WOMEN IN BUSINESS CONFERENCE
6 March 10AM-2pm
S3.01 BNU campus High Wy combe
Welcome to the Women in Business Conference!
Welcome to Buckinghamshire New University for our International Women’s Day celebration. Today is about connection, ideas, and possibility - bringing together students and professionals to explore the impact women are making in business and beyond.
This is your space to be inspired, challenge yourself, and contribute to a community that values leadership, innovation, and collaboration. Together, we can push boundaries, support one another, and shape the future of business.
Your presence matters.
Thank you for joining us and for being part of the change.
Dr Leah A. Fox Dean of College
Programme Highlights
10am Refreshments and Networking
10.35am Welcome Address: Leah Fox, Dean of College Leadership and Innovation, BNU
10.40am Sakilé Graham, BNU Alumna and Marketing Coordinator, GE Healthcare Abi Frazdaq, BNU Alumna and Audit Associate, PwC
11.00am Sharon Blyfield OBE, Head of Early Careers, Coca-Cola Europacific Partners
11.20am Josie Smith, Former Chief Technology Officer, Marks and Spencer
11.40am Refreshment Break
12.00pm Sophie Campbell, Neurodiversity Diagnostic Clinical Lead
12.20pm Panel Discussion
1pm Closing Remarks: Leah Fox, Dean of College Leadership and Innovation
1.10pm-2pm Lunch and Networking
speakers
Sharon Blyfield OBE
Head of Early Careers & Apprenticeships, Coca-Cola Europacific Partners GB
Sharon Blyfield OBE is a transformational leader whose career at Coca-Cola Europacific Partners reflects a deep belief in the power of giving to unlock human potential. With more than 30 years’ experience, she champions Early Careers and Apprenticeships that open doors for young people, especially women and underrepresented talent, to rise, thrive, and lead.
Sharon’s work embodies the spirit of “Give to Gain,” forging partnerships that remove barriers and create opportunity where it’s needed most. Beyond CCEP, she drives national progress in youth employment and skills. Her purpose is simple but powerful: when we invest generously in others, we elevate entire communities.
speakers
Josie Smith
Senior Technology and Transformation Leader
Josie Smith is a senior technology and transformation leader with extensive experience across FTSE100 organisations including BT Group and Marks & Spencer. She has led large-scale digital and IT transformation programmes in complex environments, simplifying operating models, aligning technology to commercial strategy, and delivering measurable business impact. Alongside her leadership roles, Josie is a passionate advocate for women in technology.
She has actively supported Women in Tech networks, mentored emerging female leaders, and championed greater representation and progression for women in senior roles.
She believes transformation is not just about systems and strategy - it’s about people, opportunity, and creating cultures where diverse talent can thrive.
speakers
Sophie Campbell
Speech and Language Therapist & Neurodiversity Diagnostic Clinical Lead, Health Partners
Sophie Campbell is a Speech and Language Therapist and the Neurodiversity Diagnostic Clinical Lead at Health Partners, an occupational health provider. Throughout her career, she has worked across a wide range of settings in both the NHS and private sectors, gaining a broad perspective on the clinical and practical needs of the individuals she supports.
Working across various industries, Sophie makes a clear distinction regarding the role of diagnosis in the workplace. While she believes an accurate diagnosis is vital for an individual to gain clarity, validation, and access to appropriate support and treatment pathways, she champions organisations that implement inclusive practices for all staff regardless of a formal label.
Within Health Partners’ broader neurodiversity service, Sophie leads a diagnostic team that works alongside colleagues providing workplace needs assessments, coaching, and training to forwardthinking organisations.
A core element of Sophie’s work is a focus on the internalised experience and late diagnosis of neurodivergent women. She supports women to reframe past experiences through clinical understanding, exploring how neurodivergence manifests across the lifespan alongside other compounding life demands.
By building a deep-rooted understanding and encouraging selfadvocacy, Sophie supports the recognition of neurodivergent talent, helping women to navigate their careers and sustain long-term professional success.
speakers
Abi Frazdaq
Audit Associate at PwC UK
My name is Abi Frazdaq, and I am an Audit Associate at PwC UK. Alongside my client responsibilities, I serve on the PwC Muslim Network leadership team and am an active member of our Diversity & Inclusion network, supporting initiatives that champion representation, belonging and equitable opportunities across the firm.
I have also contributed to humanitarian fundraising efforts through the PwC Foundation, supporting campaigns focused on social impact and community support.
I am currently studying towards my ACA Chartered Accountancy qualification with the ICAEW, continuing my professional development while balancing work, family and community commitments.
Having joined Buckinghamshire New University as a mature student, I am a strong believer that growth is not defined by age or timing - it is defined by courage, persistence, and the willingness to keep moving forward, no matter when the journey begins. I am also a proud mother of three daughters, who remain my greatest source of motivation and the reason I strive to lead by example in all that I do.
As a BNU alumna, I am honoured to return to the Women in Business Conference to share my journey and contribute to the celebration of women’s leadership, ambition and empowerment.
thank you for attending our event