Amazon MGM Studios’ head of unscripted, UK Originals, Fozia Khan; ITV’s director of entertainment, reality & daytime Katie Rawcliffe; BBC Studios executive editor (BBC Morning Live and The One Show) Emma Morris, and BAFTA award-winning continuity script supervisor Emma Thomas are confirmed as speakers for Wonder Women Live! 2026 in Manchester, taking place in March in celebration of International Women’s Week.
Now entering its 9th year, Wonder Women Live! is presented by Wonder Women CIC, the inspiring women’s network dedicated to elevating diverse women into senior leadership roles within television and the creative industries.
The Manchester edition, supported by Prime Video Pathway, takes place at the Coronation Street Experience on Wednesday 11th March.
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Timed to coincide with International Women’s Day, Wonder Women Live! is the annual networking event that brings together 100 diverse women from the television and creative industries for an evening of inspiration, candid discussion and meaningful connection. Hosted by TV Presenter and Wonder Women Founder Ria Hebden, the event serves as a powerful platform to hear from inspirational industry trailblazers while cultivating a supportive and dynamic networking event.
Attendees gain invaluable insights, share lived experiences and explore key issues affecting women’s career advancement in the industry. Through purposeful discussion and structured networking, participants build lasting professional relationships – boosting collaboration, social mobility and employability within the sector.
Reflecting on the recent Film & TV Charity report, which revealed that three-quarters of film & TV workers have considered leaving the industry in the last year, Hebden, said: “Wonder Women Live! continues to grow each year, bringing together extraordinary senior female leaders to share their wisdom and learnt insights. At a time when so many talented professionals are considering leaving TV due to the industry contracting, our programmes provide crucial support: providing access to senior leaders, a structured space to expand their networks, and to learn directly from seasoned experts.
“It has never been more important for women to invest in their learning and development. Too often, our industry lags behind other sectors because professional development is deprioritised or under-resourced. We are committed to helping change that. By equipping women with knowledge, guidance and meaningful connections, we support them not only to survive, but to thrive and progress in their careers.
“With the support of partners like Prime Video Pathway, who share our commitment to upskilling and creating opportunities for underrepresented talent, we are proud to deliver events and our mentoring programme to help tackle these challenges, uplift our community and advance women’s careers.”
Prime Video Pathway also sponsors the Manchester edition of Wonder Women Live!, giving women and underrepresented creatives based across the North of England direct access to senior industry leaders. By covering ticket costs, the sponsorship removes financial barriers, offering industry professionals the ability to attend the Manchester event as a complimentary opportunity. The partnership, announced last month, is part of Pathway’s year-long commitment to supporting Wonder Women’s mission. In addition to Wonder Women Live! in Manchester, Prime Video Pathway are also the headline sponsor of the 2026 Wonder Women Mentoring Programme, helping 31 mid-to-senior level women across the UK advance toward senior creative leadership roles.
Founded in 2016 by television presenter Ria Hebden, Wonder Women was created to address the industry’s need for a diverse and supportive community for women from underrepresented and marginalised groups. Its mission is to inspire, connect, and uplift women through an intersectional approach that fosters both professional and personal growth. By sharing the experience of established women in Television and the creative industries, Wonder Women is empowering the next generation of diverse, female leaders. This is achieved through signature events such as the Wonder Women Live! and Wonder Women Conference events, the Wonder Women TV Podcast, the online Power Sessions, the nationwide year-long Mentoring Programme, and online Wonder Women Membership.
Wonder Women is a Community Interest Company (CIC), guided by a distinguished advisory board of female leaders: Various Artists Limited Senior Production Accountant Nicole Marie Joseph, Orchard Studios MD Nicola Hill, Global Creative & Strategic leader Babita Bahal, Legal Counsel Hayley Brady from Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer, Global Finance & Operations Leader Katrina Strauss, Media Relations Tolu Akinsanya and Anne-Marie Douglas, Founder & Co-CEO Peer Power Youth.
