Getting Outspoken About the Unspoken

As the Founder of The WomenHood and NeuroCurious, I get outspoken about the unspoken.

I’m also a proud Parent Carer. Solo mama. Late identified neurodivergent. National award-winning speaker and facilitator. Community creator. Ambassador for Amaze Sussex. Business mentor. Sea swimmer. And secret raver. Yes, I don’t sit still for long!

It Started With Loneliness

12 years ago, I moved to Port Hall near Seven Dials. Not finding the community I craved as a new mother, I brought nine women together one evening at The Chimney House. Ten years later, that gathering has grown organically to over 400 women across the county. An inclusive hive mind designed to support women across all ages and stages, and alleviate the loneliness of womanhood. We champion female-led local businesses and have apparently been credited with driving half of Brighton and Hove’s economic activity through the sheer volume of our recommendations!

But as the group grew online, the physical meetups diminished. It perplexed me that we were confusing digital interaction for human connection. So in 2019, when my period suddenly stopped, I listened to my body. I quit my job with nothing to go to, collated a team of seven volunteers, and The WomenHood was born through an event series called The Unspoken Sessions. I had no idea what I was building. With consistent sell out events I followed the energy.

Channelling Pain Into Purpose

The years that followed were a rollercoaster. COVID. Divorce. Premature menopause. My mum’s ovarian cancer. Years of relentless advocacy for my children to secure schools and EHCP support. Behind tired smiles, I kept building. Determined to shine a light on what society was cloaking in shame and stigma.

In 2024 I was recognised at the National Diversity Awards as a Positive Role Model for Gender, out of 90,000 nominations. In 2025, a People’s Honours Award for my contribution to British society. Both still feel surreal. I really feel I’m only just getting started.

Then came the night I discovered I too am neurodivergent. At 41. Grief ensued, but also liberation. And with that, a vision: to bring people back together in person and make neurodiversity something to celebrate rather than hide.

In 2025, NeuroCurious was born. A not-for-profit hybrid event series supported by businesses across the city, including PLATF9RM, LUSH and Sussex Business Times, helping people understand and celebrate neurodiversity. To unmask and feel pride where there had once been shame. Too often that ‘fear of getting it wrong’ is preventing people from learning and uniting. So crucially, it also invites those who don’t identify as ND but want to better understand someone they live, love or work with.

The Work Today

I’m proud to support organisations to close their gender gaps, increase allyship and celebrate neurodiversity. Through candid, uplifting programmes, workshops and talks, I help change minds and shift cultures through the power of 1% micro-actions. Always with an intersectional lens, from neuroinclusion to menopause and beyond.

Male allyship is one of my most requested areas of work right now. Businesses are recognising that gender unity is not a women’s issue. It belongs to all of us. This month I interviewed the CEO of Depop for what became their biggest ever company event, Allyship in Action. I’m now regularly integrating senior internal voices into my work, which feels vital for psychological safety and lasting change.

This IWD Feels Different

I’ll be honest. This International Women’s Day feels heavier than ever. Gender equality is facing one of its most challenging periods in decades. Women’s rights are being redacted globally. Our future in AI is being built with bias. But I always remain hopeful. At its core, this work is about invoking greater empathy, compassion and connection between all genders. Including all brilliant Trans women and those born female still seeking acceptance to just be themselves.

This City

I feel so proud to call Brighton and Hove my home. A city that truly allows you to be yourself.

I believe we are not only the Pride Capital of the UK, but the Neurodivergent Capital too. The EHCPs, SEN registers and diagnosis waitlists all support this. I see it as an opportunity. I want to put Brighton on the map and build spaces that plug the gaps in support, positivity and connection, (and rebrand autism along the way!).

Be Part of It

NeuroCurious returns in June 2026 and we are seeking values-aligned sponsors and partners to build a team to bring it to life again. If you want to align yourself or company with something the city genuinely needs, get in touch.

The WomenHood delivers bespoke programmes, workshops and talks on menopause, allyship and neurodiversity. Visit thewomenhood.com or connect with Jess Rad on LinkedIn.

If ever there was a time to unite and build something positive, this is it.