IT IS INTERNATIONAL Women's Day! A day that gives us a chance to shine a spotlight on inspiring females across Conwy, Denbighshire, Gwynedd and Anglesey as we celebrate achievements.
We have so many women doing incredible things across the areas we cover.
Here are just a few!
Kerry Davies-Jones
Kerry Davies-Jones from launched a mentoring service for young people with mental health issues.
The 43-year-old, of Penysarn on Anglesey, set up the initiative after her son Kale took his own life a few days after Christmas in 2018. The 19-year-old had been suffering from psychosis and was found dead in his flat in Amlwch the day after he had been sent home by doctors at Ysbyty Gwynedd, Bangor, after an overdose.
The service gives young person a safe space to talk knowing they will be listened to.
The 43-year-old hopes it will mean other Anglesey families will not have to face the loss of a loved one from suicide.
Jules Peters
Last year committed fundraiser Jules Peters, who is married to The Alarm frontman Mike Peters, led a charity trek in the Sahara Desert and raised an incredible £100,000.
This was the first trek Jules had done without her “co-pilot” Mike; the rocker had relapsed [Mike was diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia in 2005] and was receiving treatment at Glan Clwyd Hospital and Llandudno.
Jules, of Dyserth, a mum to two boys, led a 50-strong group. A total of 50 miles was covered over five days from Bougharn Dunes to Ouarzazate, Morocco.
The money was raised for Love Hope Strength Foundation, the charity Jules and Mike set up in 2006 in the wake of Mike’s leukaemia diagnosis.
Rebecca Morgan
Rebecca Morgan-Brennan, who runs Morgan's Hair, Beauty and Wigs in Prestatyn and Chester, was a finalist at four events last year and she secured three wins.
The Prestatyn hairdresser and wig supplier also won an incredible £10,000 investment.
With the money, Rebecca intends on creating an app that people can visit and input concerns about hair loss, hair thinning, treatment for cancer and more. Users will be given advice on where their nearest location is to get help and support.
Beth Owen
Beth Owen travelled all the way to Patagonia in Argentina to champion the Welsh language.
Through the British Council’s Welsh Language Project, Beth, originally from Lannerch-y-medd on Anglesey, journeyed 8,000 to teach at Ysgol y Cwm School in Trevelin, in the Chubut province.
Every year, the British Council sends three language development officers to develop the language in the Welsh speaking communities through both formal teaching and informal social activities.
The language evolved in Argentina more than 150 years ago, when a group of Welsh pioneers travelled across the Atlantic Ocean, creating a permanent settlement in the Chubut Valley in 1865.
Adrienne Prior
Adrienne Prior, a mum from Llandudno, spent the best part of a year renovating an old caravan into a beauty salon business.
The learner success mentor at Coleg Llandrillo carried out almost all the refurbishments herself.
With YouTube her “best friend”, she reused wood from a recycling centre, sought advice from a timber yard, went on courses to learn different skills, and was helped by friends to create her dream workplace.
Mohima Hussain
Anglesey based nurse Mohima Hussain, who was subjected to past racial abuse, is using her experiences to highlight the positives diversity can bring to Wales.
Mohima, who is aged in her early 20s, has cared for dementia patients and those reaching the end of their lives.
She applied for the Miss Wales competition with the aim of raising money for charity, Beauty with a Purpose. Past contenders have garnered over £700,000 for the good cause, money of which helps disadvantaged children in Wales.
Lisa Williams
Lisa Williams is a mum-of-two who started creating positive changes in her own life after three miscarriages.
The Rhyl author and motivational speaker has a new podcast. Vision Board Blueprints launched online in January. The podcast covers stories, support and interviews all designed to help listeners bring about those positive changes.
Lisa was recently asked if she would like to be a 'guest of honour' at this year's Garden Parties at Buckingham Palace. Unfortunately she is unable to attend but was grateful that her work had been recognised. The office of Gareth Davies, MS for Vale of Clwyd, approached Lisa with the offer; the tickets are offered to deserving people in the area.
Ellen Firth
Ellen Firth has turned her seedling of a business idea into a blossoming success.
The farmer-turned-florist, who is from a farm in Ruthin, just near the foot of the Clwydian Hills, launched Firth Flock Flowers at the start of 2023 with the support of Big Ideas Wales.
She is now expanding her business after securing land which is set to blossom into a flower garden in May 2023.
Ellen, who was diagnosed with autism in 2017, hopes the garden of chemical free, ethically grown flowers, can educate her community on the benefits of British grown flowers.
She plans to support other young people with the autism and special needs by holding immersive flower arranging and harvesting workshops.
Sammie Hughes
Sammie Hughes achieved the title of 'Greatest Loser 2023' in her Menai Bridge Slimming World group after an incredible four-stone weight loss.
Sammie went from 16st 3lb to 12st 3lb and dropped from dress size 16/18 to a size 10/12.
Her transformation began when she joined Annette Bell’s Menai Bridge group in September 2021, after her weight had impacted many aspects of her life.
Before losing the weight, Sammie felt miserable and her relationship was suffering due to lack of confidence.
She is now the fittest and healthiest she has ever been.
Amanda Blakeman
Amanda Blakeman was named the North Wales Police's new chief constable last year.
She is the first female to be appointed to the top job.
Ms Blakeman joined West Mercia Police in 1992. In 2003 she was promoted to sergeant and, across a number of ranks, led teams in delivering critical services to communities.
She has held the responsibility for intelligence and proactive functions and has been a senior investigating officer as part of the Force Serious and Organised Crime Unit. In 2008, seconded to the West Midlands Regional Intelligence Unit, she led the development of the critical processes around identifying and disrupting Organised Crime Groups.
Ms Blakeman was appointed deputy chief constable for Gwent Police in 2019 having previously been deputy chief constable in West Mercia Police.
She started as Chief Constable for North Wales Police in October 2022.
She has overall responsibility for the direction and control of the force.
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