The North East is more than just home – it’s a growing hub for innovation, enterprise, and strong business communities that believe in equity. WOW will invite local leaders who are shaping that future for a morning of informal conversation, networking and coffee.

Following the breakfast, the leaders will be invited to stick around and share their expertise, advice and support with young people from across the Tees Valley who are joining that day’s WOW North East Schools Day. This unique one-to-one experience is an amazing opportunity to give back to local young people, who are looking to be inspired, uplifted and supported. All mentors will be invited to talk about their own experiences and choices and how they got to where they currently are. A regular feature at WOW Festivals, WOW seek out and invite mentors with all sorts of different expertise – from science to media to tech to sport to politics to art to gardening - from freelancers to CEO’s to those who’ve had a complete career change.

For more information, please email jeannie@thewowfoundation.com

This event takes place as part of WOW North East Festival. Founded in 2010, more than 150 WOW Festivals and events have now taken place in 71 locations across the world, and 2025 marks the first ever WOW Festival in the North East! Taking place in partnership with S&DR200, WOW will pack Gala Durham full of unmissable talks, performances and workshops to celebrate the incredible women, girls and non-binary people of the North East.

Don’t miss the WOW North East Festival Day on Saturday 18 October – a day full of powerful conversations, joyful workshops and unforgettable performances.

More WOW North East events are to be announced! Sign up to WOW’s newsletter here for all the latest news and announcements.