Tickets on sale for Her Story, celebrating women’s achievements

Her Story will see women from various industries sharing their stories of success at a one-off event to raise funds for Rape Crisis Tyneside and Northumberland.

Rape Crisis Tyneside and Northumberland have already raised £13,000 towards their target of £40,000 to mark their 40^th anniversary this year; and the fundraising activity continues apace with a Glasswalk at the Tyne Bank Brewery on Tuesday 15th May, a music event in June, a comedy night in July and an Outdoor Survival Challenge in August.

But it’s October that has caused much anticipation, with Her Story – a series of inspiring, bold, unique and personal talks from a range of women who have succeeded in a world not designed for women's success.

Taking place at Tyne Bank Brewery on Saturday 6^th October 2018, Her Story will feature nine inspiring, personal and eclectic talks from women in industries such as fashion, STEM, sport, politics and the entertainment sector. The event aims to foreground women’s stories of success, with each speakers’ definition of success being unique. Each talk will include an opportunity for audience questions and general discussion.

The speakers presenting on the day are: Dame Vera Baird DBE QC (Police and Crime Commissioner for Northumbria Police), who will talk about her career as a Barrister; Julia Austin (founder of Tyne Bank Brewery), who raised £250,000 in six weeks to fund the brewery; Florence Adepoju (founder of MDMflow), a cosmetic scientist who developed a make-up range for women of all skin tones; Debbie Flood (silver medallist Olympian) who won gold at the 2006, 2007 and 2010 World Championships, as well as silver at the Athens and Beijing Olympics; Teleica Kirkland (founder of Costume Institute of the African Diaspora) who developed an online resource dedicated to advancing the universal understanding of fashion and adornment found in the cultures that have arisen from the African continent; Laura Currer (sexual violence activist) who is launching a foundation to support women who have experienced sexual violence; Francesca Martinez (comedian and activist) who was the first female comic to win the Daily Telegraph Open Mic Award at the Edinburgh Festival, and campaigns against austerity; Chi Onwurah (Member of Parliament for Newcastle Central); and Kymberlee Jay a former professional dancer who was told she was “too fat” to become a dancer, and then went on to become an award-winning dancer, choreographer, coach and Nike Athlete.

Also supporting the initiative is Miss Led, an internationally acclaimed artist and illustrator, who will illustrate a portrait of each of the speakers as well as create the commemorative programme for the event, which will be available on the day.

The event, which will be held at Tyne Bank Brewery is priced at £35 per ticket, which includes lunch and a beer tasting from Tyne Bank Brewery, including their award-winning beer, Silver Dollar.

Sue Pearce, from Rape Crisis Tyneside and Northumberland, said: “We are delighted with the range of women who have kindly agreed to speak at Her Story in October. The aim of the event is to raise funds for Rape Crisis Tyneside and Northumberland in this, our 40^th year but, primarily, and what we’re most keen to stress, is that this event is an opportunity to talk about, celebrate and foreground women’s successes. Success means something different to everyone; we want women and men, girls and boys to attend the conference, and come away not only recognising what fantastic things women are doing around the world, but also to be inspired by those women.”

Dame Vera Baird, Police and Crime Commissioner for Northumbria Police, said: “Women in our region are achieving great things – whether it be in the world of business, politics or sport, we should be proud of the positive difference that women are making to our region and beyond. I’m delighted to be involved in “Her Story” as it is raising money for a fantastic local charity, Rape Crisis Tyneside and Northumberland, as part of their 40th anniversary and ensuring they can continue delivering an excellent service”

Julia Austin, founder of Tyne Bank Brewery, said: “Tyne Bank Brewery are thrilled to be hosting an event, which celebrates such a diverse group of women who are making waves in their respective industries. I look forward to telling my own story of opening Newcastle’s only brewery where you can enjoy a pint whilst watching it being brewed.”

Florence Adepoju, founder of MDMflow, said: “I feel honoured to speak at the Her Story Conference, raising funds for Rape Crisis Tyneside and Northumberland. I’m a huge believer in women supporting women, and I look forward to sharing my own journey to success!”

Debbie Flood, silver medallist Olympian, said: “I am looking forward to attending the prestigious 40^th Anniversary fundraising event, and sharing my journey to becoming an Olympic athlete – including the challenges and inspirations along the way.”

Teleica Kirkland, founder of Costume Institute of the African Diaspora, said: “It’s important to realise that what we adorn our bodies with is a visual representation of where we are internally. Sartorial choices are made, which expose who we are, and how we think, daily. I look forward to speaking about my successes, within the cultural realm of costume and dress, alongside a line-up of inspirational women!”

Kymberlee Jay, award-winning choreographer and coach, said: “I am a firm believer in pushing boundaries and making things happen. I feel privileged to be able to inspire both men and women to succeed, and look forward to being inspired, myself, by Her Story’s line-up of amazing women!”

Her Story Conference will take place on Saturday October 6, 2018 from 9:30am – 3:30pm at Tyne Bank Brewery, 375 Walker Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE6 2AB. Tickets are priced at £35 for general admission and £27 for concessions. Please note, an additional Eventbrite Booking Fee will be charged. Tickets www.herstory2018.eventbrite.co.uk