The UN’s theme for International Women’s Day 2025 is “For ALL women and girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.”
In celebration of this, Tech Cornwall, TECwomen CIC and friends have joined forces to bring you an inspiring event focused on financial freedom for women in Cornwall.
Talking about money can often feel uncomfortable, but breaking the taboo is the first step toward economic empowerment. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed by finances, just starting your journey toward financial independence, or looking for ways to make your money work harder for you, this event is here to help you with real, practical advice you can use straight away.
You can expect:
✅ Local speakers sharing real-world financial knowledge.
✅ Tips to help you take control of your finances.
✅ A supportive and inclusive environment where no personal financial details are required to be shared.
✅ Key resources for you to take home and digest in your own time
Who is it for?
This event is open to all who identify with or feel comfortable in a women-centred space, including women, non-binary people, and anyone for whom this space feels relevant.
Agenda
The full timings will be confirmed shortly. In the meantime, here’s a rough schedule subject to change:
Event Schedule
09:00 – Arrival & Registration
09:30 – Welcome & Introductions – Niki Davies, Tech Cornwall
09:40 – Introduction, Caitlin Gould TECwomen CIC
09:50 – Gabriela Isas (Good With Money) – “You’re Competent—Own It.”
The idea that women are not financially capable has been deeply ingrained in many cultures for generations. The reality is quite the opposite. Research—both broadly and from Good With—proves that women excel at managing money. Yet, many still struggle with financial confidence. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. We’ll explore the research and uncover what might be holding you back from fully owning your financial confidence.
10:20 – Laura Whyte (Whyfield) – “Financially Empowered: Tax & Money Strategies”
Financially Empowered: Tax & Money Strategies is a focused session designed to help women navigate finances and tax with confidence. Whether you’re managing personal finances, planning for the future, or looking to optimise your tax situation, this session will provide practical insights and guidance. We will share information on how to maximize savings, understand tax deductions, and build financial
10:50 – Break (20 mins)
11:10 – Shona Marsh – “The practical money workshop: investing & pensions”
Shona’s workshop takes you through the practicalities of investing and pensions, related to women and financial empowerment and ultimately freedom, all from a real life practical and personal perspective. Her aim is to break the gender wealth gap and enable more women to understand and have confidence in investing and their financial futures.
11:55 – Helen Kneale (Cornwall Council Women’s Forum)
Helen will give a 5 minute introduction to what the Women’s Forum within the Council is, what they do and how they have made positive change within the council to support the women that work there. Designed to inspire others to champion within their own organisation.
12:00 – Close, buffet lunch & networking
13:00 – Event close
Introducing our speakers:
Gabriela Isas, Founder of GoodWith, Entrepreneur, Advocate for Financial Confidence
Good With Money: You’re Competent—Own It.
Gabriela is a forward-thinking entrepreneur and intrapreneur with extensive experience across all aspects of marketing—from business strategy and innovation to user experience, commercialisation, and delivery. With a unique blend of technical expertise, business acumen, and proven leadership, she thrives on driving change and making things happen.
As a fintech founder with lived experience of financial anxiety and overindebtedness, Gabriela launched Good With to empower people to build their own financial capability and access fair finance. Passionate about bridging the gap between financial competence and confidence, she is dedicated to helping individuals take control of their financial futures.
Laura Whyte, Managing Director, Whyfield Accountants:
Financially Empowered: Tax & Money Strategies
Laura is the Managing Director and co-founder of Whyfield, a firm of accountants in Truro with an equal focus on people and numbers . Laura is also the Chair and Finance Director of Cornwall Chamber of Commerce and has several other board positions and volunteer roles.
She began her career at a large accounting firm and subsequently ran the finance department at a busy regional construction company. With a range of qualifications under her belt, Laura has progressed her studies alongside growing Whyfield and is always keen to build her knowledge to be able to support clients.
Laura’s outstanding commitment to the profession and supporting businesses has resulted in her winning several awards, including Businessperson of the Year, Most Influential Businessperson in Cornwall, and Small Business Mentor of the Year. She was also a double finalist at the National Women’s Awards and a finalist at the international AAT Accountancy awards. Whyfield is also an award-winning practice in its own right.
Shona Marsh, Startup Builder
Shona works in and for tech startups, currently running a tech accelerator for the Scottish Government, and dabbling in property and investing. Money and personal finance have turned into somewhat of a hobby, and she regularly acts as a financial ‘go to’ for her friends.
Helen Kneale, Co-Chair of Women’s Forum (Cornwall Council)
Important Disclaimer This event is for educational and informational purposes only. The content provided does not constitute financial advice, recommendations, or endorsements. The organisers—Tech Cornwall and TECwomen CIC—are not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and are therefore not authorised to provide financial advice. This gathering is for informational purposes only.
We strongly recommend conducting your own research and seeking independent, FCA-regulated financial advice where necessary. Any financial decisions or arrangements you make following this event are made at your own discretion and risk.
Risk Warning: Investing Carries Risks The value of investments and any income derived from them can go down as well as up. There is no guarantee that you will get back the original amount you invested.
This event is part of Cornwall’s Festival of Tech
