iSE was proud to take part in this year’s International Women’s Day Conference & Expo as both a sponsor and active contributor, joining a full day dedicated to celebrating women’s leadership, enterprise, and impact across the West Midlands.
From early morning through to the close of the event, the space remained active with conversation, collaboration, and connection. As an exhibitor, iSE engaged with entrepreneurs, founders, and professionals throughout the day, offering guidance on free business support services and building relationships with individuals looking to grow their ideas and organisations.
A Platform for Women Driving Social Impact
At the centre of iSE’s contribution was its panel, “Women Delivering Social Impact”, which brought together voices working across housing, media, and technology to share honest insights into their journeys and the realities of creating change.
The discussion, guided in a conversational and accessible format , focused on lived experiences, practical delivery of impact, and the challenges that often sit behind visible success. The session created space for reflection, openness, and connection with the audience.
Spotlight on the Panel
Daina Anderson Mpunzi, founder of Open Lens Media CIC and winner of iSE’s Social Economy Awards, shared her work supporting young people through media and digital engagement.
Open Lens Media delivers programmes that build communication, creative and employability skills for individuals aged 11–35, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds. Through film, radio, and digital production, the organisation supports young people to develop confidence, critical thinking, and pathways into education, employment, and entrepreneurship. Its wider work also contributes to social research and community engagement across the West Midlands, helping to inform responses to complex social challenges.
Kloé Avon, founder of RediHomes, spoke about her journey from frontline outreach to building a digital housing platform addressing homelessness.
Her work has already delivered measurable outcomes:
- 99 individuals supported into housing in the first year of outreach
- 223 people rehoused through the RediHomes platform
- 96% of users offered permanent social housing
- 100% same-day service delivery
Her approach reflects how digital solutions can respond to urgent social needs while maintaining a strong community focus.
Ebony Hemmings, founder of Tekfluence AI, brought a perspective grounded in health, care and technology. Her work focuses on assistive AI solutions that support independence and remove everyday barriers.
Her contribution highlighted the scale of need across the UK:
- 16 million people live with a disability affecting daily life
- 53% of assistive technology users say they could not live independently without it
- The UK assistive technology market is projected to grow from $1.16 billion in 2023 to $2.81 billion by 2030
Tekfluence AI’s approach centres on practical, human-focused solutions that improve everyday outcomes rather than focusing on technology alone.
Key Takeaways from the Conversation
Across the panel, several themes stood out:
- Impact starts with lived experience – each speaker’s work was shaped by direct exposure to real challenges in their communities
- Practical delivery matters – solutions were grounded in what works day-to-day, not theory
- Sustainability requires balance – supporting immediate needs while building systems that can scale
- Collaboration is essential – partnerships across sectors remain key to long-term progress
The session reinforced that social impact is not a single pathway, but a combination of consistent action, adaptability and commitment to community outcomes.
The Importance of International Women’s Day
Events such as the International Women’s Day Conference & Expo continue to play an important role in highlighting progress while addressing ongoing gaps.
Recent data shows that:
- Women still make up only around 34% of UK business leaders (ONS, 2024)
- Female-founded businesses receive less than 3% of UK venture capital funding (British Business Bank, 2023)
Creating spaces where women can share experiences, build networks, and access opportunities remains essential to achieving a more balanced and inclusive economy.
Looking Ahead
iSE’s presence at the event reflects its ongoing commitment to supporting inclusive entrepreneurship and strengthening the social economy across the region.
A thank you goes to Kasim Choudhry and Edwin Ladd for delivering a well-organised and impactful event that brought together a wide range of voices and perspectives.
iSE looks forward to continuing these conversations and building on the connections made throughout the day.
If you’re looking for support to start or grow your business, iSE offers a range of free programmes, advice, and opportunities.
To find out more, contact: info@i-se.co.uk or call 0121 771 1411