Event details
Imagine a world where women’s leadership drives growth, innovation and lasting impact.
International Women’s Day is a moment to recognise progress — and a powerful opportunity to accelerate it through leadership, collaboration and action.
At #IWD2026, we shine a light on women who are shaping the future of business and public service. Our speakers bring real-world insight from the front line of leadership: steering organisations through transformation, rebuilding after failure, challenging traditional industries and driving sustainable, commercially successful change. Their stories reflect the realities of modern leadership — resilience, adaptability and the courage to lead with purpose.
In business, growth does not happen in isolation. It is powered by collective leadership, shared learning and diverse perspectives. As Gloria Steinem reminds us, progress comes from the collective efforts of those committed to equality and opportunity.
By bringing leaders together to share experience, challenge thinking and support one another, this International Women’s Day is about more than celebration — it’s about building stronger businesses, confident leaders and a more inclusive future for growth.
Our Speakers
Cheryl Luzet
Cheryl Luzet is CEO and founder of the multi-award-winning marketing agency Wagada Digital, which she launched in 2011 to create the agency she wanted to work with as an in-house marketer. Drawing on experience from both agency and client-side roles, Cheryl leads Wagada with a strong focus on measurable ROI, creativity and performance-driven growth.
A passionate advocate of people-first leadership, Cheryl believes empowered, happy teams deliver the best results for clients. Wagada’s award-winning workplace culture, commitment to learning and development, and data-led approach ensure the team stays ahead of digital trends while delivering outstanding outcomes.
Jo Walker
Jo Walker is the new Chief Executive of Gloucestershire County Council, stepping into the role after a predecessor who led the organisation for over 20 years. With more than 30 years’ experience across all tiers of local government, Jo began her career at the council as a graduate trainee accountant and has since held a number of senior leadership roles, including Chief Executive of North Somerset Council.
Known for her calm, values-led leadership, Jo has guided organisations through significant change, including the Covid-19 response, and is now shaping a refreshed vision for Gloucestershire while jointly leading local government reorganisation — focused on delivering better outcomes for communities and future generations.
Gemma Evans
Gemma Evans is Head of Merchandising at Mint Velvet, with over 20 years’ experience across buying and merchandising leadership in the fashion retail sector. Having built a successful career at senior level, Gemma also knows first-hand what it feels like to face setbacks and navigate moments of real challenge.
In her talk, The roadmap out of rock bottom, Gemma shares her powerful journey from success to failure — and back again — offering honest insight into resilience, self-belief and rebuilding confidence. Through her story, she explores how adversity can become a catalyst for growth, purpose and stronger leadership, inspiring others to keep going when the path ahead feels uncertain.
Our Partners
Lease Electric is a forward-thinking business helping organisations and individuals transition to electric vehicles with confidence. With a strong focus on sustainability, education and practical support, Lease Electric is demystifying electric mobility and making the move to EVs simpler and more accessible.
Through expert insight, clear guidance and a people-first approach, Lease Electric is driving positive change — supporting greener choices while empowering leaders to embrace innovation and a more sustainable future.
She’s Electric is a bold, female-led business challenging the status quo in the electric vehicle and energy sector. Created to make the transition to electric more accessible, inclusive and empowering, She’s Electric combines practical expertise with a strong mission to support and inspire women in a traditionally male-dominated industry.
Through honest storytelling, education and leadership, She’s Electric is helping to break down barriers, build confidence and show what’s possible when women lead change — proving that sustainability, innovation and inclusion go hand in hand.
We are proud to be hosted by Gloucestershire College for #IWD2026 — championing education, opportunity and future talent. As part of the event, students will prepare and serve the lunch, gaining valuable real-world experience while showcasing their skills and professionalism.
By connecting education with business, Gloucestershire College is helping to build confidence, capability and career pathways — investing in the leaders of tomorrow while supporting inclusive growth today.
Venue details
Gloucestershire College, Princess Elizabeth Way, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL51 7SJ
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