Hope Powell

Hope Powell is a trailblazing figure in English football and a powerful voice for racial equality in sport and wider society. She currently works as the Technical Director at Birmingham City Women, where she plays a leading role in shaping the club’s football strategy and long-term vision. As a speaker, she is motivated by her own lived experiences as a Black woman navigating a predominantly white, male-dominated sport. Her speaking engagements centre around topics such as diversity in leadership, overcoming systemic barriers, inclusion in sport, and the importance of representation for young people from marginalised communities.

Hope’s journey in football began as a teenager in South London, where she played for Millwall Lionesses before going on to represent clubs like Fulham and Croydon. At just 16, she made her senior debut for England, eventually earning 66 caps and scoring 35 goals. In 1998, aged 31, she became the first woman and youngest person to be appointed Head Coach of the England Women’s Senior Team. Over 15 years in that role, she modernised the women’s game in England and was instrumental in creating a structured pathway for girls and young women to progress in football. Her experiences of working in environments where she was often the only woman, and often the only person of colour, have shaped her passion for speaking out against racial inequality and for driving real, sustainable change.

In recent years, Hope has continued to break new ground. In 2003, she became the first woman in Europe to gain the UEFA Pro Licence, and in 2012, she managed the Great Britain Women’s Team at the London Olympics. More recently, as Manager of Brighton & Hove Albion Women, she guided the club through its development into a competitive Women’s Super League side. Beyond coaching, she has received multiple honours, including a CBE, OBE, and MBE, recognising her exceptional contribution to football and equality. These accolades reflect her leadership both on and off the pitch.

As a speaker, Hope Powell shares powerful insights on the intersection of race, gender, and leadership. She challenges organisations to reflect on their internal cultures and actively create inclusive spaces. Her speaking topics include allyship, anti-racism in sport, leading as a minority, and the importance of creating visible role models. She is frequently hired by sports bodies, corporate leaders, and educational institutions seeking not just inspiration, but guidance on how to embed equality into practice.