♀️Swindon & Wiltshire’s Most Inspiring Women 2026 | Marsha Mars

To mark International Women’s Day 2026, we’re celebrating Swindon & Wiltshire’s most inspiring women.

Through our website and social media channels, we asked our readers which women in our community inspire them and created a list of 20. The list will be featured in our Spring magazine and every weekday throughout March we are profiling and championing each of these fantastic women online and via our social feeds.

Today we put the spotlight on Marsha Mars, Managing Director of Mighty Girls CIC.

Tell us about you and your work…

I’ve spent over two decades working with children, young people, and families as a teacher, designated safeguarding lead and family support professional, and throughout that time, one thing has remained constant: my belief that girls and young women deserve to grow up safe, heard and free from harm.

My work spans youth advocacy, community collaboration and leadership, from starting and directing Mighty Girls CIC to participating in local youth networks, including the Wilts Community Foundation Youth Network and more locally in Bradford on Avon and Trowbridge and the local youth networks.

I have also taken part in community fundraising efforts to raise £250,000 for the SkateBOA skatepark project, working alongside young campaigners to secure a space where they could belong.

All of this has happened during a time when youth services across the UK have been drastically reduced and when headlines show a frightening normalisation of violence against women and girls. It’s why I believe so strongly in creating safe, rights‑based environments for girls to explore who they are, understand inequality, and build the confidence and critical thinking skills to challenge harmful norms.

What are you most proud of?

In my working life it has got to be the work we do through Mighty Girls CIC and the wider team. 

The skills and dedication of the staff and volunteers, especially the young people who shape Mighty Girls. Watching their confidence grow, and seeing them influence school cultures and community conversations, is the greatest privilege.

I’m also proud that our approach has been recognised through major support, including a significant National Lottery Community Fund grant that enables us to expand our Positive Relationships Programme across Wiltshire and B&NES. It reflects the belief others have in youth voice and the power of early, preventative support for girls and young women.

From an idea and a couple of focus groups in the pub eight years ago, to juggling the organisation around the day job and keeping focused and working really hard for eight years, I feel incredibly lucky to have grown it so that it is now my full-time paid gig!

How does it feel to be recognised as one of Swindon & Wiltshire’s Most Inspiring Women?

It feels incredibly special, not just personally, but for what it represents. This recognition honours the girls who co-create our work, the amazing Mighty Girls team, our volunteers, our board, and the communities who believe in empowering young women.

Being named among inspiring women across the region reinforces that the work we’re doing matters, and it encourages me to keep pushing for fairness, inclusion and youth-led change – especially for the girls in our communities.

What does International Women’s Day mean to you?

I think every day is International Women’s Day!

International Women’s Day is a powerful reminder of the need to strive for justice and equality for girls and women. Collectively It reminds us of the strength of women and girls, and the importance of creating kinder, more equitable experiences for the next generation.

However, this is not work that just happens once a year – it IS the daily work at Mighty Girls.

This year’s IWD theme asks us to think about how giving benefits everyone. What’s an example from your work or community life where supporting another woman led to something meaningful in return?

Raising others up and mentoring women has been a constant thread in my life.  I was lucky to be raised by strong women and have been blessed with amazing female friendships. 

I now have the privilege to lead and mentor a team of women and girls, as well as coaching local youth workers and community partners. Each time I’ve invested in another woman’s confidence or leadership, the return has been far greater: with stronger collaborations, shared advocacy, and seeing women stepping into their power.

Oh and a few new friendships along the way!

What piece of advice would you share with your younger self?

I would tell my younger self: Trust your instincts and stay true to who you are.  You don’t need to wait for permission to lead or create change. Surround yourself with people who share your values, stay curious, and try to do one mighty thing – even on the tricky days!

This feature is sponsored by Goughs Solicitors. The team at Goughs believe in championing ambition, celebrating achievement and creating opportunities for women to connect, lead and thrive.