It’s International Women’s Day 2025, the world once again turns its focus to the incredible contributions of women in every corner of society. It’s a day to celebrate resilience, leadership, and progress, but it’s also a day to acknowledge the barriers that still exist and the women who are breaking them down, one bold step at a time.
At the heart of this movement is Own My Life, a groundbreaking charity dedicated to educating and empowering women and girls about abusive behaviour, power dynamics, and self-efficacy. Too often, women’s experiences, both in the workplace and beyond, are shaped by control, manipulation, and inequality. Own My Life challenges that, equipping women with the knowledge, confidence, and tools to take back their power and own their futures.
This year, to mark International Women’s Day, we’re shining a light on seven remarkable women who have embodied what it means to ‘Own Their Life at Work’, in their communities, and in the face of adversity. These women have led with courage, driven real change, and empowered others along the way.
Their stories are not just about personal success, they are about creating systemic change. They prove that leadership is not about fitting into a world that wasn’t built for you, but about reshaping that world so that more women can thrive.
Let’s meet them.
1. Natasha Waterfield – COO, Oxygen ActivePlay
"If I’ve learned one thing in my career, it’s this: you just do it. Even if you don’t feel ready. Even if imposter syndrome is knocking at the door."
At just 26 years old, Natasha Waterfield stepped into a People Director role, not because she had everything figured out, but because she refused to stay silent at the table. She saw firsthand how men take up space, stepping into leadership with confidence even when they aren’t fully prepared. That realisation shaped her approach to leadership:
You don’t wait to feel ready. You take your seat. You own it. You speak your truth.
Now, as COO of Oxygen ActivePlay, Natasha leads with the same boldness she encourages in others. She knows that leadership isn’t about waiting for permission, it’s about making decisions, pushing boundaries, and embracing the discomfort that comes with growth.
"Will it be uncomfortable? Probably. Will it be worth it? Absolutely. Just go for it… you can believe you can do it after you’ve done it."
2. Victoria Jones – Facilities Investment Manager, Cricket Wales
For Victoria Jones, sport isn’t just about the game, it’s about creating spaces where women can thrive. In the male-dominated world of sport and facility investment management, she’s not just navigating challenges, she’s actively breaking down barriers.
Since 2023, Victoria has played a pivotal role in transforming the cricket landscape in Wales, overseeing and securing over £6 million in investments to enhance community cricket facilities. Her work isn’t just about infrastructure, it’s about changing the narrative, proving that women belong in this space and can lead with impact.
Beyond her professional achievements, Victoria embraces the dual challenge of career and motherhood, a balancing act that she finds deeply fulfilling.
"On this International Women’s Day, I proudly celebrate the progress we’re making in breaking barriers and inspiring the next generation of female leaders in sports."
3. Rachel Heward – Head of Direct Services, Bron Afon Community Housing
For Rachel Heward, leadership isn’t about fitting into a mold, it’s about breaking it altogether. Working in a male-dominated industry, she has built her career on expertise, resilience, and action, proving that true leadership has no gender.
As Head of Direct Services at Bron Afon Community Housing, Rachel hasn’t just climbed the ladder, she’s created space for others to rise alongside her. By standing firm in her decisions, earning respect through action, and ensuring that women’s voices are heard, she’s shaping a more inclusive and dynamic workplace.
"Every challenge I’ve faced has only reinforced my determination to drive change, break stereotypes, and lead with confidence. On International Women’s Day, I celebrate the strength of all women who continue to carve their own paths in industries where they once felt out of place."
4. Sarah-Jayne Bray – Investigator Resilience & Cultural Engagement, Thames Valley Police
For Sarah-Jayne Bray, owning her life means standing up, speaking out, and driving real change, even when the impact isn’t always immediately visible. Working remotely, she sometimes wonders if she’s making progress, but moments like this remind her that her work is truly making a difference.
This week, Sarah-Jayne received two awards recognising her leadership in challenging inappropriate behaviour within Thames Valley Police and supporting the force’s mission to tackle Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG). The awards were presented by Deputy Chief Constable Katy Barrow-Grint, another phenomenal woman owning her space in leadership.
"I am so fortunate to be surrounded by brilliant women who continue to push me, challenge me, and inspire me to make a difference every day. Change happens when we own our voices, take action, and refuse to back down, and I am proud to be part of that movement."
5. Gill Arkupe MBE – CEO, Social Interest Group
For Gill Arkupe MBE, owning her life has meant turning a lifelong passion for social justice into a legacy of change. Starting as a volunteer at 17, Gill dedicated herself to supporting women in crisis, setting up and running women’s refuges, and quickly realising her purpose was to advocate for those who need it most.
From her early days as a housing advisor and homeless campaigner at Shelter to her leadership as National Development Manager, Gill’s mission has always been clear: create meaningful change for marginalised communities. Her journey through Director roles in housing, social care, and rehabilitation services led her to found the Social Interest Group in 2014, a pioneering organisation that empowers small and medium-sized charities with the resources to drive systemic change in social and healthcare sectors.
Through owning her journey, Gill has not only built a career of impact and influence but has uplifted countless others, ensuring that equity, support, and opportunity reach those who need it most. Her story is a testament to the power of resilience, leadership, and unwavering commitment to making the world a better place.
6. Charlotte Wheeler – Head of Product & Delivery, Inspired Business Media
For Charlotte Wheeler, owning her life meant having the courage to walk away from a workplace where her contributions were overlooked. In a male-dominated industry, she began to notice how gender shaped perceptions, and rather than settling for less, she made the bold choice to seek an environment that valued her for her true worth.
Now, in her role as Head of Product & Delivery, Charlotte is creating the kind of workplace she once searched for, one where everyone is valued equally, ambition is recognised, and contributions are celebrated. Her journey is a reminder that owning your life isn’t just about thriving where you are, it’s about knowing when to move on and making space for yourself where you truly belong.
7. Ryanna Hate – Park Manager, Oxygen Active Play
For Ryanna Hate, owning her life at work has been a journey of transformation, one that has shaped her both professionally and personally. Through resilience, hard work, and tackling challenges head-on, she has carved out a space where she not only thrives but also lifts others up.
Now, as a proud advocate for strong women, Ryanna is passionate about inspiring the next generation, encouraging them to own their careers, break barriers, and lead with confidence. Her journey is proof that when women stand tall and claim their space, they create a path for others to do the same.
A Call to Celebrate & Support Women Everywhere
International Women’s Day is more than a celebration, it’s a reminder of the progress, resilience, and leadership of women everywhere. The incredible women featured in this piece have not only owned their journeys but have also paved the way for others to do the same. They are proof that when women Own their Life at Work, whether in boardrooms, industries, or communities, they create lasting change.
But true change doesn’t happen in isolation. It requires collective action, from individuals, businesses, and organisations, to create workplaces where women can be part of a sisterhood without fear of discrimination, misogyny, or bias. That’s why I’m making it my mission to bring Own My Life into as many workplaces as possible. Women deserve better, and businesses thrive when they actively support the women within them.
To achieve this, I’m developing a ‘Workplace’ focus for Own My Life, adapting the programme to address acts of workplace abuse such as misogyny and gender bias, while still staying true to our core mission of empowering women. Your insights would be invaluable as I shape this initiative, I’d love to hear your thoughts when I’m in the design phase.
Own My Life is already making a difference, and through our Discovery Portal (find out more HERE) and Practitioner Model (training details HERE), we are creating accessible ways for women to gain the knowledge and support they need. Over the coming weeks, I will also be developing targeted Workplace & Leadership Programmes, designed to support entry-level women, aspiring female leaders, and those working in male-dominated industries. Alongside this, we’ll be equipping business leaders with the tools to foster real change, support employees who may have an abusive partner or ex, and build a sisterhood of thriving women.
This work isn’t just about empowering individuals, it’s about creating a capacity for the charity so they can continue reaching more women. Right now, their focus is bringing hope in order to prevent suicide, supporting women with disabilities who face abuse, and translating Own My Life materials into different languages, all of which are vital, yet costly initiatives. By bringing Own My Life into workplaces, we are contributing to this mission in a meaningful way.
THESE are two explainer videos attached to give more insight into how this can work in your organisation.
On this International Women’s Day, alongside celebrating women, we must commit to action. Let’s lift up the women around us, challenge the status quo, and create real change where it matters most. Because when women are truly supported, everyone benefits.
Here’s to Natasha, Victoria, Rachel, Sarah-Jayne, Gill, Charlotte, Ryanna, and to all the women out there owning their lives. 💜
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