Happy International Women's Day 2023

7th March 2023

Here at the Chamber, we believe it is important to celebrate #InternationalWomensDay and uplift the strong women in our community to help #EmbraceEquity! Check this article out to see how we are celebrating!

International Women’s Day is a global celebration of the achievements of women all over the globe. It is one of the most important days of the year to celebrate women’s achievements, educate and raise awareness for women’s equality and more.

There are many reasons you should help to Embrace Equity this year, whether it’s to fight for equal rights or to bring recognition to the strong women around you, everyone everywhere can take part in order to drive positive change. 

We believe it is important to celebrate here at the Chamber as we value equal opportunities for all employees and members. We want to ensure that all voices in the community are heard and feel supported, to help drive success to those voices no matter the gender.

So, this International Women’s Day we have put together a campaign that helps to raise a candle to strong figures in our community as well as you too! Check out our socials throughout today to be a part of this amazing celebration and to help embrace equity!


Caroline Havenhand, Special Projects Manager at Pro-Roll Ltd

What achievements, big or small, are you proud of and why?
In 2011, I self-funded a CELTA course (Cambridge Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults) and then packed a suitcase and went out to Fukushima, in Japan to work as an English Teacher. This was right after the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami, so there were challenges such as the radiation and lots of aftershocks to work with. I’m proud of myself for going to live and work in a country on the other side of the world, especially when I had very little local language knowledge, but honestly – I’m so much more in awe of the people that I worked with and lived amongst and the children I taught, who took everything in their stride and were the most incredibly resilient people I’ve known. 

What women inspire you and why?
My mum is my biggest female inspiration. She would never accept the accolade herself, but she’s an incredible businesswoman. She, along with my dad, decided to set up their own business – a brave move at any point, but especially so whilst also raising four young children at the time. She’s incredibly knowledgeable about her line of work, and is very passionate and determined – always championing SMEs in business.

What’s your favourite piece of advice?
“Stop, Breathe, Think.” 


Lesley Sibanda, Senior Net Zero Carbon Advisor at Mott MacDonald

What achievements, big or small, are you proud of and why?
I’m most proud of my involvement in the C40 South Africa Buildings Programme which aimed at accelerating the development and implementation of transformational energy efficiency policies and programmes in the built environment, working towards zero carbon performance for new buildings in South African cities.  Driving this pioneering market-scale transformational climate action in a was a highlight of my career as I was instrumental in implementing an ambitious climate change response in the South African built environment. This Programme not only contributed significantly towards accelerating transformative climate action but was part of the emergence of substantial, young, black, woman professionals in the field.

What women inspire you and why?
I’ve been fortunate to work and be mentored by remarkable women who’ve mentored mover the course of my career. The list of these inspirational women is endless and includes Sarah Ward, Megan Euston-Brown, Prof Jenni Case, Prof Jennifer Broadhurst, Mary Haw, Dr Jane Battersby & Leila Mahomed Weideman. Each of these women have encouraged me to make a positive impact and to always strive to become be the best version of myself. I’m inspired by their passion and determination to create a more sustainable and just world. I’m encouraged by their resilience and their commitment to women empowerment by being role models and mentoring other women starting out in their careers. Lastly I’m in awe of how these women are making huge strides career wise while also taking care of their families.

What’s your favourite piece of advice?
The best advice I’ve received is to keep learning, stay curious, and be persistent. 


Louisa Harrison-Walker, Chief Executive at Sheffield Chamber of Commerce

What achievements, big or small, are you proud of and why?
Being the first female chair of chamber council in 157 years! By being the first I feel I inspired other females to step up and chair other committees, diversifiying the perspective of the organisation 

What women inspire you and why?
My mum, her calmness and patience whilst raising three kids and being a SEN teacher. 

What’s your favourite piece of advice?
'If you do what you've always done you'll get what you always get'. One I personally like is 'there's no such thing as bad weather, just the wrong clothes!' 


Katie Tilyard, Project Coordinator at Sheffield Business Together / Sheffield Chamber of Commerce

What achievements, big or small, are you proud of and why?
I think one of my biggest achievements was graduating with a first in BA Sociology. It was here where women taught me about feminist theory and activism which has sparked a passion for social justice and empowerment of women.

What women inspire you and why?
While those theorists such as Friedan, Crenshaw, and De Beauvoir continue to inspire me it is the women who allow me to be in their life on a personal level to listen and learn that I am in awe of.

What’s your favourite piece of advice?
“A problem shared is a problem halved” which resonates with support and friendship I often find in women.


Yulia Briscoe, Customs Operations Manager at Sheffield International Trade Centre

What achievements, big or small, are you proud of and why?
I’m proud of moving to a new country and building a successful career here.

What women inspire you and why?
My grandmother. She was the most kind and hardworking woman who went through a lot.  She remains my main inspiration even after she passed away. 

What’s your favourite piece of advice?
Whatever you do – give it 100%.


Carolynn McConnell, Sheffield Business Together

What achievements, big or small, are you proud of and why?

  • My 3 kids. Managing to juggle parenting 3 kids and having a full-time job is tough and I always feel I am not doing either very well.
  • Being the first person in my family to go to University.
  • Sheffield Business Together and what we have achieved collectively to try and make a difference in our wonderful city.

What women inspire you and why?
The women of Steel.  I meet so many strong and fantastic business, community, and charity leaders in the city who go way above and beyond, without ego and the recognition they deserve. You know who you are.

What’s your favourite piece of advice?
Soooo difficult but probably be real and authentic. In the inimitable words of Dr Seuss. “There is no one youer than you”.


Tracy Viner, Executive Manager at Sheffield Chamber of Commerce

What achievements, big or small, are you proud of and why?
Various work and volunteer roles across my career that have all allowed me to continue to give back to the city and its diverse communities. (Additional info: These include Junior Chamber President, charity roles for Macmillan the Archer Project, being on the Sheffield Chamber Council, working for the Chamber and being a director of Made in Sheffield.

What women inspire you and why?
Those that look as though they have got their “stuff” together but are honest that they are as human as the rest of us and are happy to share when things have gone wrong as well as what has helped or worked for them.

What’s your favourite piece of advice?
To use the phrase “that doesn’t work for me” in order to say no.


Lauren Robinson, Account Manager at Sheffield Chamber of Commerce

What achievements, big or small, are you proud of and why?
I have worked from the age of 16 whilst being a single parent and trying to be a role model for my son. Showing him that you don’t always need to go into further education to be able to achieve things in life.

What women inspire you and why?
My Grandma, she was and is still my role model. She raised 9 children and was the most independent woman I’ve ever met. She never judged anybody and always gave the best advice even though sometimes it wasn’t always what you wanted to hear.

What’s your favourite piece of advice?
Don’t let someone change who you are to become what they need.


Christine Lamb, Training Manager at Sheffield Chamber of Commerce

What achievements, big or small, are you proud of and why?
My greatest achievements are my 2 sons, Richard and Jonathan who are fine young men I am immensely proud of and having achieved success in the male dominated Car Industry.

What women inspire you and why?
Women who are resilient, who challenge the norm and always believe they CAN do whatever they set their mind to!

What’s your favourite piece of advice?
Remember – People leave managers not companies – Be kind


 

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