About Our Novi Start Ups 2024
Aletha Shepherd
Aletha is a powerhouse in the film industry, creating a space to showcase and celebrate women and minority voices and stories which are still underrepresented. She founded Shot of Tea with the desire to push the industry forward for all while exploring the potential depth and breadth of the female gaze. Through her stellar leadership, the company quickly gained recognition for its highly successful short films, winning international, prestigious awards.
Inspired by her love of filmmaking and the creative arts, Aletha strives to produce visually compelling motion pictures with female lead roles that empower women. As founder, writer, actor and producer, she is at the forefront of seeking out and finding undiscovered voices and talents, platforming those previously not offered opportunities and paving the way for up-and-coming talent.
In 2023, she was awarded the Women of the Future Award 2023 in Arts & Culture where the judges praised her resilience, motivation and attitude towards success and failure. This year, she gave her first TEDx talk, ‘Why diverse creators are better for film’.
Ultimately, Aletha is leading an organisation determined to break through glass ceilings and proudly stand as the foremost female-led, diverse super indie, spearheading a groundbreaking transformation in the entertainment industry.
Bianca Cefalo
Bianca Cefalo is the CEO and Co-founder of Space DOTS Inc., a UK-based space tech start-up pioneering in-space testing, space environments data harvesting and in-situ quality control of advanced space materials. Bianca boasts over 12 years of industry experience as a Spacecraft Thermal engineer, Deep Tech Sales Executive, and compelling public speaker.
She spearheaded innovation as the former Space Systems Thermal Product Manager at Airbus Defence and Space UK, shaping disruptive pathways for Next Gen Telecommunication Satellites. She then ventured into start-ups as Director of Aerospace and Defence at Carbice (Atlanta, US), where revenue increased by +97% in 2021 under her leadership. With an MSc in Aerospace and Astronautical Engineering, Bianca’s expertise extends to Spacecraft Thermal Control Systems, Hypersonic Aerodynamics, Microgravity, and Satellite Remote Sensing.
As the youngest Italian analyst and payload’s qualification campaign director on the NASA/JPL Insight Mars Mission in 2013, she left an indelible mark on pioneering science missions. Bianca’s dedication to satellites’ thermal engineering, advanced nanomaterials, and transformative spacecraft architectures is reflected in multiple scientific publications and stage talks. Her contributions to multiple science and commercial spacecraft platforms sponsored by NASA, ESA, DLR, UKSA, and EU further signify her integral role in shaping the future of the industry.
In 2024, Bianca was honoured with The Karman Fellowship and recognized in the InspiringFifty UK Awards for her contributions to the space industry.
Carol Mead
Hi, I’m Carol, I am a wife and a mother with a passion for finding ways to live a healthier and happier life.
Throughout my professional journey, I’ve explored various industries, including fashion and international corporate enterprises. These experiences have exposed me to diverse roles that have evoked both admiration and desolation. From working with fashion photographers to creating athletic apparel, my engagements have covered a wide range. I’ve also dived into human resources, taking on different responsibilities.
However, it was in the corporate world that I faced my darkest moments. Overwhelmed by anxiety and stress, my mental well-being suffered greatly. Despite this, I was motivated to overcome these challenges, I embarked on a quest to find a solution. Dedicated to regaining control and tranquility, I sought to find natural alternatives for mental well-being.
Nzinga Graham-Smith
Nzinga Graham-Smith is an innovative action leader who draws inspiration from risk-takers, women, and the unknown. She fearlessly steps beyond her comfort zones, a trait reflected in her leadership style and her ability to build cohesive teams and partnerships. As an entrepreneur, Nzinga views failures as fuel for her unconventional leadership and solutions-driven approach.
Thriving on challenges, Nzinga excels in achieving the seemingly impossible. She serves as CEO/Founding Director of The ForeverGreen Group, a growing unique women’s lifestyle impact-led M&A Investment Consortium driven by “Investing in the Legacy of Women” to build exceptional social and economic legacies for generations. Her skill set includes expertise in mergers and acquisitions (M&A), business growth development, strategy, investment and relationship building.
Nzinga’s leadership philosophy is characterised by her continuous push to expand her boundaries and inspire others to do the same.
Sona Kaur
Dr Sona Kaur is a Clinical Psychologist at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery in Queen Square, London, and also runs a private practice in the city. Registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), she is committed to delivering high standards of care. Her expertise covers a wide range of mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, and complex trauma in both adults and children, with a particular focus on intergenerational trauma and its impact on emotional well-being.
Dr Kaur provides specialised psychological assessments and therapies, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), narrative and systemic family therapy, and Eye Movement Desensitisation Therapy (EMDR). Her practice also offers tailored assessments for ADHD and autism, as well as comprehensive evaluations for children with emotional and behavioural concerns.
In addition to her clinical work, Dr Kaur specialises in neuropsychological assessments and treatments for cognitive impairments resulting from brain injury, epilepsy, and stroke. She also provides pre- and post-diagnostic counselling for epilepsy and functional neurological disorders.
As an entrepreneur and someone who is neurodiverse with ADHD, Dr Kaur also runs a children’s home dedicated to supporting children with emotional and behavioural challenges, ensuring they receive the care and guidance needed for their development and well-being.
Victoria Crampton
Victoria’s motivation to enter the marketing business stemmed from her passion for web 2.0 technologies, which she shared through her published work.
Maxwell Richards, her recruiting business, was inspired by observing the struggles of clients in finding top talent. Victoria’s dedication to filling this gap led to the establishment of her London-based specialised headhunting and recruitment firm.
Passion, dedication, and a pursuit of ideas are Victoria’s guiding principles. Believing in her work and being self-motivated in the face of challenges have been instrumental in her success. She attributes her drive to a desire for independence and autonomy, which has fueled her entrepreneurial journey.
Victoria Crampton’s journey involves dynamic leadership, resilience, and visionary thinking. Her determination to innovate, adapt, and lead by example makes her a standout entrepreneur. As she continues to shape the landscape of business, her commitment to growth and empowerment shines brightly.