Agnieszka Baliszewska | Nursing and Midwifery Council
Since I was at school I have been aware of wanting to do my best and at the same time to motivate and lead others to do more and to enjoy life.
After graduating from Camberwell School of Art I took the decision to move into a role where I could make a difference. My time at Monsoon Accessorize gave me a solid grounding in a challenging retail customer service environment, learning about sales, customer relationships and being part of a service team. Equipped with this experience I looked for an opportunity in the charitable sector, initially joining the NMC on a temporary contract in the call centre, since when I have progressed up to my current role as UK Registration Team Manager.
While attending a residential leadership course in the sixth form I realised that I enjoyed guiding and leading others, facing a challenge, finding great solutions and working with a team towards a common goal. Throughout my career I’ve always worked hard to find the next opportunity and build my skills base while leading those around me. I’m a great believer in nurturing and developing talent at all levels, and also finding the joy in discovering strengths and talents in others.
Within the NMC I founded the Talent and Development working group, I sit on the Communication Rhythm Forum, am a Change Champion and a Tone of Voice Champion. These are all opportunities that I have identified as areas where I can make a difference and a real contribution; although disparate, they do have a great deal of overlap and are of key significance in promoting good communication and relationships in such a fast paced and changing organisation.
The NMC, although a regulatory body, is a forward thinking organisation that embraces diversity and difference. I have been able to add to this through supporting my team to break down barriers, grasp opportunities, find their brand, understand their goals and put themselves forward. This can be challenging, which is great and rewarding! Life for me is constantly learning; I am looking forward to the future, to learning and advancing myself and those around me.
Gemma Kybert | Oscar's Wish Foundation
As a Nursery Manager, Early Years Teacher, Youth worker and private Nanny my whole world was focused around children and young people.
As a family we were foster carers and this supported my work around behaviour management and safeguarding vulnerable children.
I set up Oscar's Wish Foundation after I tragically lost my first born son in November 2014. As an Early Years Teacher and College lecturer it became increasingly difficult to maintain teaching the subject (covering conception and birth) whilst working through my own grief. I chose to turn my grief journey into exploring how to support other parents who lose their precious baby, my future and their dreams and ensuring Oscar's life wasn't in vain- the charity was launched.
Support families locally through out Sussex and the UK. We aim to provide support from day one and work along side the local hospitals and bereavement midwives, providing much needed therapy and counselling and online support. Parents often join our online support groups which offer them the option of support in future pregnancies too. WE are creating a holistic wholesome support network to wrap our arms of care around parents and families at their most vulnerable times.
Robi Sol Elsawey | Movement to Work
I started my career as a Consultant working in Accenture's Strategy division specialising in all things Supply Chain and Operations related, advising business leaders in their operating spend and cost reduction opportunities.
Keen to do something more aligned to social impact, I took a secondment into Movement to Work, which is a not-for-profit coalition of the UK’s progressive employers, aiming to level the playing field for young people (16-30 years old) who need the most help, by providing quality work experience and into-work job opportunities. I led the work driving insights and innovation, which included developing strategic partnerships with other organisations and exploring new approaches to tackling youth unemployment. 6 months ago I moved into the operations space (COO) where I now look after the 100+ employer members including Accenture, BAE Systems, BT, Centrica, M&S and NHS to name a few, as well as the governance and operating model of the charity.
I am passionate about increasing social mobility within our society, and advocating for greater equality in the workplace. It has been an absolute baptism of fire and a real privilege to have been able to take on so much responsibility in an organisation with such a tangible social impact on young people.
Herchran Boal | RSPCA
I have been working for the RSPCA as a Inspector for the last 19yrs.
I am extremely Passionate about Animal welfare, educating the public on being compassionate towards animals & how caring for them can bring us not only great joy but Rewards both Physically & Mentally.
I have been privileged to be able to do this through working on different programs namely The Dog Rescuers & The cat Rescuers on channel 5. I have become one of the Inspectors featured regularly on this program & i feel very honoured to be able to do this & reach a wider audience to showcase the great work done by the RSPCA.
My Specialisms at work Include being a Tutor Inspector, Puppy trade Officer & Performing Animals Advisor.
I also Specialise in large Multi Animal investigations & those investigations that are Complex in Nature Involving usually Organised Crime.
These Investigations tend to involve other organisations like the Police & Local authority, i'm a believer in Multi Agency Working to get the Best Results for both the Animals and Sometimes people namely children.
Natalie Moore | Apps for Good
Natalie Moore is currently co-Acting UK Managing Director (maternity cover) at Apps for Good.
Joining Apps for Good in January 2013 she has been a core part of a small team with a start-up mindset. Natalie joined Apps for Good as Education Outreach and Development Coordinator and during her 6 years has gone on to take on more responsibility and become one of the longest serving team members. Over the years Natalie has been a key player in the success of Apps for Good, particularly supporting the role out, growth and reach of the charity.
Prior to joining Apps for Good, Natalie was International Education Programme Coordinator at the London Organising Committee of the Olympic & Paralympic Games (LOCOG). She started at LOCOG in September 2007 at the age of 18 as part of the School Leaver Programme, and remained in the team until October 2012. During this time she supported the role out of the London 2012 education programme (Get Set) to schools all around the UK and internationally, building relationships with schools and teachers. During "Games Time" Natalie was seconded to London 2012 Ceremonies Ltd. from LOCOG. Acting as a "Casting Assistant", working with school groups and young people rehearsing and performing in the London 2012 Olympic & Paralympic Opening & Closing Ceremonies.
Natalie is particularly passionate about using education and innovative initiatives to create an environment that allows young people to be inspired, thrive and achieve, no matter their location or socio-economic background.
Sonia Meggie | Inspirational YOU
Sonia Meggie is the award-winning founder of Inspirational YOU; a London based social enterprise.
Their mission is to connect, inspire and empower young people, women and ethnic minorities who want to progress personally and professionally.
She is passionate about tech, BAME progression, diversity and Africa, which saw her be selected as an RSA Diaspora Changemaker. Sonia is a Diversity and wellbeing Consultant and can be seen and supporting inclusion initiatives around the UK. In February 2019, Sonia was shortlisted for Stylist Magazine ‘Inspirational woman of the year’ award in their inaugural Remarkable women awards.
In 2016 she launched an accessories brand called FunkyNChunky creating ethically made accessories from Africa, this has seen her brand grow globally. Her passion is empowering others and giving back. This summer (2019) will see her open a Saturday school for those aged 8-14 in South West London.
Sonia is a qualified football coach, Trustee for the Jason Roberts Foundation, Friends Committee member of the Black Cultural Archives and Ghana GUBA Trade Expo. Via Inspirational YOU she has held over 100 events in 8 years, which include the popular teenagers careers platform and ‘women at the top’ masterclass at the House of Commons.
Sonia has worked alongside organisations such as Google, Deloitte, Barclays Corporate, BAML, MP’s, Law Chambers, PwC, Pearsons, ITV, Sky, London Youth, BBC, Channel 4, Stephen Lawrence Trust, DAC Beachcroft and UK Supreme Court.
Laura Perkins | Young Women's Trust
I am a creative and target driven fundraiser, with a passion for engaging with people and developing the capacity and resources of charities particularly those that support women.
I have been a fundraiser for charities both large and small, from the British Heart Foundation to Find Your Feet. I started my career after university, as an administrator taking calls and sending thank you letters and I loved the opportunity it gave me to talk to people about issues they cared about. I was also really motivated by the difference that every donation made to the lives of the people the charity served. Over the years I have looked for ways to increase my skills and knowledge by taking on new responsibilities and networking with peers. I have also purposefully taken roles in smaller charities to enable me to broaden by experience and help them grow.
In 2006, I undertook an MSc in Development Studies which fuelled my interest in international development issues which led me to work at a number of international charities supporting the economic empowerment of women across the world. A highlight during that time was travelling to meet with colleagues overseas to support them with their own fundraising so they could support more women through their programmes.
I then took the decision to apply what I learned to supporting young women across the UK. Currently manage a small team of fundraisers at Young Women’s Trust, a charity that supports disadvantaged young women to build their confidence, broaden their expectations and find work that’s right for them. My work focuses on building relationships with people, companies and networks to raise awareness of the challenges young women face and find ways for them to make a difference. I also contribute to the charity’s strategic direction, looking for new ways for us to grow our impact on young women’s lives. I am deeply concerned by the growing inequality in the UK and believe strongly that we are all losing out, both economically and socially by not supporting all young women to be socially mobile and fulfil their potential.
Rebecca Smith | BNY Mellon
Born, raised and living in Lancashire – Rebecca graduated from Leeds Metropolitan University with a Sports degree and fell into financial services by accident but discovered a desire to improve processes and streamlining.
Rebecca started her career in financial services in 2003 working for Sesame, a network firm of independent financial advisors. Within the firm she worked her way up the ranks from processing and investigations clerk to Finance Manager obtaining her Chartered Management Institute certificate and AAT qualification along the way.
In 2008, Rebecca was placed in the Treasury Department at the Bank of New York as Reconciliations section manager. Rebecca’s finance and reconciliation background stood her in good stead for the management of a reconciliation remediation project. Shortly into her role she took charge of the Reporting team and then up until 2012 managed various FX Operations teams. In 2012, she was promoted to FX Processing Group Manager responsible for the FX Processing and Confirmation teams. During this time Rebecca achieved her Prince2 qualification.
Upon returning from two close periods of maternity leave in 2015, Rebecca managed the Control function incorporating the investigations, reporting and analytics groups before becoming Business Admin Manage in early 2016 which represented a move away from people management into an individual contributor role. The role requires a solid understanding and background in the technical aspects of the FX Operation and strong organisational skills. The role was rebranded as Operational CAO in 2018 responsible for aiding the smooth running of the department by owning much of the governance processes such as audits, compliance reviews, management oversight metrics and reports. She handled the department’s recruiting process as well as being the central point for ad hoc corporate wide initiatives and programmes.
In January 2019, Rebecca moved into a CAO role in the Legal division supporting the EMEA Legal team.
Noemie Djossou | HSBC
Having recently completed the RBWM Graduate Programme, I secured my first permanent role with HSBC as Project and Governance Manager within Retail Credit Risk.
The Programme prepared me with a breadth of experience, from customer experience and people management, to strategy analytics and finally, as Diversity and Inclusion Manager within the UK bank.
Following an early career within healthcare, the programme proved a challenging next step, but ultimately served as a springboard for my career.
Passionate about Inclusion, I’ve launched a number of initiatives connecting employee resource groups to our people, providing a platform for unheard voices and development in the under-represented.
Cressida Stewart | Cherry London
Having completed an MSc in psychology, I became eager to learn more about the female psyche and the rise in anxiety and mental distress for women in modern society.
I undertook in-depth study into the relationship young women have with social media, especially Instagram, and how it is the cause of huge psychological distress.
My interest in women in society took me to Grace Belgravia, a health and well-being club , where I helped build unique member programmes to support the mental state of women who felt pressures from society. I did this alongside the psychologist of the British fashion council, and devised a programme catering to the needs of those who suffered a ‘Superwoman syndrome’. We designed and provided the tools to combat this distress for women who were mentally struggling.
My journey in psychology took me to a Behavioural Insights agency where I worked on a London council campaign that acted to change the attitude of those living in the area to live a healthier lifestyle.
I then went into brand partnerships, fascinated by the relationship between brands and their customers.
Working at Cherry London has been an empowering and rewarding experience. I have helped build The WealthiHer Network, an initiative created by women, for women. It is a movement which aims to revolutionise the perception of women in the financial sector and to exact positive change, for the benefit of all.