Find out more about the high-profile people speaking at this conference
- Female Inclusion and Empowerment Conference on Thursday 13 October 2022
- At the John Smith’s Stadium from 8.30am-noon
- Event sponsored by iTrain Legal
The John Smith’s Stadium is hosting its first Female Inclusion and Empowerment Conference on Thursday 13 October 2022 with high-profile people speaking and sharing their experiences.
This free conference and networking event is open to all to promote female inclusion in sport and other industries, through a series of inspirational talks.
Here is a more in-depth look at our high-profile speakers.
Dorigen Sykes – iTrain Legal
The Headline Speaker at this conference is Dorigen Sykes, she will share her journey from working in the Ticket Office at Huddersfield Town to becoming the Managing Director of her own technology training business.
Alongside reflecting on her success story, Sykes will also discuss the many challenges she had to face in achieving career success as a woman as well try to provide inspiration to pursue goals in career and life regardless or gender.
Using the recent triumph of the national women’s team, Dorigen will explore how we can ‘kick-on’ from that positive experience.
Dorigen will be on hand to share tips on how to support the women and girls in your life to whomever they want to be.
Jacqui Gedman – CEO of Kirklees Council
Jacqui is a Civil Engineer by profession; although many women now work in the sector, Jacqui qualified at a time when it was an unusual industry for women to work in, so she experienced some of the opportunities and challenges that were presented.
Gedman’s career in local government started in the 1990’s when she went to work for Leeds City Council as a graduate Highway Engineer, 10 years later she needed another challenge and moved to Kirklees Council as a Senior Engineer.
During her time in Kirklees, Jacqui has had a number of roles including Director of Strategic Investment and Infrastructure, Director of Place, and Deputy Chief Executive – she became Kirklees Council’s first female Chief Executive in 2016 and is particularly proud of their amazing and diverse workforce and is driven to create the conditions for talented individuals to excel in.
Jacqui will talk about how her career to date has shaped her leadership style and the lessons she learned along the way. She will use this platform to provide insights on leading a complex organisation whilst trying to achieve a work life balance.
The CEO will discuss what she focusses on now to support the development of others.
Kim Leadbeater – MP for Batley and Spen
Kim has been Labour MP for Batley and Spen since July 2021.
Before this, she graduated with a First-Class degree in Health-Related Exercise and Fitness from Leeds Metropolitan University and went on to be a lecturer in Higher Education at Kirklees College and Bradford College.
She then set up her own business as a personal trainer, wellbeing coach and group exercise instructor.
Prior to her election to Parliament, Kim was Ambassador for the Jo Cox Foundation, which was set up to continue the legacy of her sister, the former MP, who was murdered in the constituency in June 2016. Kim also chaired the ‘More In Common Batley and Spen’ volunteer group – this caved the path for her to be awarded an MBE in 2021 for her services to social cohesion and combatting loneliness.
In this conference, Kim will speak about the importance of sport for women’s empowerment, not just in the UK but internationally. She will also talk about the broader importance of sport for the health and well-being of the whole country as well as its role in schools and at all stages of life.
If you would like to attend the conference or to find more information on the other guest speakers that will be making appearances, then CLICK HERE to register for free!
