More Than A Meeting, A Movement In Making

In a world where connections often feel transactional, there is something deeply transformative about women coming together—not just to network, but to?know?each other truly. Our relationships should not be measured by the number of people in our communities but by the depth of the bonds we create within them.

Last week, I had the privilege of hosting an intimate dinner at @Cinnamon Club in London, bringing together an extraordinary group of women Mandeep Kaur Sanghera OBE, Saswati Saha Mitra Lalita Taylor FRSA Amy Barklam Dr Souad Mohamed , Manal Aboujtila, Grazina Klevinske ?? Stefanie Verdorfer Dr Khadija Owusu. As we sat around the table in this historic venue, I was reminded of something profound: we have far more in common than we think. When we take the time to listen, to ask deeper questions, and to truly see each other—not just as professionals, but as individuals—we unlock a level of support, appreciation, and collective power that transcends careers and industries.

Too often, we rush through connections, exchanging business cards, LinkedIn profiles, or quick pleasantries. But what does it mean to know someone? To understand their professional achievements, motivations, struggles, and aspirations?

Each woman at the table carried a story of brilliance, resilience, and purpose—stories that, though unique in their paths, converged in a shared mission to uplift, innovate, and lead. Saswati Saha Mitra, a visionary behind WhatsApp and a seasoned Product Director, exemplifies the power of technology for good, using her expertise to give back and create impact beyond the digital sphere. Amy Barklam, a fellow NOON, is reshaping how organizations understand menopause, bringing long-overdue attention to the silent battles many women face in the workplace, ensuring that no woman has to navigate this journey alone. Dr. Souad Mohamed, an inclusive leader making waves in her industry, reaffirmed the undeniable truth that representation matters—because when diverse voices are at the table, industries transform. Manal Aboujtila, an entrepreneur with a quiet yet commanding presence, is building a startup that empowers women, not just in their professional ambitions but in their personal growth, equipping them with the skills to rise.

From finance to sustainability, Grazina Klevinske ?? bridges two worlds, proving that economic power and environmental responsibility are not at odds but must be aligned for a better future. Lalita Taylor, a force at the BBC and a key voice in the UK Advisory Council, is leveraging the power of media to put women at the center of change, shaping narratives that will define the future. Mandy Sanghera, an award-winning philanthropist, stands as a beacon of advocacy, championing human rights, equality, and social justice, ensuring that no voice goes unheard and no woman is left behind. Stefanie Verdorfer embodies the transformative power of philanthropy, unlocking opportunities for women and girls around the world, proving that investment in women is an investment in a better future for all. And Dr. Khadija Owusu, a doctor, changemaker, and an unrelenting advocate for Black and ethnic minority medics is breaking barriers in the medical field while carrying a deep passion for female empowerment and global health, touching the lives of thousands of young girls across Ghana and beyond.

As we sat together, it became clear that none of us walk this path alone. Our impact isn’t just about individual success—it’s about the unspoken bond we share, the support we offer, and the inspiration we draw from one another. We laughed, we listened, and we opened up—not just about what we do, but about what drives us. We talked about the challenges that push us forward, the causes that keep us fighting, and the reasons we show up, day after day, for something bigger than ourselves. When women come together with real intention, it’s never just a conversation—it’s the spark of something greater. We don’t just share ideas; we build movements. And when we lift each other up, we’re not just changing our own lives—we’re shaping the future.

As I left the Cinnamon Club that night, I carried with me the stories, wisdom, and energy of these incredible women. I was reminded that every time we meet, we have an opportunity—not just to network, but to build something lasting.

So here’s my challenge to all of us:

?? Take the time to know the women in your community. Not just what they do, but who they are. ?? In a world where connections often feel transactional, there is something deeply transformative about women coming together—not just to network, but to?know?each other truly. Our relationships should not be measured by the number of people in our communities but by the depth of the bonds we create within them.

Last week, I had the privilege of hosting an intimate dinner at @Cinnamon Club in London, bringing together an extraordinary group of women. As we sat around the table in this historic venue, I was reminded of something profound: we have far more in common than we think. When we take the time to listen, to ask deeper questions, and to truly see each other—not just as professionals, but as individuals—we unlock a level of support, appreciation, and collective power that transcends careers and industries.

Too often, we rush through connections, exchanging business cards, LinkedIn profiles, or quick pleasantries. But what does it mean to know someone? To understand their professional achievements, motivations, struggles, and aspirations?

Each woman at the table carried a story of brilliance, resilience, and purpose—stories that, though unique in their paths, converged in a shared mission to uplift, innovate, and lead. @Saswati Saha Mitra, a visionary behind WhatsApp and a seasoned Product Director, exemplifies the power of technology for good, using her expertise to give back and create impact beyond the digital sphere. Amy Barklam is reshaping how organizations understand menopause, bringing long-overdue attention to the silent battles many women face in the workplace, ensuring that no woman has to navigate this journey alone. Dr. Souad Mohamed, an inclusive leader making waves in her industry, reaffirmed the undeniable truth that representation matters—because when diverse voices are at the table, industries transform. Manal Aboujtila, an entrepreneur with a quiet yet commanding presence, is building a startup that empowers women, not just in their professional ambitions but in their personal growth, equipping them with the skills to rise.

From finance to sustainability, Grazina Klevinske ?? bridges two worlds, proving that economic power and environmental responsibility are not at odds but must be aligned for a better future. Lalita Taylor, a force at the BBC and a key voice in the UK Advisory Council, is leveraging the power of media to put women at the center of change, shaping narratives that will define the future. Mandy Sanghera, an award-winning philanthropist, stands as a beacon of advocacy, championing human rights, equality, and social justice, ensuring that no voice goes unheard and no woman is left behind. Stefanie Verdorfer embodies the transformative power of philanthropy, unlocking opportunities for women and girls around the world, proving that investment in women is an investment in a better future for all. And Dr. Khadija Owusu, a doctor, changemaker, and an unrelenting advocate for Black and ethnic minority medics is breaking barriers in the medical field while carrying a deep passion for female empowerment and global health, touching the lives of thousands of young girls across Ghana and beyond.

As we sat together, it became clear that none of us walk this path alone. Our impact isn’t just about individual success—it’s about the unspoken bond we share, the support we offer, and the inspiration we draw from one another. We laughed, we listened, and we opened up—not just about what we do, but about what drives us. We talked about the challenges that push us forward, the causes that keep us fighting, and the reasons we show up, day after day, for something bigger than ourselves. When women come together with real intention, it’s never just a conversation—it’s the spark of something greater. We don’t just share ideas; we build movements. And when we lift each other up, we’re not just changing our own lives—we’re shaping the future.

As I left the Cinnamon Club that night, I carried with me the stories, wisdom, and energy of these incredible women. I was reminded that every time we meet, we have an opportunity—not just to network, but to build something lasting.

So here’s my challenge to all of us:

?? Take the time to know the women in your community. Not just what they do, but who they are. ?? Serve and support each other. A simple conversation, a thoughtful introduction, a genuine word of encouragement can change someone’s trajectory. ?? Appreciate the power of authentic relationships. When we build with intention, we don’t just create communities—we create movements.

At World Woman Foundation, we are not just bringing women together. We are fostering relationships that transform industries, uplift generations, and shape the future.

So let’s continue gathering. Let’s continue serving. Let’s continue building the world we all deserve—one relationship at a time.

Because when women meet, learn, and serve together, we don’t just shape our own futures—we shape the world.