Women Who Lead
Crafting connections for growth in Portugal
Building Bridges, Expanding Horizons
Elevate your career through collaboration and innovation
Thursday, October 9th
7:00–10:00 PM
Sala Nobre Room
The Editory Riverside Santa Apolónia Hotel
Av. Infante Dom Henrique 1
1100-105 Lisboa
An Evening with Ruth Shaber & Graça Fonseca: Introducing FUTURA
Join us for an inspiring evening as we unveil FUTURA—a groundbreaking philanthropic initiative that will empower the next generation of Portuguese women leaders.
© Photo courtesy of Denys Nevozhai - Unsplash
Women Who Lead
Welcome to Women Who Lead.
Following the overwhelming success of our women’s evening events, our feature in The Portugal News, and a rapidly growing mailing list, one thing is clear—there is a strong and rising desire to build a vibrant professional community for women in Portugal.
I’m Natalie Turner, Founder of Women Who Lead (WWL), a community devoted to the personal and professional growth of purpose-driven women. Since launching WWL in 2011 in Singapore, I’ve had the privilege of nurturing powerful networks across the Asia Pacific—from Bali to Malaysia—and now here in Portugal.
Our events are shaped by three core pillars:
Authentic networking – where every woman has the opportunity to introduce herself in a natural, welcoming setting.
Celebrating diversity – by highlighting the talents, professions, and experiences of our members so we can support one another more deeply.
Learning and development – through shared insights, skill-building, and personal reflection that empower us to grow as leaders and individuals.
This is your invitation to become an active part of a community that champions your voice and your vision. Whether you’re here to be inspired, to connect, or to contribute—Women Who Lead offers a space to do it with purpose.
Be part of the founding community of professional women shaping the future of Women Who Lead Portugal.
Join us, and let's unlock our individual and collective leadership potential.
A great event! It was a fantastic opportunity to meet women from different countries and industries...the organisation was faultless and the quality of discussions we had was fantastic. The atmosphere brought out the best in everyone who attended.
Natalie's hosting was a definite highlight.
Lídia Neves
Of Counsel in charge of the IP Practice at Antas da Cunha ECIJA, Lisbon
SESSION FLOW
Women Who Lead Community
Thursday October 9th
(7:00 - 10:00 pm)
An evening of connection, inspiration, and shared growth.
Full programme below.
Ruth Shaber, Tara Health Foundation, Co-Founder FUTURA
Ruth Shaber, MD is a physician, innovator, and changemaker. After a 25-year career as an OBGYN and senior executive at Kaiser Permanente, she founded the Tara Health Foundation and co-founded Rhia Ventures, advancing women’s well-being through investment and impact. She co-authored The XX Edge: Unlocking Higher Returns and Lower Risk, highlighting how women’s leadership in finance drives stronger outcomes. Ruth is also co-founder of the FUTURA Foundation, empowering young Portuguese women to create solutions for the world’s biggest challenges.
Graça Fonseca, former Minister of Culture, Co-Founder, FUTURA
Graça Fonseca is a Portuguese civic and innovation leader with 25 years in public office, including roles as Minister of Culture, Secretary of State for Administrative Modernisation, and Lisbon City Councillor. She is co-founder and board member of the FUTURA Foundation, enabling young Portuguese women to design solutions in climate, democracy, and technology. Graça also advises the Joana Vasconcelos Foundation, teaches at universities, and is a member of the EU Knowledge Committee on Intergenerational Fairness.
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Welcome, Introductions and Overview of Women Who Lead
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Buffet and informal Networking
In this energising opening session, you'll have the opportunity to connect and share your current challenges, and tap into the collective wisdom of our community. Experience the unique energy that happens when we come together to support each other's growth.
Over delicious food and wine, forge meaningful connections that could transform into valuable partnerships and friendships.
These powerful introductions set the stage for an evening of authentic exchange, mutual support, and collaborative learning.
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Member Spotlight : Ruth Shaber & Graça Fonseca
In this special spotlight, Ruth Shaber (Founder, Tara Health Foundation) and Graça Fonseca (former Minister of Culture) will introduce FUTURA — a groundbreaking philanthropic programme creating new opportunities for young Portuguese women.
FUTURA will offer twelve women at the start of their careers the chance to live in a redesigned historic building in Chiado, immersed in a future-thinking curriculum, supported by world-class mentors, and surrounded by a vibrant, international community.
The goal? To empower the next generation of Portuguese women to lead with courage and creativity in tackling the great challenges of our time.
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Workshop: Co-Creating FUTURA with Women Who Lead
After hearing Ruth and Graça share FUTURA’s vision and updates, we’ll move into a hands-on workshop.Together, we’ll explore:
How members of Women Who Lead can actively contribute to the growth of FUTURA.
The roles we can play as mentors, connectors, and champions.
How our own community might benefit from FUTURA’s global, multidisciplinary ecosystem.
This is your chance to move beyond inspiration into co-creation — helping to shape how Women Who Lead and FUTURA can grow stronger together.
Places are limited so do book early to avoid disappointment.
Your receipt acts as your ticket, please bring it to the event.
Tickets are non-refundable but can be transferred to a colleague or friend.
If you are unable to attend, but would like to be informed of future events, please join our mailing list. Thank you.
Thank you, Natalie, for organising such an inspiring evening. It was a privilege to connect with so many talented and dynamic female leaders. The networking format truly fostered powerful conversations and gave everyone the opportunity to share their perspectives.
I’m already excited for the next event!
Anna McMahon
Managing Director, Talent Potential
© Photo courtesy of Denys Nevozhai - Unsplash
The Venue
THE EDITORY RIVERSIDE HOTEL
The Editory Riverside Hotel is ideally situated at Stª Apolónia station, one of Portugal's oldest and most iconic train stations. This vibrant transit point welcomes millions of travelers each year, serving as a gateway where the country's past intersects with modern progress.
The hotel prioritises effective, responsible environmental management, with a keen focus on optimising water and energy usage. By preserving the natural values of the local destination and sourcing seasonal produce from nearby suppliers, the Editory Riverside Hotel minimises its ecological footprint while highlighting the very best of Portuguese culture and cuisine.
But the Editory Riverside's significance extends beyond its eco-conscious initiatives. As a hub of innovation nestled within one of Lisbon's most storied landmarks, the hotel provides an inspired setting for the Women Who Lead community to convene, collaborate, shape the future and catalyse meaningful change.
BUFFET
Carrot Cream Soup
Bolognese pasta
Couscous salad with Grilled Peach and Mint Pesto
Seed Bread with Tofu and Tomato
Smoked Salmon Bread with Homemade Mayonnaise
MINI SAVOURIES
Mini Chinese Vegetable Crêpes with Soy Sauce
Samosas
DESSERTS
Sliced Seasonal Fruit (2 varieties)
Citrus Cheesecake
DRINKS
Red and White Wine
Sparkling and Still Water
Infusions
Orange juice
Coffee
Teas
Natalie Turner
FOUNDER OF WOMEN WHO LEAD
Natalie Turner is an innovation and leadership development specialist who has worked with some of the world’s leading organisations — including Edgewell, LEO Pharma Asia, Kellogg’s, GSK, and Cisco Systems — helping them design innovation systems, shape culture, and generate ideas that grow teams and businesses. With a background in marketing and commercial strategy, she was formerly Head of Internet Strategy at British Telecom in London.
Natalie is the inventor of The Six ‘I’s® of Innovation, an integrated methodology and set of assessment tools that make innovation practical and measurable. She is the author of the award-winning business book Yes, You Can Innovate, selected as Business Book of the Month in England and Singapore, and is an international keynote speaker on innovation, entrepreneurship, and leadership.
Her academic background includes a BA Hons in Politics & Legislative Studies, an MSc in Economics and Social Psychology, and an MBA. She is also a Certified Integrative 9 Enneagram Practitioner, trained in Myers-Briggs Type Indicator and The Spony Profiling Model. Since 2006, Natalie has been CEO of The Entheo Network, a lifestyle and innovation company she co-founded with her husband, finance specialist and vinyl DJ Carl Hinds.
Alongside her consulting and leadership work, Natalie is expanding her creative voice as the author of her debut novel, The Red Silk Dress, publishing Winter 2026—a sensual, transformative story of courage and love set across Southeast Asia and Paris.
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Women who Lead is a brand of The Entheo Network. Registered Address 75, High Street, Singapore, 179435. Company No: 201016398E