Women in Leadership series

Our Women in Leadership series is an initiative to showcase women leading transformational change. This representation is inspirational and critical to advancing gender equity.

Inclusivity

This series addresses the identified necessity for visible role models, through guest speakers and training.

The Women in Leadership series also strengthens the School of Business and Law’s mission and vision by supporting both inclusion and thought-leadership. It places diversity at its heart and welcomes all students and staff to benefit from inspirational speakers and training.

Women in Leadership events

June 2022

Last summer we welcomed Veronica Povey, Finance Director (Head Office and Strategic Programmes) at the Ministry of Defence, to speak to students and staff about her career.

Veronica delivered a captivating talk about the challenges she’s faced, plus her advice on how to form inclusive leadership.

Keynote speaker Veronica Povey

January 2023

At the start of the year we hosted a panel of women leaders to speak to students, staff and local business leaders about key challenges facing women in business when it comes to sustainability and growth.

The panel was made up of:

• Employment law specialist and CEO of global award-winning business Orchard Employment Law – Jemma Fairclough-Haynes
• Business consultant, trainer and mentor – Tanya Petherick
• Barrister – Desiree Artesi
• Menopause coach and business owner – Adelle Martin

Women in Leadership panel: Tanya, Jemma, Adaeze (EDI Lead), Adelle, Desiree

March 2023

On International Women’s Day 2023, we were joined by guest speakers Teju Akande and Anaïs Sosson for a Women in Leadership event.

Teju is an accomplished business woman and international trade specialist. In her current role at the Department of International Trade, she was responsible for publishing the UK Business Guide to Net Zero report in 2021. Outside of her role in the energy and infrastructure, she is also the author of a children’s book titled Stand Tall, about race, diversity and self-worth.

Anaïs Sosson is a barrister and one of our very own Brighton Law School alumni, who works with the charity Bringing [Dis] Ability to the Bar.

They spoke to students and staff about embracing equity in their professional careers and personal lives.

Keynote speaker Teju Akande

UN Sustainable Development Goals

The Women in Leadership series meets the following UN global goals:

• Quality education – standard four
• Gender equality – standard five
• Reduced inequalities – standard 10