We all have the power to inspire and be inspired by others. Yet, how often do we stop to reflect on those who have influenced our lives for the better? And for movements such as women’s rights, how do we acknowledge and honour those who have paved the way for us to enjoy freedom and choice?

We held an intimate conversation with Elizabeth Filippouli, author of ‘From Women to the World’, to explore a selection of insightful and heartfelt letters exchanged between many accomplished women of the world. Panellists shared their personal experiences – issues varying from patriarchy and misogyny, social entrepreneurship and philanthropy, as well as careers and mentoring- and reflect on how others have supported them throughout trying times.

With Paola Diana, author, activist and entrepreneur; Muna Abusulayman, Arab Media Icon; Geraldine Sharpe Newton, Global Communications Consultant; moderated by Elizabeth Filippouli, journalist, author and executive.

Get 30% off your purchase of ‘From Women to the World’ by typing in the code ‘ATHENA40’ here.

Speakers:

Muna Abusulayman is a Arab Media Icon, who is internationally recognized as a leader in the fields of Philanthropy, Development and Media and as a catalyst for cultural paradigm shifts, female empowerment, and social impact.

For over two decades, AbuSulayman launched, invested in, managed and led transformations for businesses and foundations to meet the development challenges facing the region and deliver effective solutions while leading the number one TV show in the Arab world.

Paola Diana: A native of Italy, Paola achieved a BA in Political Science and an MA in Institutional Relations from the University of Bologna before probing into the world of Italian politics. Since the day that she embarked on a career directing the Think Tank in support of former Italian Prime Minister Romano Prodi’s political campaign, Paola has never been one to adhere to gender stereotypes – challenging the ideologies of male supremacists at every opportunity.

Elizabeth Filippouli is a journalist and social entrepreneur. She is also the author of the book ‘Invisible Reality’, published in Greece in 2004. Elizabeth has worked as investigative journalist and news anchor with the Hellenic Broadcasting Corporation, CNN International and Al Jazeera English. She is the Founder & CEO of Global Thinkers Forum (GTF), a global platform incubated while she studied at Said Business School (University of Oxford), that works as an agent for positive change by connecting international thought leaders and promoting values-based leadership, collaboration and partnerships.

The organisation launched Athena40 – the first ever global list of the top 40 most innovative women from across all industries.

Geraldine Sharpe-Newton: as a Public Relations Executive, Journalist and TV Producer, on both sides of the Atlantic, Geraldine has worked at the heart of media relations and corporate communications for over three decades.

She has been head of communications for three of the world’s major news organisations, ‘CBS,’ ‘ITN’ and ‘CNN International’, ), the former President of The Media Society, and has handled the PR launch of The Economist in the U.S.

At ‘CBS News’, she led the ‘transition, communications-team’ during the handover from Walter Cronkite to Dan Rather. Arriving In London she ran the ITN’s PR operation, where she was in daily contact with her 3rd Great Anchorman, Sir Alastair Burnet.

She’s been Communications Director at the ‘Worldwide Fund for Nature’ (WWF) and later at ‘Turner Broadcasting’ in charge of international press relations outside the US. Geraldine is a Media consultant/mentor and media trainer as well as an Associate with Clarity The Writing Experts and Critical Eye.