Real Women Raw Stories - 2025
Turning Loss into Something Meaningful
and Pain into Purpose
Anna Gibbons is a mother of four and a passionate well-being executive coach. Tragically, Anna lost her second eldest child to depression in June 2024, a heartbreak that reshaped her purpose and ignited a mission to support youth mental health.
Despite her expertise in mental wellbeing, Anna’s experience is a powerful reminder that mental health challenges can impact anyone, anywhere. Now, she dedicates her life to helping New Zealand teenagers find clarity and peace in the midst of a loud and overwhelming world, offering insights, tools, and hope for navigating life’s complexities.
The Silent Struggles of a Young Widow - How I endured and discovered ME again.
Tali is a remarkable, brave and resilient young woman. She candidly reflects on her silent struggles as a young widow of complex grief, dark emotions and shattered dreams leading to identity crisis, shame, guilt and hurt from perceived ideologies of comfort.
Tali tragically lost her husband, the love of her life, days before Christmas 2021 and shortly after, lost her beloved mother. The weight of her great losses severely crushed her, and significant shame crept in facing her unchosen new reality of suddenly becoming a young and childless widow.
Tali has discovered the best version of her authentic self, and is ready for the first time, to unveil her raw story, illuminating her silent struggles as a young widow with the hope to raise awareness and empower those in similar unchosen paths.
Making Peace with Sleep - My life beyond insomnia
Bernice is a passionate Sleep Health Advocate and founder of Sleep Haven.
As a professional researcher and author of the best-selling book Sleep Easy, she combines scientific knowledge with personal experience to help others overcome insomnia. Bernice's engaging and relatable approach empowers individuals to take charge of their sleep health and improve their overall well-being.
Don't miss her journey from sleep-deprived to thriving, offering hope and practical solutions for better sleep and a better life.
“C.R.E.A.M” It Rises to the Top. From Cheese Rolls to Award Winning Restaurants
Karen Hattaway is a Christchurch-based restaurateur, certified life coach, and entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience in the hospitality and business sectors. As the founder of several beloved establishments, including MANU Restaurant, she is known for creating spaces that foster both community and connection.
In her powerful and deeply personal talk, Karen shares her journey as a survivor of childhood sexual abuse and how it has shaped her mission to protect and empower women.
Karen introduces her guiding philosophy, C.R.E.A.M. — Courage, Resilience, Empowerment, Action, Moving Forward — as a call to rise above adversity, support one another, and lead with purpose and strength
Sponsors - 2025
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