The Women Changing the World event brought together extraordinary women from across the globe—leaders, authors, entrepreneurs, advocates, therapists, educators, and visionaries. Each of them shared powerful stories, knowledge, and lived experiences that inspired action, courage, and meaningful change.
Among the keynote speakers was Dr Tererai Trent, who had once been named Oprah Winfrey’s “All-Time Favorite Guest.” With her unwavering belief that education is the pathway out of poverty, she had founded Tererai Trent International and supported 14 rural schools in Zimbabwe.
The event also featured co-founders of the Women Changing the World movement: Peace Mitchell, an international keynote speaker, TEDx presenter, and author, alongside Katy Garner, an award-winning entrepreneur and author.
Cherry Farrow took the stage as the CEO and founder of Successful Minds Institute. Drawing from her personal transformation and professional expertise in NLP and hypnotherapy, she shared her journey of overcoming childhood trauma and building a global training organization.
Khatija Halabi highlighted the importance of connection, inclusion, and empowerment. As the founder of Casey Hearing and a leader in community initiatives, she had worked to remove stigma around hearing loss and uplift migrant women.
Comfort Dondo, a Zimbabwean-born survivor and leader, shared her work supporting African immigrant and refugee women through trauma-informed care and community advocacy via her organization Phumulani.
The audience was also inspired by Stella Olivia Kikoyo, an empowerment leader and international speaker who had created global platforms amplifying women’s voices and guiding them toward purpose and impact.
Mandy Hawtin offered a powerful perspective on the beauty industry, combining science, ethics, and transparency to educate consumers about informed skincare choices.
Resilience was a central theme in the talk by Angharad Candlin, who, after facing significant personal and health challenges, had become a voice of strength and perseverance through her writing and speaking.
Emma Sheth shared her grounded insights into building and scaling businesses while maintaining balance as a mother and leader.
Dr Tristina Anderson challenged attendees to confront fear and regret, guiding them toward lives rooted in courage, truth, and intentional design.
Advocacy and social change were represented by Dr Adebola Ogungbadejo, whose work focused on breaking silence around FGM and empowering women within BAME communities in the UK.
A long-standing leader in business support, Carol Hanlon reflected on decades of impact supporting thousands of entrepreneurs globally, particularly women in business.
Dawn Williams spoke about rebuilding life after trauma, sharing her mission of guiding women from survival to leadership.
Tanya Hicks explored systemic conditions shaping human behavior, offering a fresh perspective on leadership, education, and transformation.
Entrepreneurial freedom and purpose-driven work were central to the message of Kamila Paličková, who empowered women to build lives on their own terms.
Humanitarian efforts were powerfully represented by Jessica Hansen, whose 25+ year career had impacted refugees, children, and global communities.
Hui Hui Lek inspired audiences with her journey from introversion to building a multi-million-dollar global coaching business.
Mila Renken shared her personal story of reinvention, transforming hardship into a life dedicated to helping others heal and grow.
Shadan Kapri addressed global justice issues, exposing hidden systems of exploitation and advocating for ethical consumerism.
Justine Martin delivered a powerful message on resilience, courage, and rebuilding life after illness and adversity.
VIP Panel
The VIP panel featured remarkable voices including Dr Danielle Camer, an award-winning author; Krysta Rivera, a global sales executive and wellness coach; Sally Grice, an innovator in femtech; and Jenni Walke, a leader in cultural capability and inclusion.
Author Panel
The Author Panel brought together inspiring storytellers including Ellie ter Haar, who promoted ethical business and artisan craftsmanship; Dr Cara Antoine, a global leader in AI and innovation; Wambui Machua, who celebrated African culture through cuisine and community work; and Melanie Vairawanathan, who bridged cultures through law and leadership.
This event became a powerful gathering of women who had not only achieved success but had also committed themselves to creating impact beyond their own lives. Their stories demonstrated that real change began with courage, education, compassion, and a willingness to act.
Be inspired by women changing the world, from high-profile keynote speakers to unsung heroes sharing their story as they speak at this life-changing event.
DR TERERAI TRENT
Oprah’s “All-Time Favorite Guest” With the firm belief that education is the pathway out of poverty and a desire to give back to her community, Dr. Trent founded Tererai Trent International and supports 14 Rural Schools in Zimbabwe
PEACE MITCHELL
Peace is the co-founder of Women Changing the World Awards, Summit and Press. Peace is an international keynote speaker, TEDx speaker & author.
KATY GARNER
Award winning entrepreneur and author Katy Garner is the co-founder of Women Changing The World Awards & WCW Press,
CHERRY FARROW
I am the CEO & founder of Successful Minds Institute, an internationally recognised training organisation in NLP, Hypnotherapy, & coaching. I am a Master Trainer of NLP & Hypnosis (the second woman in Australia to hold these certifications), two-time international bestselling author, motivational speaker, stage hypnotist, & master coach. My career began in real estate before moving into senior leadership, becoming Deputy CEO in Local Government and later managing IT for four amalgamated councils.
Having overcome significant childhood trauma, I discovered the power of NLP and Time Line Therapy® to release deep emotional pain and reclaim responsibility for my life. This personal transformation fuels my mission to empower others.
From launching a global training company in a rural South Australian town against all odds to creating the world’s first Clinical Diploma of Hypnotherapy and NLP, I have dedicated over 15 years to helping people transform and lead.
KHATIJA HALABI
With a Masters in Audiology, Khatija Halabi’s work centres on connection, inclusion, and empowerment. As the founder of Casey Hearing, she removes the stigma surrounding hearing loss and helps people with hearing challenges reconnect with relationships that give life meaning.
She founded the United Muslim Sisters of Latrobe Valley to mobilise migrant women and build bridges between diverse communities in regional Victoria. Now, as Chair of Women Making It Work, she leads a not-for-profit network supporting women, particularly from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, to grow in business capability.
COMFORT DONDO
Comfort Dondo is a Zimbabwean-born survivor, leader, and Founder of Phumulani: African Women Against Violence in Minnesota. Drawing from her lived experience of childhood trauma, domestic violence, and homelessness, she has built a culturally grounded movement supporting African immigrant and refugee women.
Through Phumulani, Comfort leads holistic healing initiatives, including counselling, healing circles, and community advocacy, restoring dignity, safety, and wholeness. She is a 2022 Bush Fellow and a global advocate for culturally responsive, survivor-centred care.
Comfort continues to amplify the voices of women whose stories are often unheard, creating spaces where healing, empowerment, and lasting transformation can take place.
STELLA KIKOYO
Stella Olivia Kikoyo is an award-winning empowerment leader, marketer, lecturer, and international speaker. As founder of Stellar Woman Academy, Editor-in-Chief of Stellar Woman Magazine, and host of The Stellar Woman Show, she creates platforms that elevate women’s voices and drive transformation. Interviewing global leaders like Kim Kiyosaki and Sharon Lechter, she shares powerful stories that inspire action and impact. Through expertise in brand positioning, neuromarketing, NLP, and mindfulness, Stella helps women break limitations, realign with purpose, and create lasting legacies
MANDY HAWTIN
Mandy Hawtin is a qualified cosmetic chemist and the founder of Seadragon Organic, a certified organic skincare brand developed in Australia. After co-owning a successful skincare business, Mandy returned to study cosmetic chemistry in her late forties to create more technically advanced formulations. What she discovered went far beyond formulation; it revealed how the beauty industry uses compliant language, clever positioning, and emotional marketing to influence consumer choice.
Now based in Houston and working globally, Mandy is passionate about helping people understand what they are putting on their skin. Through her platform TrueBeautyWithMandy, she shares practical, science-led education that empowers consumers to make confident, informed decisions.
Her work sits at the intersection of science, ethics, and transparency, guiding others to look beyond marketing and choose products grounded in evidence.
ANGHARAD CANDLIN
Angharad spent over 30 years as a psychologist in the community services sector and observed the resilience of the most vulnerable members of society. Angharad isn’t just an onlooker though; she has experienced more challenges in her life than most people could even imagine.
Angharad developed psoriatic arthritis and multiple sclerosis in her teens; and in her 20s was diagnosed with endometriosis and told her chances of conceiving a child without assistance would be impossible. Later, five friends, her brother-in-law and father died from cancer in close succession whilst she walked the cancer road with a further seven friends who survived.
If anyone is qualified to speak about resilience it is Angharad. She has authored two multi-award winning books: Bugger Bugger Shit: My Quest for Resilience and the Anatomy of Domestic Violence: Emily’s Story. She also contributed to Whispers of Resilience: Our Stories of Multiple Sclerosis, and Resilience and Reinvention.
EMMA SHETH
Emma Sheth is an entrepreneur who has built and scaled ventures across retail, hospitality and services.
As a founder she leads teams and grows businesses across multiple industries while balancing life as a mum of two.
Emma is known for her honest, grounded approach to leadership and growth, shaped by real-world experience rather than theory.
Through her work and speaking, she shares practical insights into what it takes to build and sustain success, empowering others to create businesses and lives that support them, not consume them.
DR. TRISTINA ANDERSON
Dr. Tristina Anderson is an award-winning author, transformational architect, and international speaker dedicated to redefining how individuals lead, live, and make decisions in the face of fear. With over 25 years of experience spanning executive leadership, entrepreneurship, and advisory roles, she brings both strategic rigor and deeply lived insight to her work.
She is the author of Resilience: Picking Up My Shattered Pieces, which earned the 2025 International Impact Book Award for Female Empowerment and Author of the Year recognition. Dr. Anderson is the founder of the Fearless Living™ movement.
Her work challenges high-performing individuals to confront the hidden cost of fear and the weight of regret—guiding them to design lives rooted in truth, courage, and legacy.
DR. ADEBOLA OGUNGBADEJO
Dr. Adebola Ogungbadejo is a women and girl-child advocate, speaker, and the Founder and Director of Change Agent Network CIC, an organisation dedicated to raising awareness about Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), within BAME communities in the UK. Her work is deeply rooted in lived experience, driving her passion to break cycles of silence, empower survivors, and create safe spaces for education and dialogue.
Through community campaigns, advocacy programmes, and survivor support initiatives, she has led impactful projects that combine awareness with practical empowerment, including digital skills development and confidence-building-for-women.
Beyond her advocacy work, Dr Adebola is an IT professional, consultant, and Senior Business Analyst with a PhD in Business and Management. She is the Founder of Next Generation Analyst Ltd, where she supports individuals in transitioning into tech careers.
A recipient of several state, national, and presidential awards, she is committed to championing dignity, opportunity, and lasting change for women-and-communities.
CAROL HANLON
Founder, CEO, Belmont BEC Inc. (BEC Global); Textile Clothing Footwear Resource Centre WA Inc. (TCF Australia, TCF Global); BPW Business Incubator. Western Australia.
Carol Hanlon’s small business achievements have received state, national, global recognition since 1970s, as owner/designer of her own fashion label, manufacturing/wholesaling/retail/export business for 20yrs, Victoria. Since 1994, Carol established NFP organisations in WA, Belmont BEC Inc. & TCFWA Inc. 1998. Carol’s NFP projects have assisted 44,000+ small businesses in Australia & globally; including women in business support; Hosts UNCSW Forums, New York titled ‘Economic Empowerment of Women Entrepreneurs, Gender Equality, SDGs.’
Awarded National Small Business Champion; Best National BEC Manager; WA Women’s Hall of Fame; Top 50 Small Business Leaders in Australia; ‘50 WA Women of Success’; 100 Champions of WA’; Awarded ‘Empowering Women in Community in Australia’; APEC Philippines ‘Women Icons of APEC’ Award; Women Economic Forums, India ‘Iconic Women Creating Better World for All’ Award; The Hague Netherlands ‘Exceptional Women Excellence’ Award; ‘Woman of Decade, Women Economic Forum, WA; National President AIBEF; Accredited Business Facilitator; Accredited Company Director;
DAWN WILLIAMS
Dawn Williams is a counsellor, psychotherapist, and founder of The Rebuilt Movement, a global initiative helping women rebuild their lives after trauma, abuse, and adversity. Drawing from her lived experience as a survivor of domestic violence, Dawn blends evidence-based therapy with faith-informed healing to guide lasting transformation.
She is the author of The Rebuilt Woman and creator of the Rebuilt framework—a step-by-step pathway from survival to leadership, now delivered through programs, workshops, and community-based healing circles.
Dawn is known for her powerful, hope-filled message: that trauma does not have the final word—rebuilding is possible. Her work has supported thousands of women to reclaim their identity, restore their voice, and step into purpose.
Her mission is to raise a global movement of “Rebuilt Women” who don’t just heal—but go on to rebuild others.
TANYA HICKS
Tanya Hicks is a clinician, systems thinker, speaker, and author based on Gubbi Gubbi Country on the Sunshine Coast, Australia. She is currently completing a Master of Counselling.
She is the founder of Misfit Matriarch and architect of clinical and community systems that change conditions, not people, across leadership, education, parenting, and organisational environments.
Her work asks a question most change efforts skip. What are the conditions doing before anyone tries?
Her book ENOUGH: For the Enduring reframes what it means to support capable people who keep hitting the same wall, not because they lack capacity, but because the conditions surrounding them have never been designed to support it.
Tanya works with leaders, educators, clinicians, and families across Australia and internationally. She is known for making the invisible legible. The structural conditions shaping outcomes long before any intervention begins.
She is also a mother to her daughter, Kianni.
KAMILA PALIČKOVÁ
Kamila is a women’s business mentor, social innovator, and animal lover. She considers freedom – both financial and internal – to be her highest value, empowering women to become entrepreneurs and live on their own terms.
Kamila co-founded a top brokerage firm, founded the Redline Expedition supporting wildlife conservation, authored Wandering for Animals, hosts a leading Czech personal development podcast, and runs a publishing company focused on women’s issues.
JESSICA HANSEN
Jessica’s dedicated 25+ years to humanitarian aid. She’s CEO of Alliance for Smiles, providing free, life-changing surgeries to impoverished children, while training & equipping local medical teams. She’s co-author of Begin It Now, host of The HumanKind Podcast, a TEDx speaker, Board VP of the West African Volunteer Organization, & won Human Rights, Humanitarian Impact, & Woman of the Year awards from Women Changing the World.
Her career began with protecting/supporting refugees & human trafficking survivors. She’s worked for the UN, IRC, MSF, Kiva & more. She served as Senior Strategist for the Impact Travel Alliance, resettled 11K+ Burundian refugees, launched education programs throughout rural Africa, helped design the Action Center to End World Hunger, all before creating the international award-winning program Kiva U, featured in Chelsea Clinton’s book. She also helped develop & launch the social impact strategies of tech companies Lyft & Twilio, with programs featured by Oprah & now utilized by 40+ tech companies.
HUI HUI LEK
Hui Hui Lek was told she was too shy and introverted to ever become a coach. Five years later, she has built a multi-million dollar coaching business from Singapore, serving over 500 clients across 30 countries, largely without paid advertising.
She is the #2 affiliate worldwide for Tony Robbins and Dean Graziosi, a three-time Women Changing the World Asia award winner, and has spoken to audiences of 800,000. She is also a member of Russell Brunson’s Inner Circle.
Hui Hui is the founder of Mission to Movement and Introvert Success, where she helps coaches and experts turn their passion and expertise into high-impact, high-income businesses. She is currently writing her first book, The Introvert Millionaire.
Originally from Singapore, Hui Hui believes that every woman has a calling, and that calling deserves a payday.
MILA RENKEN
Mila Renken, LMFT, is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in South Pasadena, California, whose work is grounded in resilience and reinvention. Her path to becoming a therapist emerged from her own experience with heartbreak and depression, leading her to pursue graduate school in midlife and transform personal healing into purpose.
A mother of three adult children and a grandmother, Mila spent over fifteen years raising her family and serving her community. Her return to the workforce marked a pivotal reinvention.
She holds a Master of Science in Counseling (MFT), a Master of Arts with Distinction from USC Annenberg, and a BA from UC San Diego. Her clinical work includes trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, and support for depression, anxiety, and life transitions.
In private practice, she blends evidence-based therapy with deep empathy, helping clients turn life’s hardest chapters into growth. She also extends her commitment to service through educational initiatives supporting women and children in Zimbabwe, reflecting her belief that healing and resilience are both personal and global.
SHADAN KAPRI
Shadan Kapri (pronounced Shadawn Capri) is an award‑winning American attorney, bestselling author, and internationally recognized human rights advocate reshaping global conversations on justice and equality. As founder of Kapri Law & Consulting, she champions families, survivors, and marginalized communities through her work in family law, civil rights, and international human rights. Born in Tehran, Iran but raised in the United States after fleeing the Iranian Revolution as a child, her lived experience as a first‑generation immigrant fuels her commitment to women’s rights and global equity.
Her international bestseller, “The Red Movement,”. ignited a worldwide campaign exposing slave labor, child labor, and forced labor embedded in everyday consumer goods—from coffee and chocolate to fast fashion and diamonds—while revealing the hidden trafficking networks tied to global events like the World Cup and Olympics. She expanded this impact with her next bestselling book, “Corporate Greed: The Human Cost,” solidifying her reputation as a fearless voice for systemic reform across industries and nations.
Across courtrooms, global stages, and her writing, Shadan advocates for dignity, sustainability, and accountability, empowering individuals to confront exploitation and build a more just world through ethical consumerism, global advocacy, and collective action.
JUSTINE MARTIN
Justine Martin is an international keynote speaker, award-winning entrepreneur, author, publisher and resilience advocate. After being told she would never work again due to serious illness and disability, Justine rebuilt her life and career with determination, creativity and a fierce sense of purpose.
Today, she leads several businesses under the Justine Martin Corporation, including Morpheus Publishing, Resilience Mindset and JUZT Art. Through these ventures, she has helped hundreds of people share their stories, build confidence and create meaningful impact in their communities.
Justine is the author of several books, including Same Same But Different, Finding Hope and the Amazon bestselling anthology Whispers of Resilience. Her memoir, MOXIE: How I Learnt to Harden the F*ck Up, shares her powerful journey through illness, adversity and rebuilding a life on her own terms.
A passionate advocate for hidden disabilities, Justine speaks to audiences around the world about moxie, resilience, leadership and the courage to rise after life’s hardest moments. Her work has been recognised with more than 30 business awards, including winning Geelong Business Leader of the Year and 2 x Silver at the Women Changing The World – Disability Leadership.
Through her speaking, publishing and advocacy, Justine’s mission is simple. She helps people find their voice, own their story and live with a little more moxie.
VIP PANEL
DR DANIELLE CAMER
Dr Danielle Camer is a Senior Medical Writer, Creative Director, and multi-award-winning author. Her debut picture book, Sophie Won’t Sleep, has earned 10 international awards, including a Gold Medal in the Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards, and appeared on a Times Square billboard. Since 2021, her work has been recognized with accolades such as the 2025 Silver Women Changing the World in Literature (Children’s Books) Global Award. Danielle is a solo parent to her 8-year-old daughter, Sophie, who was her inspiration to start a career as a picture book author and provides the drive to make every day memorable.
KRYSTA RIVERA
Krysta is a Filipina, Singapore-based global technology trailblazer, award-winning sales executive, and certified lifestyle and wellness coach. With over two decades in enterprise technology, she rose from early career setbacks to become a top 1% global seller—proving that success is not just about performance, but about presence, resilience, and heart-led leadership.
She is the founder of the Irresistible YES movement and author of The Irresistible YES: Your Glow-Up Guide to Your Extra Self, inspiring women around the world to own their glow, step into their power, and live boldly.
Beyond her achievements, she is a devoted mother, whose long-distance bond with her daughter Kirsten continues to inspire her purpose and passion
SALLY GRICE
Sally Grice is a working mother of two, CEO and product development expert.
With over 20 years’ experience in international trade, product engineering, manufacturing, and distribution, she has founded five companies, including LACEVO—a femtech company creating innovative breastfeeding solutions to empower mothers with confidence and choice.
Her mission is to empower mothers with products that support them through their unique journeys – giving them the freedom and confidence to do motherhood their way.
JENNI WALKE
Jenni Walke is a proud Bundjalung woman and founder of Elephant in the Room Consulting. With a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) and over 25 years’ experience in leadership, project management, and cultural capability, she’s built a career grounded in purpose and impact. Her journey spans military service, managing global events such as the Commonwealth Games and APEC, and leading strategic initiatives for some of the world’s largest companies.
Jenni is passionate about creating culturally safe, inclusive, and sustainable environments that honour Indigenous knowledge and empower community.
AUTHOR PANEL
ELLIE TER HAAR
Ellie is the founder of Conscious Trader and the brand Heavenly Himalayan, a social enterprise built on the belief that business can be a powerful force for good and meaningful change. Inspired by travels across Africa, India, Tibet, Mongolia, and Nepal, she witnessed the craftsmanship of local women artisans and the economic barriers they faced. In response, she created a brand that connects conscious consumers to products that are authentic, luxurious and sustainable.
Ellie’s guiding belief is simple yet profound: when business is anchored in integrity, creativity, and care for others, it becomes a force capable of transforming lives, strengthening communities and preserving cultural traditions.
DR. CARA ANTOINE
Dr. Cara Antoine is an executive leader, board advisor, and global thought leader shaping the future of AI-driven, human-centred transformation. She has led digital, innovation, and cultural shifts at companies like Polaroid, Compaq, HP, Shell, Microsoft, IG&H, and Capgemini. Currently, she is Executive Vice President & Chief Technology, Innovation & Portfolio Officer for Capgemini Northern & Central Europe, focusing on AI-first strategy and growth across multi-country markets. Cara is Honorary President of Women in Tech Netherlands, Country Chair for Humanities, Technology & Innovation at G100, and an Advisory Board member in digital health. A recognised ESG leader, she bridges technology, ethics, and responsible innovation. As a best-selling author and keynote speaker, Cara champions growth mindsets, female leadership and technology that elevates humanity.
WAMBUI MACHUA
Born in Kenya, Wambui is a chef, entrepreneur, and community advocate now based in Portland, Oregon, USA. She owns Spice of Africa, offering African cuisine, cooking classes, and cultural experiences. Beyond her culinary work, Wambui has made a significant impact in Portland through her roles on the Portland Farmers Market Board and the Beaverton Mayor’s Sister City Program. As a culture keeper with the Oregon Folklife Network, she engages in philanthropy, including book drives for her Kenyan village. As a cultural ambassador, she educates Portland about African traditions and is a certified swim instructor. Wambui founded the Gachie Development Centre (www.gachiedev.org) to support her hometown, fundraising for a community centre with a pool, kitchen, library, and guest housing. She enjoys writing, travelling, and spending time with her daughter in New York.
MELANIE VAIRAWANATHAN
Melanie Vairawanathan is an award-winning family lawyer and entrepreneur whose work reflects her journey between two worlds. Born in Sri Lanka and building her life and career in Australia, Melanie’s leadership has been shaped by reinvention, resilience and cross-cultural perspective. As the Founder and Principal Lawyer of Melmark Law in Melbourne, she leads a trauma-informed Family Law practice, handling complex parenting and property matters with strength and care. She also co-founded The Virtual Office, a Sri Lanka-based legal support business, connecting her two worlds and creating opportunities for women globally. Beyond the courtroom, Melanie is committed to women’s leadership and structural change, believing resilience is about building something better from hardship. Her work is grounded in a simple belief that resilience is not just about surviving hardship, but about building something better because of it.
2026.04.2026 Stockholm
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