Empowering Employability: Women Shaping the Future of Work - Panel and Q&A

In honour of Women’s History Month, this event brings together four trailblazing leaders - Rhian Burrell, Sasha Graham, Imani Brown and Hannah McMullan, whose careers span coaching, DEI, entrepreneurship, and the future of work. United by a shared commitment to empowering women, they will bring fresh perspectives on building confidence, embracing non‑linear career journeys, leveraging emerging technologies, and navigating an ever‑shifting professional landscape. Attendees will gain practical, actionable strategies to elevate their employability, strengthen their personal brand, and shape a career path rooted in purpose.

From transforming global organisations to founding mission‑driven ventures and championing equity across industries, our speakers embody the innovation, resilience, and leadership that define women’s contributions throughout history. Their experiences illuminate the many routes to influence - and remind us that every woman’s path is both valid and powerful.

Chaired by Bea Anderson, President of the Women in Business society, the panel will explore themes of career reinvention, values‑led leadership, personal empowerment, and purposeful progression, offering inspiration for anyone seeking to build a meaningful and impactful career. The discussion will conclude with an audience Q&A and a networking session with light refreshments.

Registration

This event is open to all Henley alumni and current students. To book your space, please register by simply clicking here.

Panellists

Chair - Bea Anderson | President of the Women in Business society | Henley Business School current BSc student

Currently pursuing a BSc in Business Management and Marketing at Henley Business School, where she has gained hands‑on experience in business development. Her work as a Business Development Intern with the Reading Internship Scheme strengthened her skills in strategy and outreach, leading to her current role as a Reading Internship Scheme Assistant. Alongside her studies, Bea has been actively involved in the Women in Business Society, serving as Welfare Representative in her second year and President in her third, where she has focused on creating an inclusive and supportive community and has collaborated with some of the most influential women in business.

Rhian Burrell - Founder and CEO | ASPIRE2B | Henley Business School alumna

Rhian Burrell is a registered Career Development Professional and founder of ASPIRE2B, a purpose-led organisation helping people build careers rooted in joy, clarity, and fulfilment. Drawing on experience across leadership, education governance, and community mentoring, Rhian’s work centres on empowering individuals to discover the careers they love. She is an active mentor and speaker, committed to widening opportunity and nurturing confidence in young people and career changers.

Sasha Graham - CEO | Equality Group

Sasha Graham is a social justice careers leader, purpose coach, and community advocate dedicated to supporting Black and Brown changemakers. As Director of Social Justice Careers & Mentoring at Columbia Law School’s Leadership for Democracy and Social Justice, she empowers emerging leaders to build sustainable, purpose-led careers in re-entry, youth development, higher education, and philanthropy. Her work prioritises liberation, equity, and systemic change.

Imani Brown - Brand Marketing Manager | Pearson | Henley Business School alumna

Imani Brown is a former degree apprentice turned Brand Marketing Manager, known for championing early‑career talent and expanding access to vocational pathways. A young entrepreneur from age 17, she is passionate about creating inclusive opportunities for Gen Z and uses her platform to share practical, honest advice that helps young people navigate the world of work with confidence.

Hannah McMullan - Team & Systematic Coach / Leadership and Learning Consultant | Together We Soar Consulting | Henley Business School alumna

Hannah McMullan is a team coach and leadership development expert with 20+ years’ experience helping global teams shift from individual performance to collective impact. With a background in risk, audit, and talent development, she specialises in creating psychologically safe environments where leaders can collaborate, connect, and thrive. She brings a practical, commercial perspective to coaching, supported by professional accreditation in systemic coaching, emotional intelligence, and behavioural profiling.

This event is in collaboration with Henley Business School and University of Reading student societies. If you would like to be added to the mailing list for these events, please contact the Alumni Team.