2023 The Year of the Change Maker
In 2023, women over 40, from diverse walks of life, emerged as dynamic changemakers, tackling global challenges with unwavering passion and innovation. My personal journey with Fire and Forte illuminated this, a project I began when I hit 40 to celebrate achievements of women, 40 and beyond.
Innovating, setting up businesses, challenging the status quo - some leaving stable careers to address societal issues - the women I met blew me away with their energy and determination.
Fire and Forte confirmed my belief that turning 40 can ignite a renewed sense of self - a sense of purpose and confidence. The women I met were using their expertise and experience for the greater good, spurred on by a cause they were passionate about, even slightly obsessed by. Confidence that had been built over the years transferred nicely to new ventures - a mindset of I have achieved things before I didn’t think were possible, I can do it again - common amongst these women.
Funnily enough, meeting inspirational women inspired me too. I began upskilling women in emerging technology through events, webinars and workshops. I don't want anyones talents left on the table as we undergo a tech revolution with Artificial Intelligence and Web 3. These women have helped prove to me the intelligence and drive we can harness to build a better future.
Anne-Marie Elias and Abby Bloom founded PrimeLife Partners innovating in longevity and aged care. Their recent event at the Spark Festival galvanised cross-sector collaboration for a better future in aging.
Káti Jahromi Gapaillard CEO of The Fathering Project advocates for involved fatherhood, reshaping societal norms and enhancing family wellbeing. Her work is changing families now and for the future.
shanya suppasiritad is revolutionising the fashion industry with her sustainable platform, Rntr. which encourages renting, reselling, and repairing fashion items, tackling fashion waste head-on.
Lavinia D. Osbourne is determined to educate women in areas of FinTech some may dismiss. The founder of WiBT Women in Blockchain Talks now has chapters running across the world as she pursues her mission to educate and empower women in emerging financial systems to make for more equitable society.
Priya Ravindra launched Punar, a textile business empowering Indian women weavers while addressing textile waste through recycled yarn products after a 19 year career in technology. Priya is a shining example of hard work and focus in the name of rebalancing the world.
Sharon Handelman-Gotlib turned her focus to FemTech after the pandemic gave her time to research how she could combine her background in health and innovation to help bridge the gap in women's health further. A well known campaigner she is now also CEO of Shela, a FemTech start-up that uses data to predict and prevent complications in women's health.
Rosanna Iacono felt compelled to use her vast experience in business and brand-building to do good, now she is the CEO of The Growth Activists and uses her vast corporate expertise to guide businesses towards the prestigious B-corp certification. She is also a voice of change across the Australian Fashion Industry helping to implement meaningful ESG practices.
Catherine* founded Financial Respect, an Instagram community supporting victims of financial abuse after her own personal experience following a toxic relationship. Resolute in ensuring women have the ownership of their finances and have the agency in their relationship to have financial security, she educates and supports thousands, whilst she remains anonymous. www.instagram.com/financialrespect
Nicki Murphy is a media powerhouse who is shaping the media landscape withREFLECT The Agency , the UK's first DE&I influencer talent agency, championing diversity and inclusion. Through Nicki I met Sassy Wyatt. The accessibility consultant and campaigner was registered blind at 16 and is raising awareness and education on how organisations can make their products and services accessible for all.
These women exemplify the power of purpose and the impact of dedicated effort. As we celebrate their achievements, let's encourage more changemakers in 2024, those that dare to step out of their comfort zone to enrich and diversify our world.
And if you think you might have a changemaker inside of you? Well, let these ladies show that no matter your background, age or area of interest, there is a well needed spot for you in the arena.
