Sally Bee
President
Besides being the founder of Shakespeare Soroptimists and president, Sally Bee is an Author, Presenter, Speaker, Coach and Survivor. Sally has written 7 bestselling books, works for ITV Daytime as a health and wellbeing presenter and is producing her own new TV series, called, Don’t Go Faster Than Your Guardian Angel Can Fly (the same title as her latest book)
“As women, we must lift each other up, empower and embrace each other…and we should do it in a way that works best for us. We are each individuals and each of our past stories and vulnerabilities, makes us stronger today”
Kim Roberts
Secretary
I qualified as a Legal Executive in 1996 and joined Wright Hassall, Solicitors. I had my own debt collection caseload and regularly attended Court to assist Barristers in matrimonial and litigation cases. I am honoured to be one of the founder members and Secretary of Shakespeare Soroptimists Stratford on Avon.
I am also Secretary of Guide Dogs for the Blind Fundraising Committee, having been involved with volunteering as stud dog holder volunteer for over 10 years.
I left the legal profession to raise a family and be full time Mum and care for my eldest of two sons who has hydrocephalus, autism, epilepsy and complex sensory disabilities. My husband (Ian) and I have always believed that both our sons can do anything they want to do in life and we’ve always been grateful for being blessed. I have been my sons’ voice and have had to fight for everything from education, health, disability benefits and even a blue badge!
My passion in life is to help those who are in crisis or finding life a struggle in some way. I want to help others to be heard and by being part of Shakespeare Soroptimists I believe we can do so much to give a voice to women and girls and empower them to be anything they want to been in life too.
Anita Dinnes
Treasurer
Business Mentor & Growth Adviser
I am mum to a son and five daughters and as an entrepreneur I have spent many years facing the challenges confronting businesses and developing solutions for the issues that arise, especially for women in business. I have owned businesses covering Software Development, Training/Consultancy, Recruitment and OGC Best Practice sectors, working internationally. My experience has culminated in becoming a full-time Business Mentor and Strategist. I’ve been enjoying the privilege of helping others across commercial and not-for-profit organisations since 2017, when I successfully concluded the sale of my last business.
Not surprisingly, the issues faced by women in business are particularly close to my heart. I want the best possible future for my children and I’m especially concerned about how much ground we as women have still got to gain for ourselves and future generations.
What I do to help?
I support business owners/leaders in growing themselves and their businesses. I focus them on making their businesses more efficient, productive, and profitable, engaging their workforce, and becoming great leaders. A key feature of many interactions is helping individuals find a better work-life balance, largely by creating a more effective engagement with their organisation or business.
I’ve enjoyed supporting young entrepreneurs through the Peter Jones Academy and it’s been a pleasure providing placements for talented individuals to help them at the start of their journeys.
I have over 36 months of experience mentoring on the Help to Grow Programme for Aston Business School, Birmingham University, Oxford Brookes, Coventry University, and LSBU. Much of this has been pro-bono and it has been really rewarding helping young women at the beginning of their careers as owners and leaders in their own right.
How do I work?
I work with individuals addressing, amongst other challenges, effective business planning and strategy, developing the vision, mission, and values. I assist with setting up effective accountabilities and best practices to solve challenges, including business efficiency and process improvements.
I have a reputation for innovation and provoking ‘outside the box’ thinking amongst my mentees.
www.bcslconsulting.com
Karen Jones
Vice President
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Karyn Jepson Cotcher
Member
My name is Karyn Jepson Cotcher and for the last 6 years I have run a small people orientated business. Affiniti Search is a personal recruitment, research and career coaching company.
My background was line management marketing for blue-chip companies then contingency recruitment, before 10 years International search across a variety of commercial functions.
Whilst the recruitment industry has evolved considerably, my values have never altered. I genuinely care about everything I do and remain focussed on treating people as individuals, with a complete commitment to honesty and integrity. I value personal relationships, as I feel understanding cultures and styles is as important as getting the right skill set.
Paula Belcher
Member
I have been helping women and men of all ages with their fitness and wellbeing for over twenty years.
Tor Wilkes
Member
Empowering Businesses and Communities
As a seasoned professional in PR, marketing, social media, and business support, I bring several decades of experience to every project I undertake. With a background rooted in nurturing business growth and fostering community engagement, I have dedicated my career to making a meaningful impact both locally and globally.
For eight dynamic years, I served as the Marketing and Events Manager/ Assistant for Stratford Business Improvement District. I orchestrated the success of iconic events such as the Stratford River Festival, Motor Festival, and Food Festival. Overseeing the enhancement of 420 businesses, I honed my skills in strategic planning, event management, and stakeholder collaboration, leaving an indelible mark on the vibrant landscape of Stratford.
Transitioning to freelance consultancy, I have continued to empower businesses of all sizes, offering bespoke strategies and unparalleled support. From crafting comprehensive marketing plans to implementing cutting-edge social media campaigns, I thrive on guiding companies towards their full potential.
Beyond the boardroom, I am deeply committed to humanitarian efforts that transcend borders. As a volunteer with Ambulance Aid LTD, I have guided initiatives to provide critical medical supplies to Ukraine, dispatching 19 ambulances laden with lifesaving resources to areas in urgent need. This vital work remains ongoing as we strive to alleviate suffering and restore hope to those affected by crisis.
Furthermore, my dedication to environmental stewardship is exemplified through my involvement with Rubbish Friends, a Stratford-based charity devoted to combating litter pollution and promoting sustainability. By championing initiatives to reduce waste and elevate ecological consciousness, I am actively shaping a greener, more sustainable future for generations to come.
In joining forces with the Soroptimists, I am eager to contribute my expertise towards empowering girls and women in our community and beyond. Together, we will strive to create a world where every individual has the opportunity to thrive and fulfil their potential.
Let us embark on this transformative journey together, forging meaningful connections, driving positive change, and leaving an enduring legacy of empowerment and compassion.
Claudine Pearson
Member
Having been a proactive local councillor for 8 years with a remit to reduce flood risk and improve local infrastructure, my professional role is now to support parish and town councils in climate and nature action. To foster the will to create change in a naturally risk-averse organisation requires an ability to communicate of “the art of the possible” and a thorough understanding of local council governance, finance, and community engagement.
I draw on several years of creative community fundraising as well as traditional and digital sales and marketing skills gained in start-up and corporate environments abroad.
As a trustee of Rubbish Friends, a voluntary director to Ambulance Aid, and a sustainability champion for British Rowing, I believe in the power of grassroots and collective action to bring about positive change.
I look forward to working with the Shakespeare Soroptomists to making a difference to the lives of women and girls locally and around the world.
Gill Cleeve
Member
I am British/Canadian and have lived in the England since 1998. I am a Former Mayor of Stratford upon Avon and have been a Town Councillor since May 2019. I have my own Business – Brookvale First Aid, where I train First Aid, Mental Wellbeing and Safeguarding.
In addition to training, I also work as a Manager of Volunteers for two local charities, VASA and Escape Arts, I’m a Trustee of Stratford Town Trust and a Girl Guide Leader.
I am passionate about the town and supporting its residents and am heavily involved in several local community organisations, but I especially work hard to support the youth of our Town. In 2020, through the Town Council I set up the town’s first Youth Council, and in 2023 while I was Mayor, I hosted the Town’s first ever youth awards.
Via Escape Arts, I have also been a part of getting a new Youth Hub set up, which has now culminated in a brand-new Charity in the town called the Stratford Youth Collective, which has its own premises, and which is one of the projects the Shakespeare Soroptimists are going to support.
Julie McGarrigle
Member
Business Development Director, Alsters Kelley Solicitors Ltd
My main roles are the planning and implementing of the marketing & PR strategies to support the ongoing business development of Alsters Kelley Solicitors Limited. I became a Director (non-solicitor) of the Limited Company on 1st October 2018.
The firm offers a wide range of legal services for individuals and has five offices across Coventry and Warwickshire.
My extensive experience includes developing and implementing communication strategies, B2C marketing, media relations, business development, sponsorship and event management.
I have more than 30 years marketing experience, most of which was gained whilst working for a large corporate within the financial services sector where she was head of their regional group communications for the East Midlands. I have also worked for a number of smaller companies across a wide variety of sectors, including an independent school and the local chamber of commerce.
I’ve recently been appointed a Director of the Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce.
Away from work I love holidays and experiencing new places.
Sarah Armstrong
Member
Beverly Clarke
Member
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Ash Hussain
Member
My name is Ash Hussain. I am an experienced family solicitor, recommended in the Legal 500 and I run own consultancy business, namely Ash Family Law. We specialise in offering professional, strategic, and bespoke advice to individuals navigating relationship breakdowns, divorce, and separation. My passion for family law is demonstrated through my compassionate and negotiation-driven approach to family transitions. I offer guidance to individuals experiencing relationship breakdowns, including survivors of domestic abuse, always with the aim to preserve what is most important to my clients: their children, assets, and peace of mind.
Beyond my professional pursuits, I am deeply committed to utilising my business skills for social impact. I believe in giving back to the community by sharing my knowledge, engaging in educational initiatives, contributing to charity, and supporting charitable causes. My expertise allows me to advocate for and assist disadvantaged children, orphans, vulnerable families, and the poor, not only through legal support but also by fostering opportunities for their empowerment and well-being. Through strategic partnerships with charitable organisations, I leverage my business acumen to develop programs that address the legal and socio-economic challenges faced by these groups, aiming to create lasting, positive change in their lives.
Jayne McIntosh
Member
I am the Business Director of the multi-award winning Air Aesthetics and Wellness Clinics based in Midlands and Hertfordshire. The clinics offer a holistic, multi-dimensional approach to aesthetics that extends to total mind and body wellness – delivered in friendly and luxurious environments.
Zoe Paylor
Member
I have two children, one at university and the other about to go to uni.
I’ve spent 20 years in financial services working in partnerships and leading marketing teams before moving into similar roles in the charitable sector.
Currently, I work for Help for Heroes in high value partnerships specialising in philanthropy.