Virtual Campfire with Changemakers: Celebrating Women's Stories
Join us for an engaging online event series, Virtual Campfire with Changemakers, where we gather beyond borders to spark meaningful conversations, share stories and ignite change! Each month, our host Carmen Chan, founder of Girls Be Change, invites her remarkable changemaker friends from around the world to explore diverse topics that matter to us all. From conservation and climate to women's stories, this series is designed to enlighten and empower you with stories. So, let's talk about something serious... with a light heart.
On Mar 29 Sat 4:30-5:30pm GMT+8, we are thrilled to welcome two incredible cohosts to celebrate women's stories and unleash the power of storytelling in gender equity: Melanie Lynch, founder of Herstory from Ireland, who is one of the leaders who campaigned to make Brigid’s Day Ireland’s first national holiday named after a woman; and Greta Barbera, Gender and Women Empowerment Expert and United Nations Consultant from Italy, who specializes in the analysis of disasters and humanitarian crises.
In this unique Virtual Campfire format, we won’t be confined to a traditional panel or roundtable discussion. Instead, prepare for an intimate gathering where professional stories intertwine with personal experiences. Our cohosts will share their journeys and insights, inviting participants to ask questions and contribute to a rich tapestry of dialogue. This is a space for connection, learning, and inspiration, where you are welcome to join in and share your thoughts.
Whether you're passionate about the celebrating women's stories or simply curious about the power of storytelling, this virtual campfire promises to be a thought-provoking experience. Bring your curiosity and an open heart, and let’s celebrate the power of storytelling and community together! We can’t wait to see you there!
In order to curate a more engaging experience, we limit each virtual campfire session to 10 participants only. The online session will also be recorded.
Meet our Campfire Host, Carmen!
Carmen Chan | Girls Be Change (Hong Kong)
Carmen is a people-driven entrepreneur. Since the age of 25, she has been running her own ventures, including her namesake jewelry brand, Carmen Chan Jewelry; creative agency, Studio C; and lately, her new social business, Girls Be Change.
Carmen Chan Jewelry celebrates the beauty of imperfection through jewelry and accessory design. Carmen was awarded as the finalist of Lane Crawford Calling Out For the Next New 2015 and highlighted in Facebook #SheMeansBusiness in 2016. Studio C is a creative agency that provides public relations, marketing, and design services with clients from a variety of backgrounds, including Taylor Swift, Marriott International, Hong Kong Design Centre, Affordable Art Fair, and more.
Girls Be Change is a social business that enables and empowers girls and women to be explorers and changemakers. Carmen spent years understanding the challenges of women leaders and struggles of underserved women, and finally decided to transform her expertise in problem solving throughout her journey of entrepreneurship into this new venture with the goal to eradicate gender inequality and build strong impact eco-system collectively.
And our wonderful co-hosts!
Melanie Lynch | Herstory (Ireland)
Melanie is a social entrepreneur and award-winning creative with a passion for justice, equality and storytelling. Starting a degree in Mathematics & Philosophy at Trinity College Dublin, she decided to take a detour and enrolled in art college, leading to a career working on iconic global brands and NGOs at some of the world's best advertising agencies in London and Paris.
On a career break she found herself in Kenya, where some soul searching sparked a new career direction that would enable her to apply her creativity and dynamism for the good of humanity.
In 2016 she founded Herstory, spearheading Herstory on RTÉ -the first comprehensive women’s storytelling platform on Ireland’s national broadcaster; Blazing a Trail - the first women’s exhibition to tour the Irish Embassy network worldwide; and the campaign to make Brigid’s Day Ireland’s first national holiday named after a woman.
When Melanie’s not masterminding new arts education projects or swimming in the sea, she loves to put pen to paper. A Compassionate Feminist, she believes we can turn the war of the sexes into a dance to equality. On RTÉ Culture she explores her personal migration story and the inspiration behind our Movement project. A born naturalist, her quest for authentic stories led her to Borneo where she immersed in the indigenous Dayak culture and made lifelong friends with the guardians of the Borneo rainforest.
Greta Barbera | Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (Italy)
Greta Barbera is a 28-year-old human rights expert from Rome, specializing in gender rights and human rights in Africa, with a particular focus on the rights of women and children. Currently, she works as a Human Rights Consultant for the United Nations in humanitarian emergency contexts, where she provides expertise and support in crisis-affected regions.
In addition to her work with the UN, Greta serves as the Director of the Ecotourism and Humanitarian Programs sector at Wilde Tracks, an organization committed to sustainable conservation and community empowerment. She is the driving force behind Wilde Tracks' Tanzania program, where she leads initiatives aimed at empowering women and children through conservation-based projects.
Greta has authored multiple publications on women's rights in Africa and Asia, with a particular specialization in early and forced marriage. Her work focuses on bridging human rights advocacy with sustainable development, ensuring that vulnerable communities gain access to protection, education, and economic opportunities.
This virtual campfire is opened to only approved guests. For any RSVP enquiries, please contact Carmen on girlsbechange@gmail.com.