A businesswoman has established a network dedicated to ensuring Black British women gain visibility, acknowledgment, and professional connections within the creative sectors, filling a Shoreditch venue for its unveiling.
Women Who Werkkk, now operating for its third consecutive year, was created by Martina Gordeen, who also established HumanThreadsss and works as a senior account executive at One Green Bean.
The unveiling occurred at 45 London Shoreditch on April 23, with the venue reaching full capacity despite industrial action affecting the London Underground.
The initiative honours the contributions of Black British women throughout the creative field, spanning music, media, visual arts, public relations, and narrative work. This year’s gathering recognised 66 women in total.
Ms Gordeen explained that the platform was established because while talent exists universally, opportunities do not. The initiative aims to ensure Black British women gain the visibility and connections they deserve in spaces from which they have traditionally been shut out. She noted that seeing the venue complete its capacity, despite various obstacles, demonstrated that genuine demand exists for such a space.
Discussions throughout the evening examined concepts of influence, accessibility, and mentorship, with contributions from speakers including Harry Trotman, co-founder of Mirchi, Annisha Taylor, Ofcom’s head of diversity and inclusion, Jo Grierson, chief executive of One Green Bean, and Shannie Mears, co-founder of The Elephant Room.
The occasion brought attention to persistent challenges within creative industries, where Black women continue to face inadequate compensation and limited representation.
Research from the Major Players Creative Industries Census 2026 reveals that Black women represent the lowest-earning demographic in this sector, with an average permanent salary of £53,666, which falls 25 per cent below that of white male colleagues.
Talent manager and A&R consultant PJ Somerville observed that Ms Gordeen succeeded in bringing together over 100 individuals to celebrate Black women, facilitate knowledge exchange, and generate prospects. She suggested the ripple effects of this initiative would extend considerably beyond that particular gathering.
Zara Stewart, a specialist in global catalogue and digital service platform strategy, noted the remarkable gathering of creative professionals, entrepreneurs, and industry figures who were genuinely networking. She highlighted how meaningful it proved to be when people gain access to appropriate circles and subsequently invite others to join them.
The 2026 Women Who Werkkk compilation features professionals working across media, marketing, music, visual arts, and community development.
The complete roster of honourees is available online at https://www.humanthreadsss.com/blog/women-who-werkkk-2026.