International Women’s Day 2026 is focused on the theme, ‘Give To Gain’. A campaign designed to highlight the power of generosity and support in contributing to women’s advancement, and the creation of an interconnected world. As the organisers of International Women’s Day state: “Giving is not a subtraction, it’s intentional multiplication.”
International Women’s Day (IWD) offers an opportunity to recognise the meaningful changes women are making across every sector, and in education that change is often transformative. As strategic PR, marketing and design partners to schools, trusts and education-based organisations across the North West, CPMM is privileged to work alongside women whose visions are creating lasting impacts and reshaping opportunities for girls.
Today, we celebrate just a few of these inspiring women.
As CEO of a multi academy trust, which is jointly sponsored by the Diocese and the Archdiocese of Liverpool, Heather has played a pivotal role in the Trust’s growth across the region, welcoming new schools while ensuring each one thrives in its local community. Under her leadership, the Trust has expanded its reach, offering high-quality education shaped by its values of aspiration, inclusion, and service.
Her leadership captures this year’s ‘Give To Gain’ theme. By sharing her expertise, energy, and vision, Heather helps the Trust flourish, creating opportunities and transforming lives across Liverpool, Sefton and St Helens.
Alongside her strategic role across the Trust and its founding school, Rainford High, Alex also heads up fundraising initiatives that extend beyond the school grounds. Her work focuses on supporting the wider community and individuals in need, ensuring the Trust’s values are lived out in tangible, meaningful ways. Whether coordinating fundraising initiatives or strengthening partnerships with local causes, Alex helps create a culture where generosity is embedded in everyday life.
Alex’s approach reflects the true spirit of IWD as she recognises that when schools give to their communities, they build stronger, more connected futures for everyone.
Ania is a pioneering headteacher of a specialist school in south Liverpool, and is instrumental in leading the school towards its vision of becoming the International Centre of Excellence for Autism Education, Research and Professional Development. Under her leadership, the school combines high-quality education with therapeutic support and life skills, helping children thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
Through her dedication, Abbot’s Lea School has become nationally recognised for its transformative approach to autism education. Ania’s leadership embodies the spirit of IWD’s ‘Give To Gain’ theme by investing her time, expertise, and heart into students, staff, and the wider community.
As a female leader in sport, Adella inspires girls and young women across Liverpool to participate in physical activities, supporting them to build confidence and develop resilience. Under her leadership, LSSP has joined other organisations across the North West in pledging support to close the gender gap in sport by fully engaging women and girls through competition, programmes and apprenticeships. Adella also supports LSSP’s coaches to advocate for inclusive opportunities, which has seen primary schools introduce girls’ football teams and achieve Barclay’s Equal Access School Awards.
Adella exemplifies this year’s IWD theme. Her commitment to empowering girls and young women by giving her time, guidance and support enables them to develop a lifelong love of sport and lead happy, healthy and active lives.
Described by students as “helpful, kind, and everyone’s favourite”, Anne empowers the students at St John Bosco Arts College, a dynamic girls’ Catholic school, to ignite their inner spark and unlock their potential. Celebrating her 25th year at the school on 1 April 2026 Anne is central to its inner workings and is a constant source of support to the students, encouraging students to embrace the school’s vast range of opportunities.
Epitomising the theme of IWD, Anne generously gives her time, provides unwavering support and shares her knowledge to all students within the school to ensure they flourish in faith, hope and love, the school’s motto.
Working across the nine schools that form Holy Family Catholic Multi Academy Trust, Emily inspires pupils and students to explore their creativity, supporting them to build confidence and embrace innovation. Implementing initiatives and projects that encourage students to express themselves and experiment with new ideas, Emily champions creative and inclusive learning across the trust.
Emily truly demonstrates the transformative impact providing opportunity and instilling belief in others can have. By ‘giving’ this to her students, they ‘gain’ confidence and thrive in their schools’ settings.