Guest Profile
Helen Shackleton
Helen Shackleton is a business professional, mother of two, and passionate advocate for women’s empowerment. Raised by a single mother as one of five sisters, Helen left home at 16 and has drawn on that early experience of independence and resilience throughout her life and work.
Since becoming a mother, Helen has discovered a new strength and inner power — one that has fuelled her passion for challenging systems that don’t serve women, and creating spaces where underrepresented voices can be heard.
She has spent her career supporting women and marginalised groups across projects focused on skills, enterprise, and economic inclusion — particularly in the world of SMEs and microbusinesses.
Helen co-led the Red Tent in Harrogate, a women’s circle rooted in community, shared wisdom, and transformation through motherhood. She continues to work at the grassroots to amplify women’s experiences — in business, in birth, and in life — and while she keeps a low profile online, she maintains a wide and trusted network.
