Young Women into Leadership (You WIL) Summit 2026

Want to hear from people shaping policy? Scientists pushing boundaries? Business founders changing industries? Athletes at the top of their game? Artists reshaping culture?

The Young Women into Leadership (You WIL) Summit returns in 2026 for another inspiring year of empowering girls aged 14-16 with the skills, confidence, and global outlook needed to lead.

Organised by Birmingham City Council and the University of Birmingham, in partnership with the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign and the British Council, You WIL reflects the city’s commitment to investing in future generations and celebrating cultural diversity. The programme fosters meaningful connections between like-minded young leaders in Birmingham and across the world, helping to build a global mindset for the changemakers of tomorrow.

In 2025, the summit welcomed a new cohort of 65 girls in the online programme, bringing together participants from India, as well as Birmingham’s global partner cities, including Changchun, Chicago, Frankfurt, Johannesburg, Lyon, Milan, and Zaporizhzhia (Ukraine).

You WIL will 2026 run for 6 days, where participants will take part in two hours of interactive online sessions each day, with each session dedicated to a distinct leadership theme.

Interested in joining us? Ask your school on how to apply.

Outline of the six-day Summit

• Day 1: Leading for Change: Women in Politics, Public Service and Humanitarian Work
• Day 2: Future Founders: Women Leading in Business & Entrepreneurship
• Day 3: The Power of Women in Sport and Wellbeing
• Day 4: Innovators of tomorrow: Women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths
• Day 5: Women Shaping the Arts, Culture, Media & the Creative Industries
• Day 6: Group presentations from the participants

Who is speaking at the event?

Each themed session features inspiring women leaders who will share their experiences, career journeys, and insights on overcoming challenges. This year we bring together an exceptional group of speakers who represent a wide range of fields and leadership pathways, including:

• Hannah Witton – Author, broadcaster, and award-winning digital creator recognised for breaking down barriers around health and wellbeing.
• Lamyea Ahmed – Youth activist and community organiser dedicated to social justice, education access, and empowering young women.
• Hadil Touihri – Entrepreneur and STEM advocate championing women’s participation in technology and engineering.
• Chancellor Sandie Okoro OBE – The first female Chancellor of the University of Birmingham, a globally recognised lawyer, equality champion, and inaugural Chair of the Women of the World (WOW) Foundation.
• Di Xiao – Concert pianist named amongst the 10 most outstanding Chinese concert pianists and champion of female composers
• Ona Ilozumba – Global health researcher specializing in community-based health interventions and primary healthcare system strengthening.

How can you take part?

Throughout the week, participants will have the opportunity to engage in discussions, ask questions, and reflect on their own leadership aspirations. They will also be supported by student and staff mentors, led by Associate Professor Frances Seabridge from the University of Birmingham.

Working in teams, they will develop presentations on a chosen theme, applying what they have learned throughout the summit. These presentations will be delivered live online on Monday, 27^th July to an international panel including Professor Sammer Saleh Jones (UIUC), Heather Law (BCC), Doaa Hafez (British Council), Associate Professor Meng Tian (UoB), Associate Professor Frances Seabridge (UoB), and Director Andrea Edwards (UoB).

Why apply?

• Hear real stories from women you'll actually want to listen to
• Connect with girls like you from across the world
• Figure out what you're passionate about
• Build your network (yes, it matters now)
• Get a certificate of attendance to start building your CV

5 days. 35 women. Infinite possibilities.

Spaces are limited - ask your school about the event today!