Book IWD Speaker: Caroline Mtambalika

Caroline overcame stage 4 cancer and sepsis survivor, found her voice while fighting for her life and now helps other women to do the same. What kept her alive wasn't just medicine, but community. Through support from family, friends, fellow patients and strangers sharing their stories online, Caroline found strength throughout her journey. This experience changed how she understood healing, and is what drives her speaking today.

With a Master's in public health and over ten years' experience of supporting people through difficult times and helping them to navigate barriers to accessing systems, Caroline was well equipped for her battle. She learned to blend the above experience with her captivating personality, storytelling ability and passion for the creative arts to inform, influence and inspire.

Born in Malawi, Caroline embraces her roots and is no stranger to the "Ubuntu" philosophy, centred around community and togetherness. However, when illness struck, it became more than just cultural wisdom but rather a personal lifeline. Her community rallied around her, offering various forms of support and ultimately carrying her through some of the most difficult days.

In 2025 alone, Caroline presented at SHAPE Arkansas fall conference, the Global Sepsis Alliance, Derby Theatre and NHS board events. By facilitating workshops and speaking at the above events, she realised that the best way to capture audience attention is to deliver truths in ways that land. For Caroline this is through music, spoken word and poetry combined with real, relatable stories that appeal to the shared human experience. Her approach is reflective and honest, showing how creativity and community often make the difference between surviving and living.

Caroline carefully translates complex concepts into actionable tools, providing insight into her personal story while encouraging other women to do the same. She speaks on topics such as creative expression as a tool for healing, the life-saving power of community, collective resilience and advocacy for women, to name a few.

Caroline doesn't just talk about community - she creates it in the room. Attendees leave her sessions feeling seen, equipped with practical tools, and motivated to take action in their own lives.

Her warm, accessible approach and creative methods make her equally at home speaking at healthcare conferences, women's leadership events, university settings, nonprofit gatherings, and community organizations. She adapts her content to meet the specific needs of each audience while maintaining the authentic, inspiring core that makes her message resonate.

Caroline based in the UK but is available internationally for keynotes, panels, and workshops, both virtual and in person.

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