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September is here, and autumn has arrived in all its quiet beauty. I always find this season symbolic – a time of change, of gathering, of turning the page. For me, it’s also a time to pause and reflect on what we’ve built together. This month has been nothing short of extraordinary. We launched the Taste of Bolton Recipe Book – a project that feels so close to my heart. It’s more than recipes; it’s about belonging, heritage, and pride. To see celebrity chefs alongside our community voices, and to do this in partnership with We Are Bolton, reminded me once again of the power of coming together. Not long after, we gathered for an Afternoon Tea curated by the wonderful Sue France. Over 60 women filled the room with energy, ideas, and purpose. And together, we raised...

Reflections by Gulnaz Brennan Just outside my home in India, in the small neighbourhood park, stands a guava tree. It isn’t marked, fenced, or named. But no one else had claimed it. So I did. It’s mine now—not in title, but in feeling. It stands tall, generous, fruit-laden. I’ve always been drawn to trees like this, carrying the weight of ripeness so uncomplainingly, as if giving is just part of their being. I don’t know why it still fills me with wonder—that fruit grows quietly on branches, needing no permission, no applause. That vegetables and fruit are just… there. Free. Given. It’s humbling and miraculous all at once. My fascination with trees goes with me everywhere. Wherever I travel—whether in India or back home in the UK—I find myself standing beneath them, placing ...

A reflection by Gulnaz Brennan There is no official name for it—actually, scratch that. There is. It’s called herpetophobia: an intense fear of reptiles and amphibians, including snakes, frogs, and yes, lizards. And if herpetophobia had a poster child, it might very well be me. As a child growing up in the heat-soaked heart of a South Asian summer, I learned early on that the season brought not only mangoes, melons, and sweet leachies—but also the dreadful return of the household lizard. While others celebrated the arrival of fruit-laden branches and bowls of chilled watermelon, I would scan every ceiling like a soldier on duty. Before stepping into the bathroom, I would demand a full-scale inspection. I would not—could not—enter unless someone confirmed it was liz...

By Gulnaz Brennan This is where the heartbeat of She Inspires lives between the headlines. The Founder’s Journal is my space to reflect, share, and sometimes simply pause. Here, you'll find stories that don’t always make the stage — moments behind the scenes, thoughts on leadership, community, resilience, and the quiet revolutions led by women every single day. You’ll also find The Judging Diaries, a weekly glimpse into the vibrant, unpredictable, and deeply human world of our awards judging process — from early morning Zoom calls to the powerful stories of our finalists. Whether it’s a letter to our community, a moment of personal reflection, or a celebration of quiet courage, this journal is a window into the journey we’re on — together. Thank you for reading. Thank y...