst)  to grow and develop into the young activists...and they change things for themselves and the culture that they have inherited”. Gemma Green, Project Coordinator and Lilliah Butcher, Project consultant, talk about what inspires them, what they have learnt about themselves and how the  PARCS Project Catalyst has evolved into an Activism project for young women aged 16-24. * Please note that this episode was recorded online and in isolation during lock-down and elements of the audio may be slightly compromised.

‘If I could give my younger self any advice it would be (that) you don’t have to live in pain…get this sorted now’   Jodie Hughes is founder of Endometriosis South Coast and was an Inspirational woman of portsmouth Community Category Finalist. In this episode, Jodie gives an insight to the many seasons of sacrifice and resilience  which has led her to pursue a doctorate based around her Endometriosis research (though she definitely was not a fan of neuroscience ! ). Jodie has also set up a crowd fund to raise money for her new not for profit organisation Endometriosis South Coast. Jodie will soon be shaving her hair and can be supported by following the link : https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/jodies-head-shave?fbclid=IwAR1WMC8o7HQdCi_ds2ARw_ahkZoooK7_vNIImxBt56CgDfsGj8cQ5hpnzps * Please note that this episode was recorded online and in isolation during lock-down and elements of the audio may be slightly compromised. 

‘In the January, I had my leg off. Within 6 weeks I was up and walking along Southsea seafront with my best friend'.  Lorraine Lambert is the Sports category Inspirational Women of  Portsmouth Award Recipient. She is a Paralympic athlete, motivational speaker, sports instructor & trained counsellor and is due to represent Great Britain in the next (postponed) Paralympics games. In this episode she talks about how her determination to overcome adversity saw her representing Portsmouth and competing in her first sports competition five months after her amputation.   Lorraine is also working with British Shooting on a fundraising challenge for the the the NHS and all the volunteers. In place of the postponed opportunity to travel to Japan for the Paralympic games, the virtual challenge will involve  the British Shooting team collectively hand-biking, running, cycling, walking and running the 8200 miles by road. You can find out more and support the opportunity by following the link: https://www.justgiving.com/team/British-shooting-target-Tokyo-challenge?invite=true  

Jasmine Bone is a Pamodzi Creatives Apprentice who in her own words ‘absolutely loves science !’ so we put her in charge of our special women in STEM podcast in support of the University of Portsmouth Global & International College Portsmouth (ICP) #MySTEMjourney project. In this podcast, Jasmine talks to Nayaab & Emila about the people that inspired and enabled their STEM journey. They also talk about the challenges and opportunities of being a young woman of colour studying and building a career in a male dominated STEM industry (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics). You can read more about Nayaab and Emilia, as well as other students involved in the #MySTEMjourney project on University of Portsmouth Global’s myworldinportsmouth.com blog

Lulu is founder of Love Southsea and the latest addition to the Trailblazer panel. LuLu's contagious laugh and passion for life helps explain how she has achieved the successful community focused empire that is  'Love Southsea' and the important roles she played in the founding of Victorious Festival and Mutiny festival.  

Liz passionately talks about her role within Harbour church in creating a space that challenges negative assumptions of what church really means. Liz and her team run Spa 61, pamper sessions inspired by the belief that all women deserve gentle care and nurturing as 'all of us are vulnerable but some of us hide it better'.   Check out our short video about Liz here

'You look lovely, be good, be careful, see you later'. These were the last words Janine said to her daughter Georgia  as she left for the Mutiny Festival in May 2018. Georgia died from an accidental overdose of MDMA. In this episode, Janine talks to the project Apprentice, Charlotte Wallace about the how the heartbreaking and life changing experience inspired Janine to set up  'Don't Go with the Flo' which campaigns for improved drug education and front-of-house drug testing at festivals.    

Did you know that more research funding is spent on addressing male baldness then M.E. (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis?) . Just some of the little nuggets gleaned from the  privilege of meeting the  enigmatic Sally Callow,  MD at Stripy Lightbulb. On this podcast, Sally talks about her experience with M.E. as well as the  challenges and opportunities that this has presented.    

It has been a year since the death of Towera's teenage son, Stephen who died last December. This 'festive' season carries a totally different layer of emotion for Towera and her family.  In this episode, Towera talks about the unimaginable heart break that comes with burying your own child, and reflects on the constant healing balm that was community through out her journey of grief.    If you are struggling and in need of someone to talk to, contact The Samaritans Portsmouth 023 9269 1313 or the National Helpline 116 123 (this number is FREE to call and will not appear on your phone bill).      

Southsea Bathing Hut began with a mission to revive Portsmouth’s lost soap-making heritage. Today, founder Samantha Worsey and her team make a complete range of natural skincare products inspired by the seaside. Meeting Samantha was a delightful lesson in the art of skincare and thalassotherapy. She also spoke about the journey of building a creative business and some of the challenges along the way.     

  Alison Lee is Director to the North End branch of Biscoes Law firm. She heads Biscoes' Mental Health & Capacity Team and personally specialises in Mental Capacity & Court of Protection matters.    In this podcast, Alison talks about being part of enabling a culture change within the law firm that includes babies attending board meetings!