Welcoming Carol Ann Whitehead as Co-Lead for Participation

We're proud to announce Carol Ann Whitehead has joined our charity as a new Co-Lead for our Participation thematic area, working alongside existing leads Professor Francesca Gains and Dr Rosalind Shorrocks to explore and highlight issues affecting women’s participation in political and public life across Greater Manchester.

Carol Ann is a long-standing supporter of GM4Women2028 and a familiar face within our network, having regularly contributed as a speaker at events. Her extensive experience of campaigning, political engagement, women's leadership and public life makes her a natural fit for the Participation theme and an exciting addition to our volunteer team.

Bringing expertise in women's participation and leadership

Carol Ann is an award-winning strategic planner, campaign leader and international speaker, renowned as a fearless "Disruptor for Good". She’s a Global Goodwill Ambassador and UN SDG Champion, as well as Co-Founder of The Zebra Partnership, a specialist publishing, events and campaigns agency focused on diverse consultancy, audience engagement and social impact.

A passionate advocate for equity, Carol Ann's approach is centred on what she describes as "Queen-Making" – the intentional elevation and mentorship of other women into positions of power. Her work in this area was recognised with the Constance Award at the Inspiring Women Awards 2025, while she was named Political Figure of the Year at the Baton Awards 2024.

Her background spans grassroots campaigning, political engagement, institutional leadership and public life. As an Ambassador and former Trustee for 50:50 Parliament, she spearheaded the Rosa-funded Amplifying Muted Voices campaign, supporting Northern women of colour to explore and develop pathways towards political office.

Her wider roles include Honorary EDI Fellow at the University of East London, Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, Regional Board Chair for the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) West Midlands and North West, and Deputy Chair of the CMI Women's Board.

Analysing participation in practice

Carol Ann's appointment strengthens our Participation thematic area which looks at women's representation and influence in political and public life, using evidence, discussion and connections to explore the barriers and opportunities affecting women’s participation in decision making.

Carol Ann brings a particular strength in connecting research, campaigning, events and opportunities for engagement. That was demonstrated at our July ‘Dialogue, Deeds & Determination’ event in Rochdale, where Carol Ann hosted a Participation session entitled ‘Rise, Roar, Represent’ encouraging women to recognise their own leadership potential, understand the different pathways into politics and identify practical next steps towards greater participation.

Her contribution will complement the existing work of Francesca and Rosalind, helping to bring different perspectives and experiences into the Participation theme and providing ways for our network to engage with these issues.

"Having been a speaker for GM4Women2028 since day one and instrumental in getting us on Wikipedia, I'm delighted to take on an official role with the network. As a long-time supporter, operating in a formal capacity to spread the gospel feels incredibly meaningful. Greater Manchester is bursting with talented women. I’m excited to help build the connections and confidence they need to amplify their voices, step forward and shape the decisions that affect all our lives." – Carol Ann Whitehead FRSA CMgr CCMI

Building on the work already underway

With Carol Ann joining Francesca and Rosalind, the three Co-Leads bring complementary expertise: rigorous research and analysis alongside practical knowledge of campaigning, leadership development and political participation.

"I’m thrilled to welcome Carol Ann into the GM4Women2028 team. She’s been such a dedicated supporter of our charity, and her input into our events has demonstrated the energy and insight she brings to conversations about women's leadership and representation. Carol Ann’s contribution to our events, including the ‘Rise, Roar, Represent’ session at our July event, is a great example of how she can complement the evidence and analysis that underpin our Participation work." – Helen Pankhurst CBE, Convenor, GM4Women2028

Adding a new perspective to the Participation theme

Carol Ann's appointment reflects our approach of bringing together data, research, policy insight, networks and lived experience to better understand gender equality in Greater Manchester’s ten boroughs. We look forward to seeing how her commitment to "Queen-Making" will help inspire even more of Greater Manchester’s women to rise, roar and represent.