Meet our Team

Meet Ebere Akadiri

Founder and Program Chair

Ebere Akadiri, CEO of Rise and Lead Women, has been described as “an inspiring role model to Women” and an influential leader helping women in business to connect with decision-makers and get a seat at the table.

.Ebere Akadiri is a leadership strategist, serial entrepreneur, inclusion advocate and host of a top leadership podcast. Drawing on decades of business and leadership experience, she helps women to realise their leadership potential, build confidence and enjoy successful careers and businesses. Ebere has made it her mission to inspire leaders to drive the change to make workplaces more equitable and inclusive while building connections across businesses.

Ebere also founded Ataro Foods and Ataro Marketplace. These companies blend and package spices and provide a platform for minority entrepreneurs to sell their products in Europe and across the world. A former multi-branch restaurant owner with 22 years of business experience, Ebere now dedicates her time to advising small businesses and corporate executives.

Ebere regularly writes and speaks about Leadership, Inclusion and Entrepreneurship. She has spoken at various conferences and industry events.

Follow Ebere on LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram to read her thoughts and insights on inclusive leadership.

Melisa Dicker

Director of Partnership

Melisa is an experienced and engaging professional, leading finance and business operations across a range of disciplines and functions. She supports businesses by providing strategic financial direction, financial planning and analysis, financial and business control and stakeholder management. She is an authentic and influential leader, with a focus on modeling a positive and inclusive culture. I strive for collaboration and inclusion in decision forming. She builds high performing teams through sharing common purpose/vision and fostering camaraderie through my genuine and approachable nature. Melisa enjoy coaching and developing others to achieve their goals and potential. She has led high performing teams delivering financial planning and analysis, business and corporate support services including; strategic and business planning, budget and forecast development and management, business case development, trend and exception analysis, monitoring and reporting, cost modeling, financial compliance, guideline development, risk and assurance, AP and AR, payroll and business information services.