The event was organised by Gemma and Abrilli Phillip from Eltham Hill School to inspire years 11 and 12 business studies students about women in leadership and to raise awareness about different employment opportunities they may not have known about.
“The girls have been really excited about the business women visiting the school, and they could not wait to hear their stories. We were keen to really inspire them by introducing them to women who have been very successful” – Abrilli Phillip, Vice Principal Inclusions and Partnerships, Eltham Hill School
Gemma invited inspirational business women Paula Tsung, Samantha Bowman, Anne Simmons, Sajna Rahman who also took part in this event. The question time panel was set up in a speed networking style giving the girls from EHS an opportunity to interact with the women in small groups.
This was followed by a powerful and inspiring speech by keynote speaker Sajna Rahman, and finished off with a Q and A session directed to all women on the panel. Not only did the women share their success stories, but also the difficulties they faced in their careers and how they dealt with those challenges to get them where they are now.
“I am really pleased with today’s outcomes. The girls were very engaged and asked some very interesting questions. I also really enjoyed working with some of my business contacts in a different environment. I hope together we managed to inspire the girls”- Gemma Bowers, Learning and Development Director, Regular Cleaning Services.
“It was nice to take part in such an amazing event aimed at inspiring the girls at Eltham Hill School, I left feeling rather emotional and empowered” – Mary Wilkins, Graduate Trainee, Regular Cleaning Services
“When you are told you can’t do it prove them wrong” – Student of Eltham Hill School
The feedback left by the students, as well as the volunteers confirmed the success of the morning activity.
Simon Iatrou’s, editor from i-fm, article can be found at www.i-fm.net.
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