EMPOWERED TO LEAD 2025
A live event that has the Power to Literally Change the Trajectory of your Career and your Life!

If you’re ready to shatter ceilings, amplify your voice, and lead unapologetically,

then the Empowered to Lead Conference is the most important event you will attend this year.

That’s a bold claim, isn’t it?

But here’s the truth:

If you are a Black Female professional you simply cannot afford to EMPOWERED TO LEAD 2025.

This is our FOURTH live event.

And it will be the FOURTH time we pack the house and sell out every seat.

Why do we sell out every seat?

Because this is the event that propels you into the next level of your leadership, your career, and your legacy.

We will show you EXACTLY what you need to do.

And we’ll dismantle the myths, perceptions, and roadblocks that have kept too many Black women and allies sidelined.

Listen, you don’t need to wait years for your breakthrough.

In fact, last year: 

✨ One delegate left with the courage (and the strategy) to go for a senior leadership role she’d been told she “wasn’t ready for”—and she got it. 

✨ Another secured a mentor at the event who later opened the door to her first board appointment. 

✨ An organisation partner implemented a reverse mentoring programme directly inspired by what they experienced here.

Because this is an event that no single book, course, or networking dinner will give you the concentrated power of this ONE day.

This space brings 800+ Black women and allies together for practical strategies, and life-changing connections.

This isn’t just an event. It’s the #1 leadership movement for Black women and allies who are UNSTOPPABLE.

Why we started the Empowered to Lead Conference

Four years ago, we just got so tired of extraordinary Black women leading with talent, vision, and resilience — yet too often without the recognition, opportunities, or platforms they deserved. We knew something different was needed.
So, we created a space designed for connection, celebration, and courage.

Year one: 120 women gathered.
Year two: we doubled.
Year three: we outgrew the venue.

This Year, we welcome 800 delegates to Manchester Central with our biggest line-up and boldest agenda yet. Empowered to Lead is more than a conference — it is a movement that grows stronger every year, amplifying voices, inspiring leaders, and shaping the future together.

The Uncomfortable Truth Every Black Woman in Leadership Knows

While you're brilliant, qualified, and ready to lead, the research reveals harsh realities:

75% of women of colour have experienced racism at work Black Women
(Fawcett Society & Runnymede Trust, 2022)

31% of BME women report being unfairly passed over for promotions Black Women
TUC Research)

Only 30% of UK leadership roles are held by women overall-with Black women representing an even smaller fraction
Equality data Report 2024 - GOV.UK -

Black women have the lowest probabilities of being top earners in the UK, regardless of their background Landmark report reveals 75% of women of colour have experienced racism at work
The Fawcett Society (LSE Business Review, 2021)

It's time to stop being undervalued and take your place at the leadership table.

Allies- It's time for your organisation to leverage the diverse talent that can make you more productive, profitable and high performing!

Further, this is REAL LEADERSHIP TRAINING.

This isn’t about being a fly on the wall while big names give polished speeches.

No, no, no…

YOU are part of the event.

You’ll lean into powerful panel conversations. You’ll listen in on fireside chats that go deep into the truths of leadership, power, and impact. 

You’ll engage directly in the networking spaces where ideas are exchanged, collaborations are born, and futures are reshaped.

This is not a passive day—it’s an active transformation.
And it’s not just what happens on stage.

You’ll also: 

✨Connect with mentors, sponsors, and allies who can open real doors. 

✨ Build relationships with professionals who become collaborators and champions. 

✨ Leave with strategies, language, and a renewed confidence that is YOURS to carry forward—forever.

Talk about the ultimate takeaway.

Meet some of our
World Class Speaker Line-Up for 2025

Kanya King CBE is the founder of the MOBO Awards—the largest celebration of Black music and culture in Europe—is one of the UK’s most influential cultural visionaries. Since remortgaging her home in 1996 to launch the first event, she has built a globally recognised platform that has elevated world-renowned artists, championed diversity, and transformed communities. Through initiatives like MOBO UnSung, the MOBO Help Musicians Fund, and MOBOLISE, she has supported emerging talent and tackled racial inequality, while her leadership has generated millions in local economic impact, fostered cultural unity, and influenced national health and equity campaigns. Serving on boards such as the Creative Industries Council and the Sky Advisory Board, King continues to drive systemic change with courage, innovation, and a deep commitment to justice.

Cynthia V Davis was honoured with a CBE in 2023 for her exceptional services to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion. She is Founder and CEO of D&I services organisation, Diversifying Group, as well as co-founder of Diversifying.io, an AI powered Career Platform, both proud B Corps.

As an award-winning diversity advocate and accomplished public speaker, Cynthia shares her journey and inspires others in panel discussions, workshops, and keynote speeches. She also mentors four young people from ethnically diverse backgrounds, holds a Fellowship at St. George’s College Leadership, and serves as a Trustee for the children’s charity Over the Wall.

Cynthia's recent awards include Women-Led Business of the Year at the British Business Awards 2023 and Inspirational Woman of the Year at the Black Tech Achievement Awards 2024.

Caroline Flanagan is The Black Lawyers' Coach, bringing diversity and equity to the legal industry by increasing the number of black lawyers who stay in the profession and progress to leadership.

A certified coach, Caroline is also an international keynote speaker, podcast host and author of two books, including Business Book of the Year finalist, BE THE FIRST: People of Colour, Imposter Syndrome and the Struggle to Succeed in a White World (2022).

A woman of colour from a low-income background, from an early age Caroline learned to navigate the challenges of being the only one and achieve success in a white world.

A magic circle trained ex-City lawyer, Caroline draws on her lived experience, industry knowledge and thought leadership to elevate, empower and transform.

Ayesha Ofori is a former Investment Banker from Morgan Stanley and wealth manager from Goldman Sachs, where she personally managed over £500m in client assets. Drawing from her extensive experience and prompted by the £678 billion gender investment gap, Ayesha founded Propelle, the UK's first female-focused investment platform - recognising that traditional financial services weren't adequately serving women's unique needs and goals.

Propelle's mission centers on empowering women to build long-term wealth through three core pillars: financial education, community support, and accessible investments. The platform addresses the reality that women often face different financial challenges and are often excluded from the industry, requiring tailored approaches to wealth building.

Charlotte Sweeney OBE is a globally recognised Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DE&I) expert with over 25 years’ experience, working with C-Suite leaders, governments, and organisations to create inclusive workplaces. After a successful career in financial services, she founded Charlotte Sweeney Associates in 2012 and has since shaped national policy, including authoring the UK Government’s review on Women on Boards and Executive Search Firms, and designing the City of London’s first Power of Diversity programme.

Chartered Management Consultant and Fellow of multiple institutes, Charlotte has held senior advisory and Non-Executive Director roles, including Deputy Chair of an NHS Trust with a £500m budget. Named one of HR’s Most Influential Thinkers, she is co-author of the best-selling book Inclusive Leadership, a Forbes HR Council member, and an award-winning thought leader whose influence spans boardrooms, governments, academia, and international media.

Michelle Moore Conscious leadership expert, speaker, executive coach, and author of the critically acclaimed 'Real Wins', Michelle Moore is named as one of the UK’s 50 Most
Influential Women in Sport. A compassionate truth-teller, her background and expertise are rooted in radical self-awareness, personal power and resilience, which provokes courageous conversations on and off the stage. A powerful advocate for change untapping leadership potential in the masses.

She is the winner of a national ‘Outstanding Woman in Sport’ award, three national changemaker awards and her book Real Wins was shortlisted for the 2023 Chartered Management Institute Book of the Year.

More speakers to be announced!

Secure Your Seat Now!

WHAT WILL YOU LEARN AT THIS EVENT?

You'll learn from experienced multi award winning speakers and thought leaders who'll teach you insider secrets for accelerating your career and growing your business.

Here’s What You Can Expect From

She Leads for Legacy 2025: Empowered to Lead – UNSTOPPABLE!

❌ Before the Conference

Working hard but feeling overlooked for promotions and opportunities
Questioning your voice in meetings, wondering if you’re being heard (or ignored)
Unsure where to find the mentors, sponsors, and allies who can open doors
Watching others rise while you stay stuck at the same level
Feeling like you have to fight bias and barriers alone

✨ After the Conference

Equipped with strategies and confidence to step unapologetically into leadership
Speaking with power and presence in high-stakes rooms
Connected to mentors, sponsors, and collaborators who champion your growth
Positioned for promotions, funding, and opportunities that once felt out of reach
Part of a movement of 800+ Black women and allies — a network that fuels your courage and legacy

Here's what past delegates have to Say.....

"Just a truly awesome event. I can’t wait for the next one!"
Delegate 2024

"Very positive, great speakers, great venue, great food, made new friends and reignited existing
Best conference I have been to. No time to fall asleep or lose concentration as it was very upbeat, informative and exciting!"
Delegate 2024

"I met some wonderful people many from the caring and community sectors that don't attend my usual networking groups and it was refreshing to speak with them."
Delegate 2024

"I came to the conference alone this year. However, the culture of this event is inclusive, and i was embraced by women from all over the UK. Thank you for leading the way and taking your place. From the welcome at the door and everything in between this conference is world-class!!!"
Delegate 2024

"I drove 150 miles round trip to attend this event, and honestly, I would have driven twice that! Every detail, from the venue to the communication, the goody bags, the food, and the speakers, was on a level I’ve never experienced before. My mind is absolutely blown! When are the 2025 tickets being released!!"
Delegate 2024

"I walked in one person and left feeling completely transformed, with energy coursing through my veins. A huge thank you to Sharon and Afiya for creating something so powerful. This was the event I didn’t even realise I needed, but I know now—this conference has genuinely changed my life!
It was just MARVELLLOUS! "
Delegate 2024

"I enjoyed the energy created and the bits of physical movement helped my creaky bones.
The conference was lively, inspirational, entertaining and engaging. It was good to see Fumi Desalu-VOLD her story was inspiring and she bought different dimension to the conference. Thank you for the experience."
Delegate 2024

"This was my first experience and it was really great, well run and well managed.
I am so moved by the power of determination to make change to lead on a large-scale
Keep up the good work! I look forward to experiencing further events like this."
Delegate 2024

"I was such an incredible day. I recently started a new role, so imposter syndrome vibes are strong. There was so much to help empower me, to focus on where I can add value, and encourage further growth. It was an amazing way to focus on my allyship, to think about how I can help others who may be facing different challenges, and to hold a mirror up to gaps in my allyship."
Delegate 2024

"The bar was really raised with this event. From the food, entertainment, gifts, amazing women...even before we got to experience the awe inspiring speakers. Thank you for all the work you have done to make this happen. It's a very special thing."
Delegate 2024

Secure Your Seat Now!

HEAR THE REVIEWS FROM PAST
EMPOWERED TO LEAD EVENTS!

ABOUT YOUR HOSTS

Sharon Amesu, a former criminal barrister, is a multi-award-winning leadership strategist, speaker, and executive coach. She is the Founder of Courageous Conversations and Co-Founder of She Leads for Legacy, the largest conference in the North of England dedicated to empowering Black women and allies in leadership, attracting 800 delegates annually and supported by major corporate sponsors.

From the courtroom to the boardroom, Sharon’s career has been defined by her ability to ignite courage and connection. Her work has impacted more than 70,000 leaders worldwide, including 60,000+ learners on LinkedIn Learning who rated her Courageous Leadership programme 5 stars. She has delivered leadership development for global corporates, public sector organisations, and senior executives, equipping them to embed inclusion, lead with civility, and build high-performing cultures.

Sharon’s influence extends beyond her consultancy: she serves on the Board of the Hallé Orchestra, is a member of the North West Business Leadership Team, and has been recognised with multiple awards for leadership and inclusion, including the Northern Power Women Awards and the Spirit of Manchester Social Economy Award. Her forthcoming book, The Respect Revolution: Leading with Civility, Courage, and Connection, cements her role as a thought leader shaping the future of work.

Afiya Amesu is an award-winning barrister and co-founder of
She Leads for Legacy. Recognised as Junior Barrister of the Year and named a Northern Power Women “One to Watch,” Afiya has built a reputation as both a sharp legal mind and a passionate advocate for equity and inclusion in the workplace.

Balancing her practice as a Barrister with her leadership in She Leads for Legacy, Afiya brings a unique perspective on courage, advocacy, and breaking bias. She has spoken to audiences across the UK on issues of race, gender, and workplace justice, equipping professionals and organisations to challenge barriers and create fairer futures.

At She Leads for Legacy, Afiya helps drive the vision of empowering Black women and allies, with the annual conference drawing 800+ delegates and major corporate partners. Her commitment to empowering the next generation of leaders has made her a recognised voice on leadership, inclusion, and systemic change.

WHAT YOU GET WHEN YOU JOIN US

This isn’t just a conference. It’s a full day of 6 x CPD-accredited leadership training and transformation designed to make you truly UNSTOPPABLE.

✅ UNSTOPPABLE MINDSET (£497 Value)
Shift the way you see yourself and your possibilities. You’ll discover how to silence doubt, break through limiting beliefs, and step into rooms with the confidence of someone who knows they belong.

✅ UNSTOPPABLE LEADERSHIP (£497 Value)
Learn the real strategies for leading with power and presence. You’ll gain the courage, tools, and language to navigate high-stakes conversations, bias, and power dynamics—and still stand tall.

✅ UNSTOPPABLE BUSINESS & CAREER (£497 Value)
From finding sponsors and mentors to building networks that lead to promotions, funding, and collaborations—you’ll learn how to take your career or business from surviving to thriving.

✅ THE EXHIBITION OF OPPORTUNITY (£297 Value)
Direct access to corporates, recruiters, and entrepreneurs who are hiring, funding, and collaborating. The conversations you have here could shape your next big move.

✅ NETWORKING WITH 800+ DELEGATES (£297 Value)
A powerful room of Black women and allies, leaders and change-makers. These are the people who will become your collaborators, sponsors, and champions.

✅ CPD ACCREDITATION (£197 Value)
Walk away not just inspired, but recognised—with CPD points to evidence your professional growth and development.

🔥 TOTAL VALUE: £2,282
But you won’t pay anywhere near that.
Your investment to be part of the #1 event for Black women and allies in leadership?

Secure Your Seat Now!

Secure Your Seat Now!

Frequently asked questions

When and where is the She Leads for Legacy Conference 2025 taking place?
The conference will be held on Saturday 18th October 2025 at Manchester Central, one of the UK’s premier venues.
Who is the conference for?
The event is designed for Black women and Allies who are committed to advancing leadership, inclusion, and impact in their careers, businesses, and communities.
What is the theme of this year’s conference?
The 2025 theme is “Unstoppable” – celebrating the resilience, courage, and power of Black women leaders and those who stand alongside them.
How many people attend the conference?
We are expecting 800+ delegates from across the UK, making it the largest gathering of its kind in the North of England.
What can I expect from the day?
A full day of keynotes, panels, workshops, networking opportunities, exhibitions, and inspirational sessions from world-class speakers and industry leaders.
Who are the speakers?
Past speakers have included Candice Brathwaite, and Baroness Floella Benjamin. This year’s full line-up will be announced on our website and social media channels.
How can I purchase tickets?
Tickets are available on Eventbrite (link below) or via our official website: www.sheleadsforlegacyconference.com. Availability is on a first come, first served basis. Please contact us at info@sheleadsforlegacy.com for group purchases.
Are group or corporate bookings available?
Yes! We offer discounts for staff networks and organisations booking 10+ tickets. Please contact us directly for tailored packages.
How can organisations get involved as sponsors or partners?
We welcome organisations that want to demonstrate their commitment to inclusion and leadership. Sponsorship packages are available at various levels—please reach out for details.
Is the conference CPD-certified?
Yes, the She Leads for Legacy Conference is CPD-accredited with 6 hours of certified training, so delegates can use the experience to contribute towards their professional development.
Can I come on my own?
Absolutely! Many delegates attend solo, and the conference is designed to be a welcoming, inclusive, and networking-rich environment. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to connect with others and feel part of the community.