The full story
About IWN
Welcome to Inspiring Women Network (IWN)! At IWN, we are driven by a passion for empowering women and creating positive change within our community. Our journey began with a group of local women who recognised the challenges faced by women in Cornwall and decided to take action. Over the years, our organisation has grown and evolved, but our core mission remains the same - to support, uplift, and celebrate women in all aspects of their lives.
Mission
Our mission is to connect, inspire, and empower women to thrive and fulfil their unique potential by cultivating a vibrant, affirming, and inclusive community.
IWN is dedicated to providing a supportive and nurturing environment for women of all backgrounds. We offer a wide range of programmes, workshops, and events designed to foster personal growth, professional development, and community engagement. Our initiatives are rooted in the principles of inclusivity, diversity, and intersectionality, ensuring that all women feel seen, heard, and empowered.
Vision
Our vision is for a world that is just, equitable, and inclusive for all women and their families.
Our vision is a society where women are truly empowered, where gender equality is a reality, and where every woman's voice is heard and valued. We strive for a world where women can thrive, lead, and achieve their full potential without limitations or barriers.
IWN's Values
Our Values: At IWN, we uphold a set of values that guide everything we do:
Empowerment: We believe in empowering women to recognise their strengths, overcome challenges, and lead with confidence and purpose.
Inclusivity: We embrace diversity and strive to create an inclusive space where women from all walks of life feel welcome and valued.
Connection: We understand the power of community and the strength that comes from supporting and uplifting one another.
Advocacy: We advocate for gender equality and social justice, promoting awareness and understanding of women's issues within our community and beyond.
Resilience: We are resilient in the face of challenges, adapting and evolving to meet the changing needs of our members and community.
Authenticity: We work and lead in a way that allows us to be true to ourselves, and we embrace women as they are.
Meet the Founders
Founder & CEO
Nour Chakroun
Nour was born in Lebanon and moved to Canada in 1990, before relocating to the UK to study Islamic Studies. Nour speaks English, Arabic and French. She graduated with a Master’s in Islamic Studies from the University of Exeter then embarked on a role in community development with Unity Cornwall and set up the Muslim and South Asian Women’s Support Group, aimed at reducing isolation and creating opportunities for marginalised women across Cornwall. This led to her founding Inspiring Women Network in 2010. Nour is a fellow of the School for Social Entrepreneurs, graduating from their Start Up and Trade Up programmes.
Founding Director
Caroline Gayle-Dunne
Caroline has lived in Cornwall for the past 30 years and is passionate about supporting disadvantaged groups, particularly where deprivation is often hidden. Caroline initially trained as a mental health nurse before becoming a counselling psychotherapist, specialising in domestic abuse and violence against women, providing accessible therapeutic care for women. As a Black woman living in Cornwall, Caroline has drawn from her experiences to advocate for and promote the needs of Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic communities. She also served as a board member of Unity Cornwall.
Founding Director
Shibon Armstrong
Shibon is an entrepreneur, having founded her own start-up hospitality business in 2022, in memory of her Jamaican heritage. Prior to this, Shibon spent 20 years in the social housing sector, working directly with tenants, regulatory bodies and community organisations, where she gained first-hand knowledge of social inequalities, government policy and working with some of the most vulnerable in society.