Ladies Who LaunchED!
On International Women’s Day 2024, renowned educator, Businesswoman, Founder and CEO of Chatsworth Schools, Anita Gleave established a brand new community for female founders within education – Ladies who LaunchED!
Why?
You can’t be what you can’t see and Anita believes there are many ladies out there who have or want to start something in the ED space. They want to follow their dream, they want to make a difference they want to change the world. Ladies who LaunchED! want to celebrate the success of those who have and the entrepreneurs, businesswomen and dreamers in the world of EDucation.
How?
By meeting, sharing, focussing, empowering and shining a light on women at all stages of their journey….by holding out our hands.
When?
NOW and every day.
We will be sharing more information about community events and support for aspiring female founders very soon. You can apply to join LWL! by completing the application:
Anita Gleave
Anita Gleave
What have you LaunchED?
I have been involved in the founding of multiple independent and international schools and school groups. Most recently, I founded and launched Chatsworth Schools, a global schools group that has grown to 16 schools and nurseries in the UK and Saudi Arabia in less than 6 years.
I am also the founder of this new community - Ladies who LaunchED! with the ambition of creating a supportive and inspiring community for female founders in all areas of education.
What's your LaunchED pledge?
To continue to hire and promote the best person for every role within the Chatsworth Schools family. Regardless of their gender. We now have more female than male heads in our group because we give women the opportunity to show that they are the best person for senior roles in our organisation. That is sadly not an industry norm. I am also fully committed to growing Ladies who LaunchED! into a proactive and industry leading female founders community for the benefit of women around the world with ideas and ambition.
Lil Bremermann-Richard
Lil Bremermann-Richard
What have you LaunchED?
I have worked with my great team to launch Oxford International Digital Institute, Oxford Direct and our Education Services Division. In the more distant past, I was responsible for TNE partnerships for hybrid delivery in Nigeria, Pakistan, Mauritius, Trinidad and Bangladesh.
What's your LaunchED pledge?
I will mentor talented women, I will highlight/amplify star women successes
Clemmie Stewart
Clemmie Stewart
What have you LaunchED?
Beech Hall School Riyadh
The Chatsworth Tapestry with Anita Gleave
A book about Engaging with Parents and Carers
What's your LaunchED pledge?
To support as many women here in Riyadh and the Kingdom, as well as further afield, to have the confidence to lead and innovate. I will do this through support, encouragement, mentoring and opportunties
Melissa McBride
Melissa McBride
What have you LaunchED?
Oh dear. How long do you have. Founding Head x3 in the U.K. and Middle East. Entered worked of EdTech in 2018 as a non technical founder of Sophia Tech. Sophia High was born in 2020 and then DisruptEd in 2023.
What's your LaunchED pledge?
To enable some kick ass women to change the way we think about education. Provide them with a spotlight to share their story and be part of the disruptEd movement in education. Happy to host events and run an all female disruptEd conference.
Faiza Mubeen
Faiza Mubeen
What have you LaunchED?
My educational journey has been a dynamic and enriching one, marked by a commitment to fostering holistic wellbeing and inclusive education. Serving as a founding team member and School Wellbeing Counselor at Next Generation School in Dubai, a project initiated by the Al Rajhi Group, I played a pivotal role in shaping the school's ethos for three years. In a leadership capacity as Counselor and Inclusion Facilitator, I dedicated myself to creating a supportive and inclusive environment.
Following this, my journey led me to the Ajial Group of Education in Kuwait, where I assumed the responsibility of introducing a Positive Discipline Approach and Positive Curriculum across their 25 schools. My efforts were aimed at ensuring the overall wellbeing of students and fostering a positive learning atmosphere.
In 2022, I embarked on a new chapter at Beech Hall School in Riyadh, joining as the Founding Head of Inclusion. This institution, with a strong commitment to inclusive education, aligns its values with the KSA Vision 2030 and the international educational framework. I spearheaded the development of a model that integrates these principles, ensuring excellence in education and fostering an inclusive learning environment for all students.
What's your LaunchED pledge?
My LaunchED pledge is to actively mentor and support women in my professional network, providing guidance and sharing insights to help them advance in their careers. I will also strive to create opportunities for collaboration, networking, and skill-building among women in my industry.
Additionally, I commit to using my platform to amplify the voices of women in underrepresented fields, advocating for diversity and inclusion. I will continuously seek out opportunities to uplift and celebrate the achievements of women around me, fostering a supportive community that empowers each member to thrive both personally and professionally."
Pam Mundy
Pam Mundy
What have you LaunchED?
Multiple start-up projects taking UK and US schools overseas (most recent Charterhouse Lagos, first British Independent School in West Africa) currently at various stages of progress
Founding Director of Schools and Education, NEOM, Saudi Arabia, co-launched the first ever 'proof of concept'
Early Childhood Centre and K-12 schools Early Childhood Investor Guide for UAE (team project)
Multiple Early Childhood projects (UAE, New York) and Bi-Lingual Curriculum Project in Chile
Recently co-authored and published a book 'International Schools: Navigating Leadership, Culture and Context'(Fulton Press)
Launched Innovative curriculum for two Singaporean Nurseries
What's your LaunchED pledge?
Recognise (talent - early career women), accelerate and promote (enterpreneurial women), celebrate and collaborate (with successful women toward even greater impact for all)
Rasha Saïd Khawaja
Deputy, The Said Foundation
Rasha Saïd Khawaja
What have you LaunchED?
Toucan Ventures were proud to win ‘One to Watch – Best Entrant to the Angel Ecosystem’ at the 2016 Angel Investment Awards as well as being nominated for the Employer of the Year – Women in Finance Awards 2018 and were nominated in 2019 by UKBAA as the ‘Best High Growth Female Founder’
What's your LaunchED pledge?
Founding Ambassador on the Prince’s Trust #WomenSupportingWomen Council, also working closely with both Save The Children and the International Rescue Committee.
Joanna Leach
Joanna Leach
What have you LaunchED?
I have launched the anti-racism accreditation across the group and have created a Chatsworth DEI group where there is one person in each school leading DEI. As a group we have created the Chatsworth DEI charter.
What's your LaunchED pledge?
I am going to continue to commit to embed a culture of DEI, particularly for girls. As a group we will continue to educate and encourage girls that there are no barriers and to be 'fearless females, future leaders' of tomorrow.
Harriet Dyball
Harriet Dyball
What have you LaunchED?
Crosthwaite Communications - a communications consultancy that creates thoughtful communications that deliver results for businesses
What's your LaunchED pledge?
To support other women looking to work in communications through mentoring advice and work experience
Jenny Pool
Jenny Pool
What have you LaunchED?
8billionideas - 8billionideas is an educational future-focused services company for schools. We provide everything students need to master new skills and explore areas that aren't always covered in school curriculums. Our learning is built on five key categories deemed to have the biggest impact on students’ lives: Wellbeing, performance, Entrepreneurship skills, Skills for the future and Careers education.
What's your LaunchED pledge?
I want to empower my staff to request training, personal development opportunities, future skills, I want them to feel comfortable and able to ask questions in any environment and share their passions and dreams.
Almira Sirbayeva
Almira Sirbayeva
What have you LaunchED?
I joined the TechnoWomen organization in Astana, Kazakhstan in May 2023. My interest in the community was sparked during a meeting when TechnoWomen in Kazakhstan hosted their counterparts from the USA. The TechWomen program in the United States supports women in the IT industry and celebrates their achievements. Numerous speakers represented diverse areas of tech, including Cybersecurity, E-commerce, AI, and Engineering. Recognizing the opportunity to contribute to the community, I decided to represent the EdTech sector.
After attending several meetings and workshops tailored for members, I recognised the value of introducing Astana's girls to the TechnoWomen community. Given the predominance of men in tech careers, it is essential to encourage and empower girls to pursue roles such as app development, engineering, and beyond.
Despite the growing interest of girls in IT, engineering, STEM, and other tech-related fields, they encounter obstacles on their career paths. Becoming part of the TechnoGirls and TechnoWomen community provides young women in Kazakhstan with valuable insights into these careers and facilitates networking opportunities.
At my previous school, I encountered students interested in STEM and eager to pursue careers in these fields. Working in education allows me to share knowledge, contribute to society, and impact students' lives positively.
After facilitating an introduction between the President of TechnoWomen in Kazakhstan and the Head of Haileybury Astana, we launched TechnoGirls sessions. Led by successful women, this session featured personal journeys emphasising the importance of resilience and embracing failures as stepping stones to success. The TechnoGirls sessions were also conducted in various schools across Astana.
What's your LaunchED pledge?
I would like to replicate a similar initiative in Riyadh aimed at inspiring and empowering girls to pursue careers in technology. The initiative will involve organizing TechnoGirls sessions at Beech Hall School Riyadh, allowing girls studying there to learn more about careers in the tech industry from accomplished women in this field.
Victoria Humphries
Victoria Humphries
What have you LaunchED?
'Why not' - resilience training for schools & businesses Teachit - a variety of online resource websites for teachers from KS1-KS5
What's your LaunchED pledge?
To tell every woman I meet that THEY CAN - they just need to say yes and take one small step, the rest will follow!
Louise Dawson
Louise Dawson
What have you LaunchED?
Inclusion Consultancy, now with ten consultants and a Learning and Training Centre for children and adults.
What's your LaunchED pledge?
I can promote and celebrates successes and join in the fun as it happens x
Kirstie Hampshire
Kirstie Hampshire
What have you LaunchED?
Senior School at The Village
What's your LaunchED pledge?
Celebrate each others strengths, provide mentorship and emotional support
Lettie
Lettie
What have you LaunchED?
Lettie's Learning Blocks - a brand new and unique to Chatsworth Schools series of EYFS learning resources designed to help young children learn and develop as they prepare for school and their lifelong learning journey.
What's your LaunchED pledge?
To support female founders to get onto their feet or indeed, paws!
Kristine Scott
Kristine Scott
What have you LaunchED?
Grown, developed and lead a national education team providing advice and support to education establishments across England and Wales and internationally. Trusted advisors to the sector.
What's your LaunchED pledge?
Share knowledge, seek to support and uplift women, especially women seeking to manage and lead.
Hannah Burke-Tomlinson
Hannah Burke-Tomlinson
What have you LaunchED?
First in-person Outstanding Schools Middle East and Outstanding Schools Europe events. A podcast 'Class Act', which is inspired by and created for international educators.
What's your LaunchED pledge?
Consistently use the events I produce as platforms for promoting equity
Sarah Wallace
Sarah Wallace
What have you LaunchED?
In role as Headteacher at Highfield School for Girls, I am in the process of launchEDing a senior school for girls. This will focus on the development and empowerment of young women and will continue my commitment to prepare girls for an ever-changing world.
What's your LaunchED pledge?
I pledge to foster a culture of empowerment, support, and advancement for women at Highfield School for Girls, ultimately contributing to their professional success and the overall improvement of the school and wider school community.
To achieve this, I will continue to support the Chatsworth School Leadership Programme by identifying aspiring leaders to undertake the programme; provide opportunities for experienced female educators to mentor younger or less experienced women in the field by providing guidance, support, and networking opportunities to help them advance in their careers.
Recognise and celebrate the achievements of women in education to inspire others; encourage leadership opportunities by encouraging and actively supporting women to pursue leadership roles within the school, whether through promotions, committee memberships, or project leadership positions.
Ensure access to resources and tools that support women's professional growth, such as funding for training, flexible work arrangements, childcare support, and professional networking opportunities.
Viv Thompson
Viv Thompson
What have you LaunchED?
I have opened and successfully run school based and independent Nurseries and Early years departments for schools and schools groups, my last Nursery headship at Outstanding grade.
During Covid I was part of the Childcare COVID19 crisis working group set up by Cairneagle Associates & NDNA to support all colleagues during the pandemic and to be a voice for the early years sector - something which I continue to be in relation to the professional status of nursery staff and Early years funding to date.
Moved two nurseries from Inadequate to Good within 6 months. Been apart of the inaugural team for Chatsworth Schools overseeing their Early years and KS1 as well as the entire groups safeguarding. Supported many staff to be better, be more resilient and lead by example.
What's your LaunchED pledge?
I will be a professional friend! I will listen to, support, advise and celebrate the women I work with at all levels, empowering them to be progressive, resilient and confident.
Sarah Thorne
Sarah Thorne
What have you LaunchED?
Founded The London Acorn School back in 2013.
What's your LaunchED pledge?
Share common launch worries with others, so they know they're not alone
Lucy Lewin
Lucy Lewin
What have you LaunchED?
My 85 place day nursery in 2010.
What's your LaunchED pledge?
I want to help single site nursery business owners go from overwhelmed to over the moon with their business.
Susan Burton
Susan Burton
What have you LaunchED?
Classlist.com - largest community app especially for schools.
What's your LaunchED pledge?
Happy to mentor and share experiences with peers.
Alicia Coad
Alicia Coad
What have you LaunchED?
Co-founder of BlueCow Education. BlueCow Education aims to help schools innovate and improve. We provide CPD and showwcasing opportunities for schools and edtech to meet and explore ways to improve. Through our sister organisation, Independent Schools Portal, we also bring leaders in the sector together to provide networking and high quality CPD.
What's your LaunchED pledge?
Keep championing and offering speaking opportunities for women.
Donna Guerin
Donna Guerin
What have you LaunchED?
In June of 2021 I launched my own international educational organization called Global Lighthouse Studios. We connect teachers and students around the world with project based learning through the lens of music and the arts.
What's your LaunchED pledge?
Global Lighthouse Studios is rooted deeply in student empowerment. My philosophy is #bettertogether. I would love to create a space (Linked In, or Livestream) where I could focus on Women around the World and do an interview style podcast to highlight the work they are doing.
Rabia Khan
Rabia Khan
What have you LaunchED?
I planned and executed the first ever Sensory sports day in the UAE, for our students with determination. The main focus of the event was to focus on enhancing student engagement and participation in a wide range of sensory activities. The event was acknowledged by many Head of Inclusions and Educators across the UAE, as it was the first of it's kind! I am also an author who writes and illustrates children's books to promote the notion of Inclusion in a very creative and easy way! I recently wrote and published a book, called Being different is Awesome, that share the unique qualities and quirks and everyday challenges of a child with Autism, and how he deals with them. I am in the process of writing a second book, focusing on another area of special education needs.
What's your LaunchED pledge?
Communicate to collaborate, be determined to deliver, learn to lead and include to be inclusive!
Louise Holland-Salmon
Louise Holland-Salmon
What have you LaunchED?
Google EdTech Demonstrator nation wide
Full online provision for 400 learners
Nationwide teacher training in digital skills
Correct positioning for selling into the education sector
Building your position in the education sector.
What's your LaunchED pledge?
Ensure all women have the digital skills they need and the correct positioning to elevate themselves and their product.
Julie Keyes
Julie Keyes
What have you LaunchED?
Our organisation: The Educational Coach.
We are just 2 years old this month and we have grown rapidly in the coaching in education space.
We are passionately committed to ensuring no teacher is unsupported by raising the quality of every conversation that happens in schools.
We work with all types of schools and educators at all levels both in the UK and internationally.
What's your LaunchED pledge?
As a female founded and predominantly female organisation we are commited to our own development and growing talent. We are committed to supporting female educators and leaders and have a goal to work with 10 aspiring or current heads in schools this year. (We are someway towards that already!)
Jenny Swift
Jenny Swift
What have you LaunchED?
Light Up Edu-Leadership which utilises positive psychology-informed coaching and training to support school leaders through the complex demands of their role - helping them create positive impacts for their school community whilst building resilience and well-being.
What's your LaunchED pledge?
To continue supporting current and aspiring women school leaders in working through the complexities of the role, whilst also looking after their well-being.
Shameema Parveen
Shameema Parveen
What have you LaunchED?
Co-founded Edutech in 1991 in Dubai, UAE, when technology in education was at its infancy and since then has played a key role in education institutions adopting technology in its various applications in the learning and teaching process.
Leading with the vision of technology being the transformative tool for education impact, led innovative projects in both education and corporate learning environments and helped expand Edutech across the region in the Middle East and India, serving K12 Schools, Vocational Education, Higher Education and Corporate Learning environments. Working closely with educators and technology industries, Shameema has a deep understanding of the learning needs of our society undergoing transformation with the new future skills required for the future workplace.
Shameema also established a STEM+ Studio concept in 2015 as a space for learning by making through hands-on physical or digital projects. Shameema has also been a consultant for a National level project in Ministry of Education in Saudi Arabia.
An avid believer and follower of lifelong learning, Shameema also frequently shares her knowledge and presents in leading regional and global conferences.
Shameema is a startup mentor, an advocate of women empowerment through entrepreneurship.
What's your LaunchED pledge?
I continue to mentor and women entrepreneurs scale their businesses and become successful in their ventures. I continue to be a mentor for the women in my organization to navigate their careers and balance in life.
Tania Davidson
Tania Davidson
What have you LaunchED?
Leading all girls education woth a focus on wellbeing and mental health. I am privileged to work and lead in an award winning school, who puts all pupils at the forefront of decision making.
Working with Leeds Beckett university on their Mental Health and Wellbeing Award, including training schools Mental Health Leads.
I am a school inspector and Global Education consultant with a sharp focus to raise all standards for all pupils, but especially girls, through the lens of wellbeing and mental health.
What's your LaunchED pledge?
Within the next 12 months I want to change the landscape of girls education by empowering female leaders to look at girls education through a Wellbeing lens.
Nicola Lutz
Nicola Lutz
What have you LaunchED?
No Fluff a sales coaching & training company specifically for education/student recruitment. No Fluff Fest- lead gen and sales event specifically for student recruitment. Author of best-selling book ‘Spend Less, Sell More’.
With my StudyTravel colleagues, a monthly publication and network, the Alphe workshops and Awards for international education.
What's your LaunchED pledge?
Continue to mentor the women I work alongside. Normalise ambition and commercial sales talent in women in education (we can be both ethical and successful in admissions/sales). Champion female speakers at my events. Smaller ways include sharing women’s content, including them in bigger conversations and keeping doors open for them where I can.
Philippa Wraithmell
Philippa Wraithmell
What have you LaunchED?
I have recently launched my education consultancy EdRuption which supports schools with digital strategy as well as 1:1 mentoring and edtech companies with alignment to schools needs
What's your LaunchED pledge?
I always try to raise women up, in a range of industries. I would pledge to support more and further. I am also working on a local volunteer project to support communities with digital skills, due to the area I am in this will be being led by women for women, so this would be another thing!
Rose Carter
Rose Carter
What have you LaunchED?
I started Inspires Tuition initially working with children helping with SATs and emotional regulation.
Through word of mouth this quickly progressed to GCSE/functional skills.
Presently I am approached by schools to teach/mentor young people with SEMH needs (which are often complex in nature). I have helped schools implement Functional skills for those learners that can’t access GCSE’s or understand the GCSE curriculum.
I provide support to schools showing best practice with regard to ‘challenging behaviour’.
Proud to be a delegate at the UNESCO IFIP conference - Paris 2024
What's your LaunchED pledge?
Be kind, give honest impartial advice if asked & empower women to be the best they can be.
Catherine O'Farrell
Catherine O'Farrell
What have you LaunchED?
"Working with over 200 schools in the Emirates we are providing quality support every day with the focus on improving outcomes for our students. Through sustainable practice and under the umbrella of the Global Sustainability Goal 8 we source and train Learning Support Assistants in a uniquely tailored way to meet the needs of each individual child, within a family or school’s budget.
We work with the LSA throughout their journey with the child through constant up-skilling, tightly monitored provision and daily communication. Incluzun will work closely with a school or family to find out the precise needs of a child, we will source a professional, experienced practitioner from our extensive database and match them to your needs.
Incluzun provide consultancy for schools on their inclusion journey supporting planning and documentation, tracking and inspection preparation. Working with a team of highly experienced and hugely dedicated inclusion specialists, founders Harmeet and Catherine hope to support people of determination across the Emirates and beyond.
Catherine is the host of the MENA regions's longest running Inclusion & Wellbeing forum, a free forum for inclusive practitioners across the Gulf and North Africa.
Inclluzun host free summits for Inclusive practitioners with huge success bringing 200 principals, inclusion leaders, regulators and government entities to each event to share best practice."
What's your LaunchED pledge?
Share practice and experiences to learn and grow together.
Sophy Walker
Sophy Walker
What have you LaunchED?
Marketing consultancy for schools after 20 years in independent education. I want to help as many schools as possible succeed in such a challenging environment. I want schools to embrace new methods and think outside the box. It is a lonely place for many marketeers in the industry and I am keen to mentor as many as possible.
What's your LaunchED pledge?
I aim to support so many other women to grow in confidence, have a voice and step up at a time when schools need them to embrace new ideas and technologies.
Jessica Werner
Jessica Werner
What have you LaunchED?
I started Northshore Learning, an education consulting business, in 2018. It is now myself, and a team of 12, who support support teachers and administrators in schools worldwide by offering a variety of personalized professional learning opportunities.
What's your LaunchED pledge?
I pledge to keep growing and enhancing the efficacy and wellbeing of educators.
Hannah Wilson
Hannah Wilson
What have you LaunchED?
I am the Co-Founder of 2 grassroot communities #WomenEd and #DiverseEd. I was the founding head of 2 schools. I founded my own company, Diverse Educators Ltd. I have founded multiple regional networks for women leaders.
What's your LaunchED pledge?
I am growing the BANES WLN. We have gained 150 members in 6 months. I am supporting the launch of a WELN in UAE.
Keely Pierce
Keely Pierce
What have you LaunchED?
I launched I am More Academy as a youth development specialist. From my own journey of childhood trauma, I share my story, workshops, training days, mentoring programmes and just won a huge contract with the council to support alternative provision sector from year 11 through post 16.
What's your LaunchED pledge?
To lead the way with all things life balance, defining our own success and the ongoing continuation of our self mastery journey. Empowering women to support women and collaborate for the biggest impact.
Sarah Kershaw
Sarah Kershaw
What have you LaunchED?
In 2021, I launched SK Marketing and I offer marketing consultancy to schools and education businesses specifically helping them to recruit students from international markets. In my first two years I’ve had 18 clients, and have enjoyed a number of successes, including being integral in successfully launching girls boarding to to day school, have mentored a number of’ marketing and admissions teams, have travelled to seven countries on recruitment trips and more recently have started working with a Swiss boarding school in Montreux.
I have spoken at a number of conferences, and recently recorded a series of training videos for the Independent Schools Portal focusing on International Marketing. I feel very strongly about honesty and transparency when marketing snd promoting schools because I’m committed to ensuring students find the best match school. I am very fortunate to have worked with some incredible schools and Head Teachers and have built up a network of trusted education agencies who have supported my work.
What's your LaunchED pledge?
I commit to using my LinkedIn platform to promote the importance of flexible working, as well as to share and promote other women’s work.
Ola ElKhatib
Ola ElKhatib
What have you LaunchED?
"OlavatEd is my happy place where I empower education stakeholders to harness their strengths for sustainable excellence through evidence informed content, professional training, coaching, and consulting, to elevate their lives!
I've collaborated with Captains and Poets, Canada, where they generously host my articles. Links:
https://captainsandpoets.com/achieving-balance-getting-to-the-heart-of-teaching-well-being/
https://captainsandpoets.com/grading-teacher-fulfilment/"
What's your LaunchED pledge?
I will continue to collaborate with the great inspiring ladies in the field and produce content that empowers and elevates their lives. I will also expand my network connections.
Israa Osman
Israa Osman
What have you LaunchED?
Teach-O-Gen for Educational transformation services was launched during COVID with a mission of equipping educators and school leaders with tech literacy to be able to run schools smoothly during lockdown. We started with professional development services such as workshops and courses, then We expanded our services to educational consultations and customized tech solutions and curriculum design.
Now we’ve supported hundreds of teachers and school leaders in the MENA region and we’ve developed our own self assessment tool: iPaideia for school staff (teaching and leadership that help us define and design customized PD services that meets the unique needs of every school in 3 different domains: pedagogy, tech literacy and emotional wellbeing in the workplace.
What's your LaunchED pledge?
I’ll be happy to share my experience and knowledge in supporting startups in education including defining market needs, reaching out to clients, creating marketing research and campaigns, in addition to quality assurance of their services
Bhavna Jain
Bhavna Jain
What have you LaunchED?
Browzly PhonicBear a Voice Ai based phonics tracking and assessment tool that is used by teachers to monitor student attainment on a day to day basis as well as setting reading at home for Phonics Learners
What's your LaunchED pledge?
I am still new to this, just saw about your community on LinkedIn. So this answer is very top of Mind. I will try to inspire and support women in their schools and businesses with our tool and development and business know how.