Girls Night In

Planted: Growing Into Your Potential

Join us for Girls Night In, an evening of inspiration, empowerment, and truth, hosted by Shamila Dhana and Roni Edwards. This special event is designed for young people in the City, offering a safe and uplifting space to explore personal growth and resilience.

Through authentic and courageous conversations, we’ll hear inspiring stories from incredible women in our community who have faced challenges and emerged stronger. Together, we’ll celebrate the power of connection, growth, and shared experiences.

✨ What to Expect:

• Engaging discussions and storytelling
• Light refreshments to enjoy during the evening
• A chance to connect with others and feel empowered

✨ Guest Speakers:

Hannah Playfoot-Murray 

As a Therapist, motivational speaker and award winning Wellness coach, Hannah has over a decade of experience supporting individuals and communities to improve their Mental Wellbeing. With a passion for self development and having experienced a Mental Health crisis in her 20’s, Hannah’s mission is to make sure Mental Health support is readily available and inclusive across all societies.

She believes that with the right tools and understanding we can all become more self aware; finding our confidence, limiting our mind stress, reducing overthinking and building our resilience for the future.

Nusirat Olayiwola

I am from Africa, Nigeria – State of Origin, Kwara State. Born and raised in Kaduna State. I arrived UK in September 2019 and I have been living in Portsmouth since December 2019. Mother to three lovely children.

Keshia Stewart

I founded Politely Rebellious because I know firsthand that refusing to accept limitations and challenging expectations can change lives. From an early age, I realised that growing up without direction or opportunities wasn’t the future I wanted. I had to carve my own path—one that embraced education, ambition, and new possibilities.

By politely and rebelliously pushing past the barriers placed on me as a girl from a council estate, I built a life filled with purpose, success, and impact. Now, through Politely Rebellious Next Gen, I’m dedicated to helping young people do the same. By offering mentorship, guidance, and real opportunities, we empower the next generation to rewrite their own stories and create futures they never thought possible.

In recognition of her dedication to uplifting the next generation, Keshia was recently honoured with the Inspirational Role Model Award at the Pamodzi Inspirational Women’s Annual Awards 2025. This award celebrates her unwavering commitment to empowering young people and driving positive change in the community.

Becki Simmons

Becki is the founder of Spark, a community-driven initiative born from her own journey of recovery and resilience. After a successful career in the travel industry, Becki faced a life-changing diagnosis that led to emergency brain surgery and the end of her corporate path. During recovery, she rediscovered her confidence through volunteering, eventually supervising a charity shop where the seed for Spark was planted.

Now based in Southsea, Becki launched Spark as a space for people who feel they don’t ‘fit’—a welcoming shop with “Cuppa & Cake” where individuals can connect, build confidence, and find their spark again. Her lived experience fuels her passion to create community and belonging for others navigating their own challenges.

Mackenzie Bird

My name is Mackenzie, I’m 17, and I was the recipient for the Inspirational Woman Of Portsmouth Young Person Award 2025. When I’m not at college or at work, I spend a lot of my time getting involved with the local community here in Portsmouth and helping young people make sure their voice is heard. I was the previous Chair of Portsmouth’s Youth Cabinet, as well as still being a youth ambassador for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare Foundation Trust (previously Solent NHS), and Motiv8.

Tickets: £18 (covers both the young person and accompanying adult).
Note: Young people under 17 must be accompanied by an adult.

Ubuntu: I am because we are. Let’s grow together.