Empowering Futures: Inspiring the Next Generation on International Women’s Day

Last Friday, we hosted our “Empowering Futures” event in celebration of International Women’s Day, welcoming female students from across the Trust for a day of inspiration, discussion and reflection. Students had the opportunity to hear from incredible women working in industries where women are often underrepresented, gaining valuable insight into their experiences, challenges and successes.

The day began with an interactive icebreaker led by Sheridan Lewis, Assistant Principal at Ashton Sixth Form College, who encouraged students to reflect on the women who inspire them. This activity helped set a positive and energetic tone for the day.
Throughout the event, students heard from an inspiring panel of professionals, including Reyana Page (Cyber Security), Mel Burgin (Professional Referee), Katherine Conroy (ENT Surgeon) and Lucia Albanese (empowHER Education). Each speaker shared their personal journey, discussing the barriers they have overcome, the lessons they have learned and the resilience that has shaped their success.

Reyana Page spoke about her path into cyber security, reflecting on the resilience needed to navigate challenges such as redundancy and how determination helped her continue building her career.

Professional football referee Mel Burgin encouraged students to embrace mistakes as part of learning, explaining that resilience often grows from real-life experiences and how we respond to setbacks.

Katherine Conroy, an ENT specialist in laryngology, spoke about her career in medicine and the rewarding opportunity to work with people from a wide range of backgrounds and age groups.

The session concluded with Lucia Albanese from empowHER Education, who encouraged students to reflect on the pledges they had made throughout the day and reminded them that the confidence and potential they need to succeed already exists within them.
Students engaged enthusiastically throughout the day, taking part in meaningful discussions, asking thoughtful questions and participating in activities designed to build confidence and self-belief.

A huge thank you to all of our speakers, each of whom brought a unique perspective and powerful message that was vital for our students to hear. The event was not just about careers; it was about confidence, resilience and believing that there are no limits to what our young people can achieve.

We can’t wait to see where the ambition and inspiration sparked during this event will take them.