International Women's Day

Each year, ARKK bring together some of the most inspiring and prominent equality champions in the industry to talk BIG and current ideas that challenge women of today. Exchanging insights and best practices surrounding the years chosen IWD theme; the energy in the room is truly stimulating and motivational.

You can read the agenda for ARKK's 2024 International Women's Day Event HERE

ARKK proudly presents The W. Network

Initially inspired by the International Women's Day (IWD) Events hosted annually by ARKK, The W. Network has become a forum for mutual upliftment and support in both professional and personal spheres.

In The W. Network, the importance of connection and growth is understood. This is a space where ideas flourish, careers advance, and friendships are formed. Our events, including the celebrated IWD gatherings, are a testament to the dynamic spirit of this community.

To join the W. Network, please click the button below.

MEET YOUR 2024 HOST, FIRST SET OF PANELISTS AND FIRST SPEAKER

Danielle Cyrus (Host)

Chief Customer Officer at ARKK

Dani champions DEI, emphasising the need for a genuine sense of "belonging" through collective effort and cultural consciousness. She initiated ARKK's successful annual IWD event in 2019, fostering inclusion starting with individual responsibility. Additionally, Dani founded the W.Network to enhance connection and support among women beyond events, advocating for the principle "Do better, be better."

Leah Jones (Panel Facilitator)

Founder and Director of the Early Careers Foundation

Leah is the Founder and Director of The Early Careers Foundation, a charity helping young people from low-income backgrounds. She launched a 900-person UK mentorship programme, organised industry days, and set up a scholarship fund since 2022. Besides, Leah serves on The Ladder Group's board, using her foundation and leadership experience to consult on business social mobility and inclusion.

Miranda Chamberlain (Panelist)

Group Head of Tax at Mace

Miranda Chamberlain, CTA and Group Head of Tax at a £2bn global construction firm, is also a single mother and pet owner. Starting in tax at BDO over 15 years ago, she established Mace's first tax team, leading to an award-winning 12-person group. Appointed Head of Tax at 38, she addresses professional and leadership topics and champions workplace inclusivity, sponsoring various employee groups to support Mace's goal of being the industry's most inclusive employer.

Bryony Williams (Panelist)

Career & Leadership Coach

Bryony Williams is dedicated to empowering professional women. She focuses on increasing self-belief, voice, and visibility, and supports businesses in fostering inclusive workplaces. With over 20 years in talent and HR, Bryony has guided many to career success, overcoming barriers and achieving promotions. Her commitment to elevating women's voices and fostering inclusion has established her as a leading coach in the industry, inspiring professionals to excel and impact their fields.

Natasha Patel (Panelist)

Tax Technology and Transformation Partner at EY

Natasha Patel combines her passion for technology in tax and finance with fostering workplace communities of belonging and trust. Since joining EY 2.5 years ago, she has been instrumental in forming a team committed to these goals, celebrating their success in achieving shared visions. Early in her tenure, she hosted a "Women in Leadership" fireside chat, and now represents EY at external panels and IWD events, marking a full circle in her career and advocacy efforts.

Andrea Ignatius (Panelist)

Integrative Counsellor/Coach

Andrea skilled in various therapeutic approaches including Person-Centred, CBT, and Gestalt, aimed at fostering personal growth. She focuses on issues like self-esteem, anxiety, and bereavement. Andrea holds a BSc in Counselling and Coaching and has extensive experience in high-pressure legal roles, enhancing her empathy and understanding of stress impacts. Committed to client well-being, she offers a safe, judgment-free space for exploration and healing. Andrea is a BACP registered counsellor, dedicated to ongoing learning and client support.

Michelle Ansell (Speaker)

Managing Partner at Douglas Jackson

Michelle Ansell brings 20 years of expertise in recruitment and executive search. She aids CEOs, COOs, and business leaders in hiring diverse, effective leaders for Operations, Customer, CX, and Transformation roles. Committed to diversity, she ensures varied candidate lists, contributing to more dynamic teams. Michelle also shares insights and experiences through podcasts and peer cohorts, aiding in the development of future leaders.

Danielle Cyrus (Host)

Leah Jones (Panel Facilitator)

Miranda Chamberlain (Panelist)

Bryony Williams (Panelist)

Natasha Patel (Panelist)

Andrea Ignatius (Panelist)

Michelle Ansell (Speaker)

MEET YOUR SECOND SET OF PANELISTS AND SECOND SPEAKER

Divya Eapen (Panel Facilitator)

Chief Risk Officer at Risk Strategy Consulting Ltd

With over 20 years in the sector, Divya has served as a Chief Risk Officer, enhancing risk management and culture while working with boards and shareholders. Divya advocates for fairness, diversity, and inclusion, recommending necessary changes for a fairer workplace. Beyond finance, she founded Para Dewa, a wine company, and is dedicated to raising her two sons with a strong sense of kindness and fairness.

Yemi Jackson (Panelist)

Founder and CEO of Engage Transform

With over 20 years in finance and IT, Yemi founded Engage Transform to foster a more engaged, diverse workplace. A qualified accountant with an MBA from Warwick, her work focuses on effective diversity strategies. She also founded Building Inclusive Boards (BIB) to help under-represented groups reach board positions and is involved in several advisory and women's groups. Yemi uses rejection as motivation, aiming to help organizations find diverse talent for leadership roles.

Helen Needham (Panelist)

Founder of Me.Decoded

Helen is part of Capco's Data Practice and founded their Employee Neurodiversity Network. She also established Me.Decoded, focusing on neurodiversity advocacy, and serves as a trustee for Autism Forward, supporting autistic adults through mentoring services to enhance employability.

Ali Conway (Panelist)

Former VP, Tax and Treasury at Inmarsat

Until December 2023, Ali served as Vice President, Tax & Treasury at Inmarsat, participating in the Senior Leadership Team and strategic projects. Previously, she held significant tax roles at RELX and Johnson Matthey Plc, and chaired the European Business Tax Forum, focusing on tax policy, risk, and transparency. Throughout her career, she has been committed to DE&I, focusing on women and neurodiversity. Ali is currently on a career break, contemplating her next challenge, potentially within the tax field.

Laura Kelly (Panelist)

Chief People Officer and Head of Operations at ARKK (Panelist)

Laura, ARKK's Chief People Officer and Head of Operations, leads the People function and oversees internal operations, including Business Systems and Information Security. She aligns employees with strategy to support ARKK's growth. Outside ARKK, she chairs a Belfast Arts Charity aiding over 2000 vulnerable youths annually, mentors start-up CEOs, and is a mother, advocating the belief that well-behaved women seldom make history.

Remi Olajoyegbe (Panelist)

Strategic Coach

Remi is a strategic coach and leadership consultant with a background in finance, previously leading roles at Goldman Sachs and Renaissance. Recognized as a Top 100 Woman in European Finance, she holds degrees from the London School of Economics. Remi coaches female leaders across various industries, combining strategic and systemic methods. She co-founded The Palmerston restaurant and the Medicine festival and leads Isumataq Retreats for women. Additionally, she advocates for vulnerable groups and participates actively in women's networks.

‘Ronke Kokoruwe (Speaker)

Executive Coach (Speaker)

'Ronke, initially trained as a barrister, transitioned to a solicitor after earning a Masters in International Environmental Law from LSE. She's a certified executive coach and the founder of iVerbalize, specializing in public speaking and leadership training. Beyond her professional life, she enjoys running, baking, singing, and values laughter and faith deeply.