I started SheSays Brighton in 2011, right when the Brighton Digital Festival was about to launch. Our community has grown alongside the festival, starting out on the edges and evolving into an established part of it. My mission was clear: to create a space where women in all areas of digital and tech could come together, connect, and thrive, not just those in web design. The original global remit of SheSays was to get more women into creative director positions, but here in Brighton, I wanted to broaden that vision to include all voices: developers, strategists, project managers, digital artists, and more.
Since then, we’ve seen incredible growth. Our mailing list has jumped from a modest 50 to over 2,000 amazing women, with around 300 attending our events. We’ve hosted inspiring speakers like Caroline Lucas MP, Rosa Fox from Codebar, Alison Coward of Bracket, and Nikki Gatenby, the former MD of Propellernet. And during one of our events, we even raised £3,000 for charity, all thanks to the fantastic spirit of our community.
What’s even more rewarding is that SheSays Brighton has inspired other groups to start, like CodeBar Brighton, Ladies That UX, Brighton Girl, and 300 Seconds. It’s incredible to see this movement grow, with more women’s voices and perspectives entering the conversation.
During lockdown, we pivoted to online events to keep our community connected, but now we’ve streamlined our focus to just two events a year: one in October for the Brighton Digital Festival and another in March to celebrate International Women’s Day.
Fast forward to today, and SheSays Brighton is still as relevant as ever. We continue to face unique challenges as women in these industries, but our community ensures we’re not just keeping up; we’re leading the charge. We dive into the conversations that matter, empowering each other to see our work and perspectives represented at the highest levels.
SheSays Brighton is all about ensuring that women, regardless of their digital niche, have the opportunity to grow, connect, and step into leadership roles. It’s not just about getting a seat at the table; it’s about shaping the entire conversation. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to advance your career, remember there’s a place for all of us in tech, and our voices are absolutely essential. Together, we can make a difference and pave the way for future generations of women in this industry.
Our next event is on Friday 25 October at Projects Brighton and it’s part of Dreamy Place, Brighton’s digital festival. Get your ticket here now.
