Our Matrons & Ambassadors

ADELE PARKS

Adele Parks MBE is the author of 24 bestselling novels including the recent Sunday Times bestsellers Just Between Us and Once Last Secret. Six million copies of her work have been sold in English and her books have been translated into a 31 different languages. She writes in different genres, from romance to historical fiction and psychological thrillers. Whatever genre her novels are about family life and ordinary people finding themselves in extraordinary circumstances. She believes that books are a great comfort in difficult times and is happy to see herself as an entertainer.

In 2022 she was awarded an MBE for services to literature.

“It’s an absolute privilege to be an Ambassador for the Women Centre. Women are strong, brilliant and the backbone of humanity, it’s just sometimes we’re not dealt a fair hand. Helping keep a woman safe when she is vulnerable, so that she can grow to her full magnificent potential, or simply just get back on her feet, is an honour.”

JULIA LEE MBE

Julia is very well known in the rugby league world and is a member of the Rugby League Roll of Honour – she was the first woman referee in the men’s game in the UK and Australia, reaching international honours for both. Julia was recognised in the King’s 2025 New Year’s Honours list for her services to Rugby League with special recognition for her work as Ambassador for Women’s Rugby League and for officiating. 

Julia is the owner of Common Sense Initiative working with individuals and teams to unlock potential, challenge limiting beliefs, and transform “I can’t” into “I can.” Using tools such as NLP, hypnotherapy, and open dialogue, CSI supports people in recognising their strengths and achieving meaningful breakthroughs.

“I am honored to be an Ambassador of the WomenCentre. Supporting and keeping women safe is something I am very passionate about, it is so important we empower women so they can take back control of their lives, thrive, and reach their potential”

CORRINE BRAY

Corrine Bray, our newest Matron for WomenCentre, is deeply passionate about empowering the community, particularly women. Having benefited from the organisation’s services herself, she felt compelled to give back. Through her role as Matron she can now do just that.

Corrine has spearheaded various events, ranging from protests for Black Lives Matter to Afro Hair events, female empowerment events, International Women’s Day celebrations and more.

As a black woman, she recognises the significance of using her role to inspire and uplift other women, especially black women, encouraging them on their journey of self-development and healing through the services offered by WomenCentre.

ELLIE SAX

Saxophonist and performer Ellie Sax is one of our Matrons.

On accepting the role she said, “I am honoured to be supporting WomenCentre. As women, we need to stand together and support each other in times of crisis, and WomenCentre supports local women in Calderdale and Kirklees in times of crisis”.