03/03/2026
On Monday 2 March, I was pleased to host an International Women’s Day dinner at The Mercers’ Company in the City of London with a group of formidable women. Celebrating in the countdown to on 8 March and under this year’s theme, .
Within 700 years of history, we reflected on a powerful arc. From Lady Joan Bradbury’s 1530 bequest, to the Mercers’ Maiden, to Elizabeth I’s lineage through Mercer Geoffrey Boleyn. Yet there were harder chapters too. Following the unfair prosecution of Dorothy Gretton in 1709, women were barred from membership. They were not readmitted until 2002. In 2018, Debby Ounsted became the first woman Master. From exclusion to leadership.
Around the table were Joanne Hannaford .nlk , Marci Jena, Abi Green and each leading across finance, tech, medicine, biotech, philanthropy, culture and conscious leadership.
We were captivated by Carrie’s fantastic jazz performance, accompanied by the amazing . Her new EP, Dreaming in Blue, is released later this year. Joanne, one of the top tech leaders in the world, led a compelling discussion on truth and integrity in an AI-shaped world.
Thank you to for gifting each guest their Restoring Cream Rich and for always supporting women. I’m wearing a gorgeous dress and lovely fascinator.
Every lady at that table embodies GiveToGain. When we give knowledge, access and courage, we multiply opportunity.
Captured in these stunning pictureTwiggleszing