Three days of inspirational women – Who can you expect to hear from?

Imandeep Kaur, co-founder and director of Civic Square

With a passion about building community, Immy’s work at civic square focuses on a bold approach to visioning, building and investing in civic infrastructure for neighbourhoods of the future. She is also an active member of Project 00, the Resourcing Racial Justice Coalition, and the National Lottery Community Fund Advisory Fund. As a true inspiration and an advocate for systemic change we are delighted to be hearing from her at Housing 2023.

Dr Lígia Teixeira, chief executive officer, Centre for Homelessness Impact

Dr Lígia brings the ‘what works’ methodology to homelessness: the use of reliable evidence and reason to improve outcomes with existing resources. Back in 2016 she was awarded a Clore Social Fellowship on Housing and Homelessness, funded by the Oak Foundation. A few years later she was then conferred the Award of Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences (FAcSS) for her contribution to social science.  Not forgetting, Dr Lígia was previously at Crisis UK, where over a period of nine years she led the organisation’s evidence and data programme - growing its scale and impact so that it’s now one of the largest and most influential in the UK and internationally.

At Housing 2023 you will find Dr Lígia speaking on a session titled ‘Homelessness – imagine a world where there are zero children in temporary accommodation’ which will explain how the sector can work collaboratively with partners and agencies to create a safe and secure home for all children. As a topic that is important now more than ever as the number of homeless children continues to grow as the cost-of-living crisis deepens the housing emergency, it will be a talk worth listening to!

Stephanie Hirst, national radio broadcaster, DJ and diversity and inclusion public speaker

Stephanie is an inspiration as she fought against the odds in order to achieve her career ambitions. She has battled a huge internal conflict for most of her life, which threatened her dream and life as a radio star, which she had worked so hard to accomplish. Her story is a true rollercoaster, from entertaining audiences of millions to having to make the gut-wrenching decision to either throw it all away, take her own life, or believe that she could rise from the ashes of a once celebrated career. Diversity and inclusion are incredibly close to her heart and her inspiring story will help to educate those who want to learn more about LGBTQ+ issues along with motivating people to reach their potential in life. As an incredibly warm and funny individual, it’s an honour to have someone with such a moving story speak this year. Stephanie will make you believe you can achieve anything and find the inspiration you need.

Lara Oyedele, president of the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) and the chief executive of Black On Board Ltd

Lara’s experience and achievements are incredibly impressive just in themselves, but more than that she has a commitment to staying authentic and being true to herself even while occupying one of the most senior positions in the housing sector. What can you expect from Lara’s talk this year?

Lara speaks from the heart, talking about issues that genuinely upset – rather than just concern - her as well as the many things for which she is grateful. An insightful but also human talk from a sector point of view.

Cllr Bev Craig, leader, Manchester City Council

Born and raised on a council estate just outside of Belfast, Cllr Bev was the first in her family to go to university, moving to Manchester in 2003 to study, making it her home. After graduating from the University of Manchester with a degree in politics and modern history she began her career in local government, before working in higher education and then a national trade union leading on social care. Alongside working full time, Bev completed postgraduate degrees at Warwick Business School and the University of Manchester. Bev says ‘I grew up in social housing and my family still rely on it. I know the value of [what] the safety net of a good quality home can give you when times are tough.’ Now as Manchester’s first female and LGBTQ+ leader, she focuses on the importance of building a more inclusive and sustainable economy, children and young people, equalities, housing and zero carbon. Bev is also Greater Manchester Combined Authority portfolio lead for Digital and Education, Skills, Work and Apprenticeships and, as such, you will also find her leading our Housing 2023 jobs’ fair. 

Book your ticket for Housing 2023 now.