“Our time is now—our rights, our future”

International Day of the Girl

Tomorrow on the 11th of October, we are celebrating the 10th anniversary of the International Day of the Girl.

In a time where it feels like it’s especially difficult being a young girl, we feel that it’s important to empower and honour girls and young women across the globe. Even now, girls around the world are still facing countless challenges and limited opportunities to show their potential. Education, mental health, and wellbeing are just some of the difficulties that young girls face today. However, with hardship comes resilience, innovation, inspiration, and determination. When given the right opportunities and the chance to show their skills and their passions, girls can achieve anything and defy stereotypes. Girls and young women are now taking over businesses, leading, and making changes.

We are still buzzing about the Lionesses bringing it home at the Women’s Euro 2022! Not only is their victory a big turning point in England’s football history, being the first major tournament title for any England team since 1966, it’s also a major inspiration for young girls. England coach Sarina Wiegman was quoted saying: “I think we really made a change. I think this tournament has done so much for the game but also for society and women in society in England, but I also think in Europe and across the world and I hope that will make a [bigger] change too.” This year, UEFA has set up a legacy programme, designed to encourage more girls and women to becoming involved in football, and has since garnered some incredible results, with over 14,600 new players and 145 new female coaches who have been recruited and trained. With this victory, we are slowly closing the gap between “women’s football” and just football. To see such excitement and praise for the young women on the team is such an inspiration for young girls everywhere.

 For this year’s International Day of the Girl, we would like to talk about a very special fifteen year old girl, who transformed thousands of lives when she was just seven years old, Mari Copeny. “Philanthropist, activist, future president.”.

Seven years ago, the Flint Water Crisis began. During a budget crunch, the city of Flint changed their water source, and cut some corners on safety measures. This caused lead to start seeping into the water supply, and the drinking water became contaminated with lead and Legionella bacteria. This caused an outbreak of Legionnaire’s disease that killed 12 people. Mari Copney decided that this wasn’t good enough. At seven years old, she wrote a letter to President Obama, explaining the situation the town was in and what could be done about it. This in turn prompted the President to visit the city to see it for himself. Ultimately, Mari’s letter triggered $100 million in relief to be given to the city of Flint to try and fix the water crisis. Even at such a young age, Mari had the determination to make a change, and forced the leaders to confront their mistakes, take ownership of them and fix them. She was able to give the people of Flint a voice and fight for their rights.

Her achievements didn’t stop there. Three years later, in 2017, Mari became a national youth ambassador to the Women’s March, the youngest ambassador at the event. In 2016 and 2017, Mari raised funds in partnership with the non-profit organization Pack Your Back to purchase backpacks and school supplies for Flint children. In 2018, after the state of Michigan stopped providing free bottled water to Flint residents, Mari raised over $280,000 and distributed over a million bottles of water. In 2019, she partnered with a water filtration company to provide water filters to Flint and other communities dealing with toxic water.

Despite her young age, Mari has made a huge name for herself, in the name of helping others. She is passionate about doing the right thing and eradicating inequality. We’re sure that this is just the beginning of Mari’s remarkable achievements, and it’s clear that she is a huge vision for young girls everywhere who also want to make a difference. Even just writing a letter can have an enormous impact.

“You are never too young/too small to change the world.” – Mari Copeny

Exploring Black History Month as a white ally

by Amelia McKinnon

In the month of October, we celebrate Black History Month in recognition of the history, achievements, and influence of the black community. We observe Black History Month because honouring the accomplishments of people is important and Black History is still underrepresented in mainstream history classes and books.

This year, in particular, we would like to revisit the Black Lives Matter movement. The movement was first formed in 2013 after black teenager Trayvon Martin was shot dead by a police officer while unarmed and walking to his brother’s fiancée’s home. Martin’s death and the subsequent trial where police officer George Zimmerman was acquitted of second-degree murder and manslaughter highlighted America’s growing issue of racial profiling.

The movement then sparked up again in 2020 after the death of George Floyd, who was suffocated to death after a white police officer had him pinned to the ground, one knee on his neck. A video circulated around the internet of George crying out in pain and repeatedly shoutin,g “I can’t breathe!”. This led to global outrage and triggered protests all over the world against police brutality and systemic racism.

Here at The Like Me CIC, we are fully supportive of the Black Lives Matter movement and maintain that Black Lives More Than Matter. I’m going to be honest with you – when Jasmine asked me to write a blog post introducing Black History Month, I had a bit of a panic. As a white woman of entirely European heritage, I didn’t think that I would be the best person to write about this, and I found it extremely daunting. However, after some research and some important reading, I realised that that didn’t really matter. What matters is that racism and all of the myriad social and political problems that accompany Black History Month are something that I am interested in learning more about, and want to do my bit to make a change. According to blackhistorymonth.org.uk, the theme for this year is ‘Time for Change: Action Not Words’. In order to create a better future, we have to look at the past, learn from what has been and improve what will be by acting. As an ally, I feel that it’s important, now more than ever, to be an active ally. It’s not enough to just be supportive but to show your support.

Taking Action starts with educating yourself. There is an incredible number of resources out there that will help deepen your understanding of the messages and themes behind Black History Month, whether that be books, podcasts, documentaries etc. One of the most important things you could do as an ally is to call out racism when you see it, especially if it’s from a friend or relative. Don’t wait for others to react or offer your sympathy after the event. Frame the confrontation as an opportunity to learn and grow. The best way to create a change is to act in the moment. Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you had to take action? How did it make you feel? Please get in touch and share your story with us.

Over the next few weeks, we will explore great people who have overcome challenges and adversities while celebrating their heritage. We are so excited to be sharing the stories of these great people, highlighting their successes and how they achieved them. Our next post will celebrate International Day of the Girl, which we are eager to share with you.

Reintroducing…

So we have revealed all of our amazing speakers and now it’s time to reintroduce you to me, Jasmine Mbye. As a lot has changed over the last year so check me out.

Here’s a little introduction into Jasmine and why she will reveal more of her hidden story to empower YOU! As the Keynote speaker she’s going to share with you so that you will ‘Rise & Shine Queen’ like the queen you are.

Jasmine Mbye is the Empowerment Champion, a multiple award-winning TEDx international Keynote Speaker, Trainer & Coach whose work has been recognised as outstanding by several local mayors.

Jasmine uses over 14 years professional expertise of developing others and her personal experience of overcoming abuse to inspire and empower women and teen girls to show up authentically, speak their truth confidently and allow their abilities to shine boldly. This is so they can become their best and achieve their goals and dreams in life and work. Working with organisations and individuals to unleash female potential.

Jasmine Mbye has been featured in The Suns’ Fabulous Magazine, Luton Today and is a regular contributor to radio stations such as BBC Three Counties Radio, Inspire FM, Luton Urban Radio and podcasts.

Jasmine also shares her expertise by delivering inspiring talks at multiple locations such as conferences like the PA Show, retreats and other events. In addition, Jasmine has partnered with small, medium and large organisations such as the NHS Bedfordshire Recovery College.

Specialising in developing personal leadership, enhancing employability and improving wellbeing through speaking, training and events.

If you still haven’t got your ticket, then how will you hear and feel the inspiration and empowerment Jasmine will bring? Don’t delay and don’t miss out on the limited Early, Early Bird tickets, get your ticket now right here.

And remember to tell your friends and family, as we can all do with being more empowered and inspired right?

We look forward to you joining us.

Keep Shining 🌟

Take care
Jasmine 😊

Announcing…

It brings us great pleasure to announce Hasna Weaver our final speaker at The Woman Like Me L&B Conference 2022.

Here’s a little introduction into Hasna and why she has been selected to reveal her hidden story to empower YOU! She’s going to share with you so that you will ‘Rise & Shine Queen’ like the queen you are.

Hasna was born in Bangladesh and came to the UK when she was seven years old.

She Was forced to get married at the age of 17. She stayed in an abusive marriage for 14 years.

She enjoyed a social work career for 15 years before leaving to look after her elderly parents. She rediscovered her love of poetry during this time, she enjoys performing publicly.

She self published “Glowing Despite The Dark” at the end of 2021. A book about her life, however it is the story of all those have endured trauma. It is intended to support other and give the hope.

Hasna is a Spiritual Life Coach and loves working with women.

Wow. We are extremely grateful that Hasna will be sharing with us on Saturday 25th of June. Watch this space to find out what Hasna will be sharing on to empower YOU.

If you still haven’t got your ticket, then how will you hear and feel the inspiration and empowerment Pauline will bring? Don’t delay and don’t miss out on the limited Early, Early Bird tickets, get your ticket now right here.

And remember to tell your friends and family, as we can all do with being more empowered and inspired right?

We look forward to you joining us.

Keep Shining 🌟

Take care
Jasmine 😊

Announcing…

It brings us great pleasure to announce Pauline Stepney will also be a speaker at The Woman Like Me L&B Conference 2022.

Here’s a little introduction into Pauline and why she has been selected to reveal her hidden story to empower YOU! To share with you so that you too will ‘Rise & Shine Queen’.

Pauline is a Community Engagement Officer for bpha and founder of Legacy Of Windrush Descendants and Friends (LOWD). Otherwise known as Pea and she is a JNC qualified Youth Worker and currently works for bpha, a housing association that provides social and affordable homes in Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Milton Keynes and Oxfordshire.  

Pauline has sat on several strategic partnerships and race and diversity groups in Stoke, Bedford, Luton and Cambridge; including regional and national initiatives that focus on equality and diversity.

She works with other voluntary community organisations in and around Bedfordshire, Birmingham, Luton, Huddersfield and Stoke.  She developed the Nubian Teachings Black History programme; and has delivered workshops up and down the country.  

Pauline produced an Equality and diversity programme titled Equality, Promoting Inclusion and Community Cohesion (EPICC) for LOWD and will be launching it in partnership with the local Council for Voluntary Services (CVS) in July/August,

She’s very dedicated to the welfare and well-being of all people and believes that having knowledge of cultural origins, roots; in all history enables all to see their potential for their future.  The Nubian Teachings programme has been facilitated at The LOWD Learning Hub sessions and has had very positive feedback from the students. The students will be encouraged to do peer-led sessions on black History in the future.    

Pauline is also a member of the Black History Panel at The Higgins and has played an integral part in producing three exhibitions and hosting Afro-hair events at the museum.

Wow Pauline. We are extremely grateful that you will be sharing with us on Saturday 25th of June. Watch this space to find out what Pauline will be sharing on to empower you.

If you still haven’t got your ticket, then how will you hear and feel the inspiration and empowerment Pauline will bring? Don’t delay and don’t miss out, get your ticket now right here.

And remember to tell your friends and family, as we can all do with being more empowered and inspired right?

We look forward to you joining us.

Keep Shining 🌟

Take care
Jasmine 😊

Announcing…

It brings us great pleasure to announce Sian Young will be a speaker at The Woman Like Me L&B Conference 2022.

Here’s a little introduction into Sian and why she has been selected to reveal her hidden story to empower YOU! To share with you so that you will ‘Rise & Shine Queen’.

Sian believes in a world where businesses are sustainable and profitable where cooperation helps us excel in competition. She calls it the “interconnection” between planet and profit. 

Sian Young is an International Speaker, TEDx Speaker and Co-Founded ©Center for Sustainable Action, where she’s on a mission to turn small businesses and entrepreneurs into profitable and sustainable enterprises ‘humanizing’ business through cooperation.

She earned her title as a ©Sustainable Success Coach simply by living by the mantra ‘Health and Well-Being in Life and Business will save the planet’. Sian has co-created the SDG – Assessment App and ©SHaW Model for sustainable health & wellbeing both research driven tools for sustainable success in Life & Business.

When you spend time with Sian, you’ll begin see the possibility, and make the impossible, possible.

Wow! We are extremely grateful that Sian will be sharing with us on Saturday 25th of June. Watch this space to find out what it is Sian will be sharing about at The Women Like Me L&B Conference 2022. 🤔

If you still haven’t got your ticket, then how will you hear and feel the inspiration and empowerment Sian will bring? Don’t delay and don’t miss out, get your ticket now right here.

And remember to tell your friends and family, as we can all do with being more empowered and inspired right?

We look forward to you joining us.

Keep Shining 🌟

Take care
Jasmine 😊

Announcing…

It brings us great pleasure to announce Sabeena Suneram will be a speaker at The Woman Like Me L&B Conference 2022!

Here’s a little introduction into Sabeena and why she has been selected to reveal her hidden story to empower YOU! To share with you so that you will ‘Rise & Shine Queen’. Like you were born too.

Sabeena is a financial educator, a financial coach, a property investor and a business owner.

By profession she is an IT project manager, has a Bachelor’s and a Masters in Computing. She realised early on that a person cannot build wealth on a day job. She believed in order to grow she would need to empower herself with knowledge and resources.  

Seven years ago she started to look into personal development and self education. She got mentors and coaches to guide her to embrace a journey into securing her finances. She started to invest in property and other investments. Then she trained as a financial educator as she wanted to help and serve others to have a better life. 

Fast forward seven years she is now financially free, she has built a property portfolio and is also a business owner. She now coaches people who want to secure their finances no matter what their past and their current stage in their finances. She teaches women and families the simple steps they can take to secure their finances. She covers techniques that people can use to achieve their financial goals and move to the next level of their finances. 

Wow! We are extremely grateful that Sabeena will be sharing with us on Saturday 25th of June. Watch this space to find out what exactly Sabeena will be sharing. 🤔

If you haven’t got your ticket, then how do you expect to hear and feel the inspiration and empowerment Sabeena will bring? Don’t delay and don’t miss out, get your ticket now right here.

And remember to tell your friends and family, as we can all do with being more empowered and inspired right?

We look forward to you joining us.

Keep Shining 🌟

Take care
Jasmine 😊

Announcing…

It brings us great pleasure to announce… Veronica Ebanks will be a speaker at The Woman Like Me L&B Conference 2022!

Here’s a little introduction into Veronica and why she has been selected to reveal her hidden story to empower YOU! To share with you so that you will ‘Rise & Shine Queen’.

Veronica Ebanks

An African diasporan from Jamaica raised in London, married, four sons and 11 grandchildren.

Biological sciences graduate and qualified adult teacher and assessor. Worked in Education sector supporting students and young people with complex issues in the context of safeguarding and working towards positive change and progression. Roles as Safeguarding Lead, Advisor and Practitioner within education sector and community.

After redundancy created a career as an Independent Safeguarding Consultant Trainer and Restorative Justice Practitioner.

An entrepreneur and micro business owner providing artisanal skincare, wellbeing items and holistic therapy. A registered member of the Federation of Holistic Therapists.

A published writer and co-author, performance poet, storyteller, and speaker, sharing works on radio, podcasts and online.

An actor with the Birmingham based JB & KD theatre troupe, with several performances to date.

Currently refining a holistic coaching program for mature women and working in partnership with Aubrey’s Angels Ltd to provide unique holistic programs.

Has a love for people, literature, film, music, African and Caribbean cultural history, nature, crochet, and vintage fashion.

Wow! We are truly grateful that Veronica will be sharing with us on Saturday 25th of June. Come along to find out the story that has been largely untold so far.

Watch this space to find out what Veronica will be sharing on. 🤔

If you haven’t got your ticket, then how do you expect to hear and feel the inspiration and empowerment Veronica will bring? Don’t delay and don’t miss out, get your ticket now right here.

And remember to tell your friends and family, as we can all do with being more empowered and inspired right?

We look forward to you joining us.

Keep Shining 🌟

Take care
Jasmine 😊

Announcing…

It brings us great pleasure to announce… Bilyana Georgieva will be a speaker at The Woman Like Me L&B Conference 2022!


Here’s a little introduction into Bilyana and her amazing accomplishments.


Bilyana is a TEDx Coach, Digital and Social Media Nerd, Multi Award-Winning Speaker, and a LinkedIn influencer.
Her passion is to help business owners, executives, speakers, and everyone who Dares to Speak Up, to design and deliver a powerful TEDx Talk, then use social media hacks to make their TEDx video go viral.
In the past 7 months she drove 1.7 million people towards the TEDx talks of her mentees.

All her clients are in the top 25% of most watched TEDx Speakers around the world, and 7 of them are in the Top 10 World’s TEDx Chart for Most Watched TEDx Talks Released on YouTube.

In addition, two Speakers were ranked on Nr 36 and Nr 39 in the 50 Most Popular TEDx Talks Released In 2021 on YouTube. Having in mind that there were about 13,400 TEDx talks published on YouTube last year those achievements are also recognition for Bilyana’s work as a TEDx coach.

Wow! We are extremely grateful that Bilyana will be sharing with us on Saturday 25th of June. She will reveal not only what makes her a great TEDx Speaker Coach, and I know this personally, but what it took to get there.

Also, watch this space to find out exactly what Bilyana will be sharing about on June 25th.🤔

If you haven’t got your ticket, then how do you expect to hear and feel the inspiration and empowerment Bilyana will bring? Don’t delay and don’t miss out, get your ticket now right here.

Also remember to tell your friends and family, as we can all do with being more empowered and inspired right?

We look forward to you joining us.

Keep shining 🌟

Take care
Jasmine 😊