The theme this year—Accelerate Action—is a call to keep the momentum going, to champion progress, and to uplift those who are leading the way. From entrepreneurs and activists to artists and community leaders, these are some of the women in our network who inspire us with their determination, resilience and push for change at the roots—where it’s needed most.

Joanne Coates – Telling Stories Through the Lens of Working-Class Life

Visual artist Joanne Coates uses photography to shine a light on rural life, hidden histories, and socioeconomic inequalities. Her powerful work explores themes of power, identity, and poverty, capturing the overlooked stories of working-class communities. A practicing farm labourer, Jo’s art is deeply intertwined with nature-friendly agriculture, bringing a unique perspective to her work. Jo is a great friend of Sail, after our paths collided on a business course way back in 2016. Her determination to change the narrative on class is infectious. Follow her journey on Instagram. 

Gill Hunter – Driving Change in Business & Equity

A fearless leader in the legal and business world, Gill Hunter is the Managing Partner of Square One Law and a passionate advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion. She hosts the Fear Less, Do More podcast, sits on key advisory boards, and works tirelessly to promote positive social change. Gill is proof that business can be a force for good actively championing and pushing for progressive change in the corporate world.

Kate Hodgkinson – Transforming Culture & Community Spaces

As the founder and creative director of Cobalt Studios, Ernie, and Ernest, Kate Hodgkinson is a cultural force in the North East. These venues provide vital space for artists, musicians, and creatives while fostering a strong sense of community. She believes in the power of the arts to break down barriers, promote unity, and empower voices that need to be heard. Cobalt is truly a DIY space at the heart of Newcastle’s grassroots culture scene. As a venue with a range of diverse events, and now with a new co-working space, we don’t know where we would be without it!

Lauren Coulman – Building Solutions for Social Change

As the founder of Noisy Cricket, social entrepreneur Lauren Coulman is on a mission to create systems that support real change. Through initiatives like HI Future (a homeless employment venture) and the Responsible Tech Collective, she is tackling deep-rooted societal issues through collaboration and innovation. Her work is informed by her own lived experience, ensuring that solutions are community-driven and impactful. We were introduced to Lauren last year via a mutual friend, and hope to do lots of collaborating and conversations this year, looking at the cross overs between Noisy Cricket and Sail, where we can push boundaries, together. Learn more at Noisy Cricket

Flematu Sessay – Reimagining Space Through Art & Architecture

Interdisciplinary artist Flematu Sessay blends art, architecture, and design to challenge spatial norms and empower communities. As the founder of Public Tactics, a creative studio based in Manchester, she collaborates with artists and diverse communities to transform public spaces and everyday environments. Her work breathes new life into overlooked places, making them more inclusive and reflective of the people who inhabit them. Mandy met Flematu as part of UNION activism, an arts activism cohort in the North East. She is a true fire and fighter for change, rethinking spaces, building community and connections. Follow her projects at Public Tactics.

Mandy Baxter – Changing and platforming local culture since 1985

As the driving force behind The Crack magazine and 1b Books, Mandy Baxter is shaping cultural conversations in the North East. The Crack has been a staple of the region’s arts and culture scene since 1985, while 1b Books is more than just a bookshop, it’s a community hub that highlights working-class, LGBTQIA+, and translated authors. Their regular meetups make reading a shared, inclusive experience. We worked with the Crack in 2021 on a new editorial design, and since have become good friends with Mandy, who holds space for true, grassroots activism, with lots of stories to tell! Explore more at The Crack.

Clare Cartmell – Championing Women & Girls’ Sport

A passionate advocate for women and girls in sport, Clare Cartmell is helping to strengthen connections between Newcastle United Women FC, Newcastle Women Eagles, and Durham Cricket Women’s Team while driving change through her business, Actif Consulting. Committed to engaging new volunteers, upskilling the workforce, and building inclusive communities, Clare believes in the power of sport to inspire, connect, and teach valuable life skills. “I continue to champion women and girls’ sport and am so privileged to be working and supporting others in this space at such a ground-breaking time.” Connect on LinkedIn

Sally McGee – Empowering Women Through Surfing

Founder of Yonder, Sally McGee is redefining what it means to learn to surf. Based in Tynemouth, Yonder provides women-focused surf coaching, prioritising knowledge, confidence, and independence in the water. Sally’s approach fosters a sense of belonging and empowerment, helping women connect with the ocean and themselves in new ways. She has changed the face of surfing in the North East and beyond, pushing for inclusion and letting local people recognise that the sea is for everyone (not just the social narrative we all hold in our head about the term ‘surfers’.) Check out Yonder.

Renee Davis – Championing Black Creatives & Entrepreneurs

Founder of Out The Box, Renee Davis is a powerhouse when it comes to supporting young Black creatives, entrepreneurs, and professionals. Since 2014, Out The Box has built a thriving community of over 2,000 members, offering events, webinars, and industry opportunities to empower the next generation. With her work alongside M&C Saatchi Saturday School and Mentor Black Business, Renee is actively shaping a more inclusive creative and business landscape. Check out Out The Box to see how they’re making an impact. We’ve worked with Renee across 5 years via her other role at Lankelly Chase, a radical and progressive foundation (also worth checking out!)

Accelerating Action Together

These women are not just making waves, they are creating lasting ripples of change. Their work reminds us of the power of community, creativity, and resilience. This International Women’s Day, let’s celebrate one another’s achievements and support efforts to make the North a more inclusive, dynamic, and inspiring place. Let’s lift each other up, connect, advocate, champion and collaborate. This list could truly be huge, but we only had so much time. Want to create a directory for the North, anyone?!

Make sure to follow these incredible women, share their stories, and support their initiatives. Together, we can Accelerate Action and keep pushing for progress.

#IWD2025 #AccelerateAction #WomenInTheNorth