Eva Echo’s Post

Ideas Change Everything. That's the new tagline TED Conferences announced earlier this year. You might remember their famous, Ideas Worth Spreading. So when Idea Junkies LTD reached out to us to sponsor this year's event, it felt like the ideal fit. Idea Junkies is a creative strategy agency that helps people with great ideas get them out into the world. They're sponsoring TEDx Talk Session Three, where you'll hear from: Charlotte Nichols and Yasmin Khan in the LIVE podcast recording of PRsonal Podcast. Liz Atkin Ruby Dhal Plus a couple of awesome performances from energy coach and breathe work specialist Christina Lord CPC ELI-MP and Aisha Lama our poet in resident. Oof it's going to be fabulous! Big thanks to Laura Richards FCIPR and Idea Junkies LTD for supporting us.

Firstly, a BIG thank you to everyone who liked, shared, and commented on my post asking for help with TEDxTeessideWomen. You’re all legends! I’ve gone back and forth about posting this, but I’ve had to remind myself being hesitant isn’t going to create the change I want to see. So here goes (as I whisper to myself, “I am not afraid to be fully seen!” 😂). And I don't mean the photo! When I first had the idea to host a TEDx event in Middlesbrough, my step-dad said, "Why would you want to do that? You’d be better off doing it ANYWHERE but Boro." But, with my classic optimism and stubbornness, I said, “No, this is exactly where it needs to happen. I'll find a way" Middlesbrough is where we can create the biggest impact—where voices haven’t always been heard, where global connections can spark an incredible ripple effect, and where new ideas are needed most. And if nothing else, selfishly it is the event that 13-year old me dreamed of going to. In 3 weeks, over 300 people (closer to 400 with speakers, crew, and suppliers) will be coming to our town for TEDxTeessideWomen. Not bad for a town that's been named the worst place to be born a girl in the UK. We’ve received amazing support from businesses across Tees Valley and Newcastle, BUT not one business from Middlesbrough has stepped up to sponsor or support us. I'm not saying this to call anyone out, I'd rather call them IN to the conversation. There's been lots of promises of in-kind support or financial contributions but so far nothing has materialised. A lot of people tell me we need more happening in the town, they want to encourage people to come here - to get our town centres back thriving... As someone born and raised in TS1 and TS5, I know the challenges our town faces, but I’m also incredibly proud of the talent, creativity, and opportunity that exists here. And like a true 'smoggie' I won't give up on my mission! I want to elevate the voices of underrepresented people in our community and share ideas that drive change. But I can’t do that without the support of our local business community and public sector organisations. So, what else can I do to engage Middlesbrough businesses and bring them into this conversation? This event isn’t just about ideas—it’s about creating connections, opportunities, and inspiring positive change for our region. TEDxTeessideWomen is a not-for-profit event with a mission to showcase the brilliance of Teesside, but I can’t do it alone. Can you help us? And, if nothing else, can you help me prove my step-dad wrong? 😂 Big Love, M x P.s. This is me, stood on my friend Helen's door step, with I ❤️ BORO painted on my face in 1997 for the open top bus parade through the town after the FA cup final. P.P.S. I've raised finance 3 times in business and that was marginally easier than this! (AND Only 1.4% of funding goes to female founders 🙄 ). We've got to do better.

My guest for this week’s episode of ‘Pause. And Rewind…’ is a well-known & loved activist, campaigner, public speaker, educator & bloody brilliant content creator. It’s Eva Echo (she/they) 💥 Whether a DEI session, social media content or her brilliant Tedx talk, Eva injects her creativity, insight & sharp - & often quirky - humour into it… advocating for & covering topics mental health, neurodivergence, transness or current affairs. Eva is also the Director of Innovation for Birmingham Pride (UK) Ltd 🏳️🌈 A Director for Trans in the City 🏳️⚧️ A charity ambassador. And sits on the CPS Hate Crime Panel. All of this she does tirelessly because she’s “too stubborn to give up on those that aren’t accepted”. Eva brings people along with her - it’s something we discuss in the episode through Eva’s projects, most recently in a particular special moment in a bold orange dress at an awards ceremony 🧡She’s also not afraid to call people out in the best ways… Like many people striving to make the world a more inclusive place, Eva’s origin story is the backbone of her work. ‘Little Eva’ was misunderstood, says Eva. She lived in her own little bubble which was lonely. But she was also creative, analytical and a lover of order - traits that Eva now refers to as possible early signs of her neurospicy-ness. She eventually found a sense of belonging on stage when playing in a band and later with her wife Pip & gorgeous pooch Boomer 🐾 Eva didn’t realise there was an LGBTQ+ community out there - it’s hard to imagine it without Eva now. From taking legal action against the NHS to court over ridiculous gender affirming care waiting times for trans patients through to her work with UN Women, Eva never fails to impress. Showing up and being visible wasn’t something she sought out. She uses the words ‘quirky, stubborn & reluctant’ to describe her and origin story. Eva shares how her transition is an ongoing journey - as it is for everyone. We also explore family struggles, escapism, religion, her love of music & my plea to get Eva back onstage again on those drums!🎶 ENJOY 🎙️🔗 https://lnkd.in/ep4vHb4n