A free hybrid event
from CIPA and IP Inclusive
Tuesday 10 March 2026
5.30 for 6 pm
We welcomed everyone, of all gender identities, to this seminar to mark both International Women’s Day and Neurodiversity Celebration Week 2026. Together we explored how to create positive change for neurodivergent people, in particular those who identify as women, in the IP professions.
Diverse thinking can be a key driver for success in the IP professions. Yet still, many neurodivergent professionals mask their natural traits at work – none more so than neurodivergent women. Masking can lead to burnout, anxiety and reduced job satisfaction, and can itself mask valuable perspectives and contributions.
Attendees joined us for an honest discussion about the impact of masking for women in IP, why it happens, and how IP firms and individuals can create environments where neurodivergent women can work authentically. We explored practical strategies for both individuals and organisations to reduce pressures for masking whilst maintaining both professional effectiveness and personal authenticity.
This seminar was a collaboration between CIPA, IP Ability and Women in IP. It brought together a panel of neurodivergent IP professionals and workplace inclusion experts to share experiences and approaches and answer your questions. Whether you are neurodivergent yourself, manage neurodivergent staff, or just want to build more inclusive IP practices, this session offered honest, actionable insights.
The speakers
The panel includes:
- IP paralegal Hannah Harding from Page White Farrer
- Cassandra Hill (Mishcon de Reya) from our IP Ability and Women in IP communities
- Former CIPA President Dr Alicia Instone from Cleveland Scott York
- Neurodiversity consultant Emma Marfé
- Eleanor Salton, IP paralegal at Kilburn & Strode
The discussion was chaired by Caelia Bryn-Jacobsen (Kilburn & Strode), who is a member of IP Ability, the IP Inclusive Advisory Board and CIPA Council.
Where and when
Our hosts for this event were Kilburn & Strode at Lacon London, 84 Theobalds Road, London WC1X 8NL.
Registration was from 5.30 pm. The panel discussion ran from 6 to 7 pm (including online).
Attendees joined us for refreshments and networking afterwards.
How to register
This free event was open to all IP Inclusive supporters, whether or not CIPA members.