International Women's Day Panel Event: The Empowering Women Seminar

International Women's Day represents an important opportunity to celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. Visibility and awareness help drive positive change, this is everyone's chance to declare bold actions they will take as individuals or as an organisation to help progress the gender agenda, because purposeful action can accelerate gender parity across the world.

The event is designed to recognise ambitious young women, entrepreneurs, senior managers and those just looking to take over the world! We want you all there!

Our amazing panel (listed below) will discuss their personal and professional experiences of being successful women in business, this will then be followed by a Q and A session:

We are proud to introduce:

Karina Jadhav - Owner of Menagerie Bar and Restaurant and Young Entrepreneur of the Year in the 2015 Women in Business Awards

Karina Jadhav is a Manchester based restaurateur and hospitality innovator, who's forward thinking approach has culminated in her most recent experiential dining concept, Menagerie Restaurant & Bar. 
Having previously developed vibrant dining concepts such as Neighbourhood restaurant, Victors Hale and American BBQ house Southern 1, Karina has made a name for herself in an increasingly male dominated sector. During these developments Karina has had to overcome a fair share of obstacles and therefore showcased her talents at the level they deserve. Her hard-working attitude and commendable efforts have resulted in successes and Karina’s fresh and innovative concepts have seen her restaurant ventures flourish.

Nadine Merabi - Creative Director of Nadine Merabi 

Nadine Merabi is a renowned British luxury dress designer and one of the fastest growing names in the fashion industry.Nadine came from a background of playing Hockey for team GB but has now evolved into a self-taught fashion designer, dressing women all over the world.Today she is Creative Director of Nadine Merabi, based in Manchester city centre with an online website that operates globally'

Sky Bibi, Barrister-at-Law

Sky has a diverse practise and predominantly specialises in all aspects of business and commercial law. Sky is a direct access qualified barrister and has an international practice. Sky has practised in law for ten years and has represented numerous UK businesses including well known Manchester companies. Sky previously practised out of chambers in London & York. 

With a growing international client portfolio Sky took the ambitious step of launching her own boutique chambers that she works from both in Manchester & London. 

Sky has a keen interest in Equality & Diversity and has provided seminars and consultancy for many businesses promoting women's rights wherever possible. 

Member of PABA, LCIA, COMBAR, ELBA

Caroline McCarron - Associate Solicitor in the Law Share team at JMW Solicitors and Chair of the Manchester Irish Lawyers Society

Caroline is an Associate Solicitor in the Lawshare  team at JMW Solicitors having joined the firm in 2012. Caroline’s day to day role involves managing relationships with existing Lawshare members and engaging with potential new members.   She also organises events for members including the Annual Lawshare Conference.  She is a keen business developer and always looking for opportunities for both JMW and Lawshare members. 

Caroline previously specialised in Personal Injury at Ralli Solicitors in Manchester.  She was President of JCI Manchester  in 2014 when it won Chamber of the Year at the JCI UK National Awards where she also came second in Best Chamber President category.

Caroline is the current acting Chairperson of the Manchester Irish Lawyers Society, a member of Association of Women Solicitors and Women in the Law.

Hosted by Jennifer Smith - Ex JCI Manchester President and Insider Young Lawyer of the Year

Jennifer Smith is a Senior Associate at JMW Solicitors LLP. Jennifer’s day to day job is to provide high standard and efficient employment law advice. In addition to being an employment lawyer, Jennifer is hugely passionate about personal development and was President of JCI Manchester in 2013. A well-known figure in the Manchester business community, Jennifer was named Employee of the Year at the inaugural 2014 Manchester Women in Business awards and now sits on the Future Pro Manchester board as well as being Co-Chair of the Pro Manchester Retail and Ecommerce board. Jennifer is passionate about achieving gender equality and advocating on behalf of women who are victims of discrimination. Jennifer was recently invited to chair a diversity panel at Manchester Town Hall, with a particular focus on addressing the gender imbalance in the technology sector.
 
Jennifer is the holder of the prestigious award of Insider Young Lawyer of the Year and was recently named JMW Solicitors Employee of the Year, largely due to the impressive client feedback that she has received and her business development achievements.

Although this is an event to celebrate women of all positions within all sectors, we encourage the male population of Manchester to attend this inspiring event and participate in discussions.

In keeping with the theme of female independence, JCI will be hosting a raffle to raise money for Manchester Women's Aid, a charity providing a range of services for women and children affected by domestic and sexual violence. 

For any additional information please contact Abbie Hart - Deputy President of JCI Manchester