WHO WE ARE?

The representation of women in media worldwide is often clouded by stereotypes and misconceptions. At Wempower UK, we believe it’s time to change this narrative by sharing positive, inclusive, and powerful stories of women who fight daily against patriarchy, human rights violations, cultural and religious barriers, the pay gap, and more. These women lead by example, inspiring others to overcome obstacles created by a male-dominated society.

We are a global network of journalists from diverse cultures, religions, and backgrounds united by a shared mission: to rewrite the narrative on gender issues and women’s rights. Together, we’re building a strong, supportive community of women ready to create change and inspire future generations through their talent, passion, and fearless storytelling.

Are you ready to meet and connect with remarkable women making a real impact?

At Wempower UK, we amplify the voices of ordinary yet extraordinary women who are transforming the world. Our diverse and talented team, alongside a network of dedicated contributors, delivers a more inclusive narrative that celebrates these inspiring stories.

  • Podcast: Our flagship podcast features candid interviews with women journalists and trailblazers behind the headlines. It connects junior and senior reporters while spotlighting extraordinary women shaping their communities and industries.

  • Bi-monthly Magazine: Each issue highlights fearless women breaking barriers in sports, politics, economics, journalism, and beyond—challenging the status quo and redefining what’s possible.

  • Weekly Newsletter: Every Monday, receive the latest news, insights, and trends on women’s rights and gender issues in journalism and media. Sign up here.

Since 2021, we have proudly collaborated with leading academic institutions including Goldsmiths University, Metropolitan University, Nottingham Trent University, and the London School of Journalism to offer students invaluable work experience, placements, and summer internships — helping nurture the next generation of women journalists and media professionals.

Our Impact and Recognition:

🏆 Digital Female Empowerment Magazine of the Year 2023 — Western Europe
🏆 Most Empowering Women’s Journalism & Media Platform 2024 — UK Enterprise Awards

Whether you’re just starting your journey or already leading the way, Wempower is here to empower and inspire YOU.

There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish!

Michelle Obama
First lady of america, lawyer and author

Here at Wempower we believe in positive, inspiring, inclusive and open mind individuals that are capable of inspiring changes and stand for others, sharing knowledge and experiences. 

Integrity, accountability, diligence, perseverance and discipline are our core values. 

Meet the founder

Discover the talents behind Wempower

Ilaria Biancacci

Founder and CEO

Ilaria Biancacci is a journalist with over a decade of experience across TV, radio, digital, and print newsrooms. She has reported extensively from crisis areas such as Palestine, Lebanon, and Turkey, where her work deepened her commitment to gender issues, human rights, and inclusive storytelling. Her journalism has consistently focused on amplifying the voices of women and marginalized communities, particularly in regions often overlooked by mainstream media.

In 2020 she launched Wempower, a news platform focused on stories of ordinary extraordinary women, change makers, pioneers and leaders, that are creating a more inclusive, diverse and equal society. The aim of Wempower is to change the narrative on gender issues, bringing to the front page more positive and inspirational stories, provide work opportunities for women in journalism, especially from marginalised and underrepresented communities, empower women in the media field through courses, mentoring and coaching programs, and increase gender representation and diversity in the newsrooms, especially in decision making positions.

meet the team

Cecilia Blotto

Podcast Producer

Cecilia is a multimedia freelance journalist from Italy, born and raised in London.

Since graduating from her Masters in Journalism from Columbia University, she has worked for publications including The Telegraph, The I Paper, Far Out Magazine and The Italy Edit.

Alongside writing, she is passionate about audio storytelling and has produced an investigative podcast miniseries called ’The Arts Exodus’ in collaboration with the award-winning platform Podium.me.

She is particularly passionate about reporting on life & arts, politics and culture wars that define the world we live in. 

Rachel White

Social Media Editor

Rachel is a journalist and storyteller exploring the human stories behind culture, travel, and politics. A UCL languages graduate, she’s lived across Europe and Latin America, where her passion for education, social justice, and cultural identity deepened.
 
She specialises in audio journalism, using sound to create intimate, immersive stories that transport listeners across borders.
 
Rachel writes ‘The Window Seat‘, a Substack newsletter examining how culture, travel, and politics converge in our modern world. 

Sienna Norris

newsletter Editor

Based in Essex, UK, Sienna currently works in the education sector, whilst also doing freelance writing on the side. In 2023, she graduated with a BA degree in English Literature and Film Studies from the University of East Anglia. She hopes in the future to be a full time journalist.
 
Her passion for journalism and writing began in 2021, when she wrote her first article for her university’s student newspaper, which she went on to be Features Editor of during her final year of study. 
 
She first became acquainted with feminism when she was studying for her English Literature A Level, but it wasn’t until a few years later when she really started to take it seriously. After attending a vigil for Sarah Everard on her university campus, the solidarity and togetherness of the other attendees ignited a spark within Sienna. Since then, she has tried to participate in every way she can to fight for women’s rights.
 
When Sienna came across Wempower and its mission, she knew she had to be a part of it!

Heidy lo

Copy-Editor

Heidy was born and raised in Hong Kong and she moved to the UK to further her studies in 2019.

She is now an MA graduate who is looking to start her career in publishing.

She has always been interested in editing and writing, completing her first undergraduate in English back home before enrolling in the University of Manchester to further work on her craft by studying Literature with Creative Writing.

She started her writing journey by publishing articles in the Hong Kong Free Press and the Hong Kong Review of Books, she also wrote for the Mancunion after moving to Manchester.

She is incredibly interested in feminism and furthering the conversation of gender equality globally.

She is eager to be part of the conversation and the change, and Wempower is the perfect place for her to learn and thrive.

Roshni Rajesh

Social Media Editor

Roshni is a Cultural Storyteller, and Freelance Travel Feature Writer, as well as a social media editor with a deep passion for creating engaging and impactful content. Based in Bengaluru, India, she is currently pursuing a Postgraduate Diploma in Journalism from the London School of Journalism. In 2023, she completed her Master of Business Administration, specialising in Marketing and Finance.

With a growing passion for storytelling, she now aspires to become a compelling and influential voice for her readers.

Roshni’s journey into journalism and cultural storytelling began during her undergraduate studies, where she pursued a triple major in Psychology, Journalism, and Computer Science. Her academic experiences were enriched by her role as the Editor of her campus magazine and as a News Anchor for her college television channel. During this time, she reported on critical issues, including a significant story on child harassment. She also investigated the decline of the cobbler profession, highlighting how high-end fashion brands had overshadowed traditional craftsmanship. Her empathetic coverage brought attention to the affected community and contributed to efforts to support them.

Roshni’s passion aligns closely with the mission of Wempower, where she seeks to challenge conventional portrayals of women. Rather than reinforcing stereotypes of femininity or vulnerability, she is committed to presenting women as strong, capable professionals. Her vision is to highlight the strength and resilience of women, not just what they can do, but who they already are.

previous contributors

malemba mkongo

editor - kenya

Yağmur Güleray

editor - turkey

Deniz Erdoğan

editor - turkey

Blessed Smith

intern

Frankie McCann

intern

Debora Roles

intern

Laura Whitmore

intern

Ellen Conroy

intern

Cheryl Foo

intern

Anna Kelly

intern

Rebecca Crockett

intern

Frances Douglas Thomson

intern

Meghna Warrier

intern

Faye Price

mentee

Anna Audrien

filmmaker

Priyanka Mena

Contributor

grace Bousfield

intern

Amina Sofia El-Maghraby

Contributor

MHIA VIGNOULLE

Contributor

Emma Griffiths

Contributor

Sarah Pass

Contributor

Catherine Gregson

Contributor

Amirah Ahmedi​

Contributor

Christelle Wealth-Mukendi​

Intern

Rhea Panwar​

Editor