University of Cumbria and Brathay Trust co-host groundbreaking event celebrating women in leadership

A highlight of the event was a keynote address by Dr Fatima Whitbread, MBE, whose powerful story of resilience and achievement inspired attendees to continue breaking barriers and leading with purpose.

Held at the scenic Brathay Trust site on the shores of Windermere, the event brought together influential women from across Cumbria to strengthen relationships, share experiences, and shape a collective vision for the future of female leadership in the county.

The day began with a warm welcome from Professor Julie Mennell DL, Vice Chancellor of the University of Cumbria, and Teresa Jennings, CEO of Brathay Trust. Around 60 attendees focused on identifying the unique strengths and challenges facing women in leadership roles in Cumbria. Facilitated group discussions encouraged participants to reflect on how to build deeper cooperation and take forward the outcomes of the day.

University of Cumbria, Vice Chancellor Julie Mennell DL said:

“Cumbria is home to an extraordinary community of women leaders whose collective strength, insight and resilience are shaping the future of our region. By coming together in partnership across all sectors we can unlock even greater potential. The University of Cumbria is proud to champion this collaboration, and I encourage woman in leadership roles to reach out and join us in building a more connected, empowered and inclusive Cumbria.”

Teresa Jennings, CEO Brathay Trust said:

 “The day was about creating space and time for greater connection as a group of busy leaders. We started to think about how through this we can have an even bigger impact on Cumbria as a place. From the feedback received following the event, it feels as if a fire has been lit. Our job now is to find ways in which to fan it, keep connecting, and converting this energy into impact. We will be contacting all those involved very shortly with next steps, which will undoubtably involve further opportunity to come together and build on these foundations

Dr. Fatima Whitbread MBE commented:

"It has been an honour to join the Women Leading for Cumbria’s Future conference as keynote speaker. I’m passionate about empowering women to have confidence and purpose, and for them to collaborate and build strong relationships – and this event has been a powerful celebration of that. As Brathay Trust’s Ambassador, I’m deeply inspired by the charity’s work with young people. It’s been fantastic for these Cumbrian leaders and I to experience some of the life-changing opportunities that Brathay offers to young people, to inspire them to build their brighter futures.”

Jayne Moorby MBE, Head of Marketing at Oxley Group commented:

“I was delighted to attend as I am a big believer in women supporting other women and I was keen to return to beautiful Brathay. We had a brilliant day of networking, reflection, and team building. The highlight was hearing from the incredible Fatima Whitbread with her inspirational story and message of not letting your beginning define your ending.”

Following the great feedback received from all those attending and strong support provided more widely, plans will be set out going forward in the New Year to engage a wider audience.