Accelerating Action: Black Women Leading Change in 2025
The theme for International Women’s Day 2025 is ‘Accelerate Action’, calling for urgent and decisive measures to advance gender equality. At the current rate, full gender parity could take until 2158—but Black women across industries are proving that progress doesn’t have to wait.
From financial empowerment to tech inclusion, arts leadership to community advocacy, these trailblazers are shaping the future and dismantling barriers in their fields. Today, we celebrate eight phenomenal women from the Do it Now Now (DiNN) community who are not just making an impact but accelerating action for the next generation.
Financial Independence as a Catalyst for Change: Joanne Munis
Wealth is power—and access to financial literacy is key to gender equality.
Joanne Munis, founder of Vested Woman Consulting, is on a mission to ensure that ethnic minority women gain the confidence and knowledge to build wealth. Through coaching, workshops, and an engaged financial community, she is breaking cycles of economic inequality and fostering financial empowerment.
Her impact accelerates action by ensuring more women have the tools to invest in their futures, create generational wealth, and achieve financial independence.
Championing Digital Inclusion: Paulette Watson MBE
In an AI-driven world, inclusion isn’t optional—it’s necessary.
Paulette Watson MBE, through Academy Achievers and the #BeMeDigitalInclusion initiative, is driving forward the mission to empower one million Black women and girls in AI and emerging technologies by 2035. Her work isn’t just about learning to code—it’s about making sure Black women are leading innovation in tech.
She accelerates action by ensuring Black women aren’t just included in the digital revolution—they are at the forefront of it.
Making Assistive Technology Accessible: Rev Gail Thompson
No one should be left behind in the digital age.
At 67 years old, Rev Gail Thompson is ensuring that disabled communities have access to life-changing assistive technology. As the CEO of Millennium Community Solutions, she led the launch of London’s first Assistive Technology Library, providing essential tools for independence, education, and work.
Her work accelerates action by bridging the digital divide and ensuring that accessibility is built into the future of tech.
Empowering the Next Generation of Arts Leaders: Cheryl May Ndione
The arts industry must be shaped by diverse voices.
Cheryl May Ndione, founder of Purple Moon Drama, is creating opportunities for young creatives to take up leadership roles in the arts. Her Digital Youth Board ensures that young people are not just performers, but decision-makers and changemakers.
She accelerates action by building pathways for young, diverse artists to lead and influence the future of the creative industries.
Amplifying Black Narratives: Zoe Cornibert
Representation matters—and so do the stories we tell.
Through The Black Circle Podcast, Zoe Cornibert is giving a platform to Black changemakers, disruptors, and entrepreneurs, ensuring that their voices and experiences are heard, valued, and archived for future generations.
She accelerates action by ensuring that Black excellence isn’t overlooked—it’s documented, celebrated, and amplified.
Building Safer Communities and Economic Opportunities: Jacqui McCalla
Security isn’t just about protection—it’s about empowerment.
Jacqui McCalla, Managing Director of Amity Security, is not only securing major events and brands—she’s also creating jobs and training programmes for young people, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
She accelerates action by ensuring that Black entrepreneurship isn’t just about business growth—it’s about creating economic pathways for the next generation.
Strengthening Community Impact: Lillian Brown
Financial sustainability is key for social change.
With over 30 years of experience in fundraising and business strategy, Lillian Brown supports charities, social enterprises, and Black-led businesses in securing the resources they need to thrive and grow.
She accelerates action by ensuring that Black-led initiatives and community projects have the financial sustainability to make long-term impact.
Redefining Workplace Well-being: Gerry Anyanwu
A thriving workforce starts with a positive workplace culture.
Through her coaching business, Fully Human, Gerry Anyanwu is transforming how businesses support their employees, using culture-based coaching to prioritise well-being, happiness, and productivity.
She accelerates action by creating workplaces where people don’t just survive—they thrive.
Empowering Neurodivergent Professionals: Danielle Cudjoe-Michalski
Danielle Cudjoe-Michalski, founder of Thinking Light Coach, is ensuring that neurodivergent professionals aren’t just surviving in corporate spaces but thriving.
She accelerates action by equipping neurodivergent professionals with the tools and confidence to navigate careers successfully while pushing for systemic change in workplaces.
Accelerating Action for the Future
Each of these women embodies the spirit of IWD 2025’s theme, ‘Accelerate Action’. They are not waiting for change to happen—they are driving it forward, leading in their industries, and creating opportunities for others to follow.
As we celebrate International Women’s Day 2025, let’s amplify their impact, support their work, and commit to taking action—because the future doesn’t have to wait.
