Former DCI and Traitors Contestant Headlines Tomorrow’s Women Conference

Published by Burgess Hill Girls on Thursday 12th of March 2026

Amanda Collier joined an inspiring panel of female leaders from education, the arts and public relations as students from Burgess Hill Girls took the reins of this year’s Tomorrow’s Women Conference, celebrating International Women’s Day.

The Tomorrow’s Women Conference, hosted annually by sixth form students from Burgess Hill Girls, returned on Monday 9th March. The conference brought together a dynamic celebration for International Women’s Day and an impressive panel of female leaders, including Amanda Collier, former Metropolitan Police Detective Chief Inspector and recent contestant on the hit BBC series The Traitors. Collier, who spent 29 years leading major investigations before stepping onto a primetime TV set, shared insights into resilience, risk‑taking and being prepared to redefine ones career path. She was joined by:

• Ellie Bishop‑Williams who has built Project Female UK into one of Brighton’s most dynamic youth arts organisations, using dance as a platform for empowerment, confidence and creative expression.


• Julie Kapsalis MBE, CEO and Principal of NESCOT is a nationally recognised leader in further education, championing economic development, employability and opportunities for women in leadership roles. Her recent MBE reflects her long‑standing commitment to community impact and inclusive growth.


• Flo Powell Joint Managing Director of award wining Midnight PR, based in Brighton, are proud supporters of The Girls’ Network and are dedicated to raising girls’ aspirations and showing young women that creativity and business can thrive side‑by‑side.

This year’s conference theme, “Give to Gain,” shaped conversations about collaboration, confidence and the importance of seizing opportunities; saying yes to any that are presented. Ellie Bishop-Williams reinforced this point saying, "what's the worst that could happen!"

The event is organised and delivered entirely by students in the lower sixth at Burgess Hill Girls as part of their leadership development. The audience was made up of Year 10 students, including girls from other local schools, including; Burgess Hill Academy, Chailey School, Oathall Community College,and Davison High School. This year saw a refreshed podcast‑style format, where student hosts led open discussions that encouraged honesty, humour, and practical advice about being a woman in the workplace.

Zoe Cheal, one of the student hosts added, "Being part of the Tomorrow’s Women team reminded me of the importance of teamwork, encouraging one another, and sharing ideas. The whole afternoon was such special occasion celebrating women and female empowerment. I am so thankful to have heard from such inspirational industry leaders and to have played a part in the organising of this event!"

Head of Sixth Form, Iain Regan-Smith said, “We see the students grow visibly through this experience. The chance to interview industry leaders, network with guests and manage a live audience gives them confidence, agency and a genuine sense of ownership over their learning and personal development.”

Following the event the school received the following feedback from Davison High School. Thank you so much for today. The girls loved it! They were buzzing on the way back to school and have started planning their own event for the summer term!