Local ladies celebrating triumph over adversity will be sharing their uplifting stories in a bid to inspire other women at an event in Leamington soon.

The Raise Up Conference, organised again by the Leamington Soroptimists, will hear from leading lights in the worlds of business, advocacy and charity whilst also fundraising for local causes.

Their deeply personal tales will touch on a host of topics, from physical and mental health challenges, through to overcoming addiction, loss, trauma and domestic abuse.

All proceeds from the day, on 14 September, will support Safeline, Navigating Margaret - Arts Uplift.

The event is the latest passion project of Soroptimists President – and Leamington podcaster and author – Catherine Williamson, whose Gobsmacked! Podcast is also dedicated to celebrating inspirational life stories, and has now been heard in more than 123 countries.

Of the conference, she said: "As Soroptimists, we are dedicated to raising up the lives of women and girls locally, nationally, and globally. It's all about giving back to our community in the spirit of service.

"And our next event is a very special one.

"Each speaker has transformed their hardships into strength and faced significant personal challenges. This conference aims to provide attendees with inspiration, hope, and practical insights through the personal experiences of our speakers. It will shine a light on how we can triumph over adversity; our speakers' stories raising up our own lives with insights, hope, wit and wisdom."

Catherine Williamson

Following the success of last year, businesses are again being invited to sponsor a place at the conference for female members of their team.

Catherine added: "As a business, investing in a sponsorship for the Raise Up Conference is more than just a ticket—it's an opportunity to inspire and catalyse the next generation of leaders and volunteers in our community.

"By sponsoring a place for a woman, you're not only providing her with access to inspiration and practical tools, but also investing in the future of our local workforce and community. Last year we were delighted to welcome 34 women through sponsorship. Let's come together again to raise up and equip those who will drive positive change in the years to come."

Compered by Catherine, inspirational keynote speakers throughout the day are:

Hetti Barkworth-Nanton CBE, from Wiltshire Chair of Refuge's Board of Trustees since 2020.

Hetti has been an active campaigner raising awareness around domestic abuse and the criminal justice system since her best friend, Joanna Simpson, was killed by her estranged husband.

Hetti is also the founder and former Chair of the Joanna Simpson Foundation, alongside Jo's mother, Diana Parkes, to raise awareness and protect children affected by domestic violence.

Last year they both received a CBE for their services to people affected by domestic abuse and domestic homicide and were awarded a Pride of Britain Special Recognition Award.

Adrianne Carter, from Lichfield: Adrianne is an internationally recognised body language expert, consumer psychology specialist and corporate trainer specialising in emotional intelligence, facial expressions, and non-verbal communication.

With over 20 years of experience, she has worked with global brands, security professionals, and corporate leaders to help them enhance interpersonal communication and create impactful brand visuals. She has received industry recognition for pioneering security training on recognising mental health signs through facial expressions and body language.

Adrianne Carter

Lorie-Lanie Shanks, from Leamington. Lorie-Lanie Shanks is a storyteller, speaker and filmmaker whose healing journey after her father's suicide and her own struggles with gambling addiction, inspired her to help others.

Her Kundalini yoga and Buddhist studies are the tools that helped her rebuild her inner strength and sense of purpose. They are also the spiritual foundations which inform her creative work, including her recent documentary project, Yogis of Ukraine—a film that sheds light on the power of yoga and mindfulness in supporting wounded soldiers and civilians in war-torn Ukraine.

Lorie-Lanie Shanks

Kim Madill, from West Bromwich. Chief Superintendent in West Midlands Police and the commander for Sandwell Local Policing Area, Kim's experience spans 28 years, including leading teams in Public Protection, Intelligence and Counter Terrorism. In 2004 she was pivotal to the creation of West Midlands Association for Women in Policing and is currently the strategic female lead on the West Midlands Police Superintendents Association. She also recently completed 10 years' service to a local charity who delivered trauma-informed interventions to children.

Kim Madill

Nicky Pattinson, from Yorkshire. A successful businesswoman and international speaker, Nicky straight talks with humour and heart about the lessons she's learned in both her personal and professional life, including love, loss and resilience.

Nicky Pattinson

The audience will also hear a video message from, among others, Javina Greene, from Birmingham. Music, dance, and the performing arts became a lifeline for Javina who endured an abusive relationship, drug addiction, and sexual exploitation. Determined to use her story and music to empower other women and demand better support systems, she became a public speaker and released a five-track EP No More Silence which channels her journey and inspires change.

Javina Greene

Also via video is Coventry's Julie White, the owner of D-Drill & Sawing which has branches across the UK and Susan Rasmussen, from Leamington, who will discuss her role as both an environmentalist and High Sheriff of Warwickshire.

Last year's Raise Up conference proceeds of more than £3k funded a defibrillator for the JAY Foundation, based in Rugby as well as five wheelchairs for Kathmandu in partnership with New Futures Nepal.

Raise Up takes place at The Fold in Leamington.

Tickets, which include a light lunch, are available at an early bird price of £40 until July 31, and then £50, available online.

For more information about Leamington Soroptimists, visit here.