WIND OF CHANGE: An International Celebration of Leadership and Diversity set Sail in Tejo River

The event, aptly titled WIND OF CHANGE, was the culminating celebration of The Circle Academy — the flagship programme of Women Leaders Circle (WLC), an international leadership platform founded by Italian entrepreneur and visionary Jessica Fontana. Designed to elevate women across continents through mentorship, leadership development, and community, the Circle Academy is a 10-week transformational journey that brought together 26 women leaders from 7 countries and 29 global mentors, forming one of the most diverse and impactful female leadership incubators in Europe.

“This was more than an event. It was a declaration — of unity, of purpose, and of Portugal’s place in the future of global innovation and inclusion,” said Fontana, who moved to Portugal from Sicily 6 years ago.

A Global Movement Anchored in Portuguese Tradition

From Portugal, Mozambique, Brazil, Italy, South Africa, France, to the USA, the participants represented a dynamic intersection of cultures, perspectives, and talents. The boat sailed not just with people, but with stories, aspirations, and a shared mission: to redefine leadership with courage, emotional intelligence and collective strength.

The boat itself — Boa Viagem — became a powerful metaphor. Once a vessel for fishermen, now a symbolic ark for transformation, made possible through the institutional support of the Câmara Municipal da Moita. As Fontana expressed in heartfelt words:

“This boat carried more than passengers — it carried purpose and stories, with authenticity. And for me, this was about giving back to the territory that welcomed me, with a project that is both global and deeply local.”

Impact that transcends borders

Over just ten months, the Women Leaders Circle has created:

• A community of over 200 members impacted through mentoring and leadership training and events
  

• An elite board of 30 international mentors including TEDx speakers, CEOs, authors, investors, and business angels
  

• A strategic support with NOVA SBE and the European Union's SEGIE programme, culminating in a Gender Equity Award last May
  

• A replicable model of high-impact, heart-led leadership with global scaling potential

Mentor and bestselling author Andrew Bryant described his experience as:

“One of the most meaningful pro bono journeys of my career. What Jessica has created is a rare ecosystem of trust, growth, and true empowerment.”

High-Level Connection in an Intimate Format

Participants didn’t just meet — they connected. Through systemic leadership dynamics, such as the rope-based team challenge facilitated by Manuela Miotti, women explored trust, tension, purpose, and letting go.

The deeply emotional “Sawubona” eye-to-eye ritual — based on a Zulu greeting meaning “I see you” — allowed each woman to be fully present, seen, and acknowledged. “When we allow ourselves to be seen, everything changes,” said Miotti.

In a moment that felt almost divine, a family of dolphins surfaced mid-sail — a spontaneous and spiritual gift that added to the sense of magic and alignment.

“A diferença das pessoas, está nas que sonham e continuam a sonhar e nas que sonham e executam para acontecer e neste cenário mudam vidas, inspiram e fazem mudança acontecer. “ - Ana Mendonça, Mentor Chief Happiness Officier

“The attention to detail, the quality of the connections, and the shared vulnerability were unforgettable.” – Anna Mulock Houwer, mentor

This celebration would not have been possible without the strong collaboration with Portuguese institutions and innovation partners:

• Câmara Municipal da Moita
  

• Associação 351 Portuguese Startup Ecosystem
  

• Lisboa Innovation
  

• NOVA SBE / SEGIE EU Programme

  

  
  

Special guests included Vereadora Sara Silva, representing Moita’s commitment to innovation, equity, and heritage.

Portugal’s Margem Sul became, for an afternoon, a global stage where history met future, and tradition powered transformation.

What's Next?

Following this unforgettable closing chapter, the Women Leaders Circle is now preparing its next cohort for October–December 2025. With expanded international reach, new mentors, and even deeper community experiences, the second edition of the Circle Academy promises to elevate even more women in Portugal and beyond.

Pre-registration is now open: https://thewomenleaderscircleacademy.softr.app

Helena Pereira, Alumni: “More than a program — it was a life chapter I didn’t know I needed. I took away so much more than I could’ve hoped for.”

Anel Imnbay TEDx Organizer and Mentor: “Some women lead not because they want the spotlight — but because they care. They rise to lift others. That’s the essence of The Circle.”

About the Women Leaders Circle

The Women Leaders Circle is an ecosystem to elevate women in leadership, entrepreneurship, and purpose. Through mentorship, peer connection, and global experiences, WLC aims to support over 10,000 women by 2030, making leadership more inclusive, impactful, and human.

To join as a mentor, speaker, sponsor, or participant, contact:
womenleaderscircle@gmail.com and follow our page

https://www.instagram.com/womenleaderscircle/