L-R Chelsea Donnelly, Jo Thomas, Clare Toia-Bailey, Whitney Conder, Jo O'Connor key team members from the inaugural conference in Alexandra in 2024

L-R Some of the new team members from Gore Jo Brand, Glenys Dickson with Whitney Conder and Jo O'Connor

A mum of three, Clare (middle of the top picture) lives in Central Otago and works across Aotearoa as a visual storyteller. Clare has always held a strong passion for supporting projects that make a difference. Initiatives that help make the world a better place to live. Dedicated to the transformative power of storytelling, Clare created Inspiring Wāhine believing that everyone has a unique story to share.

As an owner of a photography and video production company, Clare frequently meets people from a range of backgrounds all with their own inspiring story. Recognising the potential to celebrate these stories and talents in her local rural community, Clare established this conference. Since the inaurgral, successful conference in Alexandra, Central Otago last year, Clare has collaborated with a team of amazing wahine, sponsors and local community committed to helping to bring the event to Gore, Southland 2025 albeit with an expanded program. For more about inspiring wāhine check out the event website.

The wider team as last years inaugural conference in Alexandra