FORTIS THERAPY & TRAINING AND STOKES TEA & COFFEE JOIN FORCES TO PRESENT #IWD2023 – A UNIQUE AND POWERFUL CHARITY EVENT TO CELEBRATE EMPOWERMENT IN THE MODERN DAY

At an event which promises to break the traditional IWD mould, Fortis and Stokes present an incredible panel of diverse speakers, entertainment, Michelin star-inspired food and drinks to match and plenty of fun, at this celebration of empowerment in the modern day.

Following on from Fortis’ sell-out online IWD event held in the midst of lockdown, this year the Fortis team has joined forces with Stokes of Lincoln to create a celebration that stands out from all other International Women’s Day events.

Entitled ‘Celebrating Empowerment in the Modern Day’, this will be an event which truly embraces what the modern-day woman means, celebrating diversity and inclusion, and giving guests, hosts and panellists alike, the opportunity and space to openly discuss mental health, modern-day issues and changing perspectives while letting their hair down.

Kicking off at 6pm – no afternoon teas here – the event will shine a spotlight on the insightful viewpoints of our three guest panellists, led by host, Fortis Managing Director, and TEDx speaker – recently showcased by TED Talks – Alexis Powell-Howard.

The multi-award-winning speaker and psychotherapist will be joined on stage by Celine Begone – drag artist and LGBTQ+ advocate and educator; Dan Lowes – former Red Arrow, Top Gun graduate and mental health campaigner; and Jess Morgan – PR guru at Rapha and activist for making cycling an inclusive and welcoming space for more people from underrepresented groups – particularly women, people of colour and the LGBTQ+ community. Celine will be treating guests to some tunes on the night too.

This evening of empowerment – and all the sequins, colours and sparkles that go with it – will also be captured by Lincoln-based photographers and videographers, Hebb + Griff – so guests are encouraged to come party-ready.

The night – styled by Santa Maria – will also feature the talents of Magnus Werdenskog aka The Scandi Chef. A former chef at Michelin Star restaurant Aquavit in New York, Marcus has designed a 3-course menu specifically for the event, putting foods which are known to support our bodies and mind in the spotlight.

Tickets are already selling fast for this exclusive event, with one attendee saying: “This sounds amazing and something I definitely want to be a part of. I have waited for years for an event like this to be held in Lincoln that really is understanding the diversity of what the word ‘woman’ should stand for. I’ve seen events like this held in London and Manchester and they create such a buzz. Finally, something that is ahead of the curve for Lincoln.”

Funds raised on the night via ticket sales will be split between three charities: Just Lincolnshire, The O’Flynn Foundation and Edan Lincs. Any businesses that want to support these charities via sponsorship are encouraged to contact Karis at Stokes.

Alexis said: “We are thrilled to be working with Stokes to host such a unique International Women’s Day event. We were so excited to be bringing something different to Lincoln and something that hasn’t really been done before for an IWD event – celebrating empowerment in the modern day, in all its forms, seemed like the perfect way to do that.

“The panel we curated promises to deliver an inspiring and thought-provoking discussion, one we’re encouraging guests to join in with. But above all, we want people to come and have fun on the night, let their hair down, and be in a room full of like-minded people to inspire confidence and community and expand our minds and outlook. We can’t wait to celebrate with you all.”

Karis Hildred, Events Manager at Stokes’ Lawn Event Centre, added: “We’re immensely proud to host such an innovative and impactful event with Fortis Therapy & Training. It’s vital to recognise what it means to be a modern-day woman and celebrate diversity and ensure inclusion. The funds raised will help support three amazing local charities.”

Our panel:
Alexis Powell-Howard | A multi-award-winning businesswoman, accredited psychotherapist, twice TEDx speaker and managing director of Mental Health Consultancy of the Year, Fortis Therapy and Training. Alexis is a professional speaker and passionate about encouraging good conversation and discussions. With her own unique take on mental health, emotional support, inclusivity, and accessibility – Alexis will guarantee a lively dialogue on the night.
Celine Begone | A Lincoln-based drag artist who has become a staple within the LGBTQ+ community since 2016, their work ranges from entertainment to advocacy and education. They can often be found singing a show tune whilst donning their signature purple eyeshadow and sipping on a cheeky glass of rosé. Affectionately they are referred to as Aunty Celine by many.
Dan Lowes | Former Red Arrow and Top Gun graduate Dan joined the RAF at 19 and has operated at a world-class level in high-pressure environments ever since. Having lost his sister at a younger age, Dan is passionate about mental health awareness.
Jess Morgan | Marketing and PR guru at Rapha, and race cyclist in her spare time, through her role Jess supports grassroots racing in the UK and promotes women’s cycling and diversity in cycling. Knowing first-hand how rewarding it is to feel part of the cycling community, Jess is pushing to make the world of cycling an inclusive and welcoming space for more people from underrepresented groups – particularly women, people of colour and the LGBTQ+ community.

Our charities:
Just Lincolnshire | JUST Lincolnshire, are a single equality organisation in Lincolnshire. Just Lincolnshire aims to make a real difference in the lives of people from all backgrounds. By championing equality, tackling discrimination, and celebrating the richly diverse makeup of Lincolnshire.
O’Flynn Foundation | A new Lincolnshire charity who are providing mental health therapy to the people of Lincolnshire.
Edan Lincs | EDAN Lincs Domestic Abuse Service is a registered charity. They cover the county of Lincolnshire and provide support and assistance to men, women and children suffering, or fleeing from domestic abuse.

Event information:
Date: Wednesday 8th March
Time: 6pm -11pm
Location: The Blue Room, The Lawn, Union Road, Lincoln, LN1 3BU
Chosen charities: Just Lincolnshire, O’Flynn Foundation, Edan Lincs
Tickets: £70p +vat
Booking: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/celebrating-empowerment-in-the-modern-day-tickets-541724621927 or call 01522 523548.