Clair Ryer | RAF
Kelly Davis | Defence Equipment & Support
Susie Reynolds | PwC
After graduating from a Masters at Exeter University, I immediately joined the Accenture Graduate Scheme in 2010. Allured by the prospects of international travel and working with FTSE 100 companies, I eagerly upped-roots to London. In 2014 I moved from Accenture to PwC to focus more on the people and organisation side of consulting, rather than technology.
My career in consulting has enabled me to develop a range of experience in designing and implementing people, system, process and structural changes that enable more effective and efficient organisations. In doing this I have grown a wide understanding of good practice across multiple sectors including: Industrial Products, Energy, Retail, Government and Defence.
Throughout my career I’ve been fortunate to work on a range of international programmes, which have taught me to be open-minded and understanding of different styles and cultures. My global highlights include:
- 4 months living in Abu Dhabi working with a French/UAE team to design a trading entity for an Energy company
- 1 year managing an offshore Indian team of 12 and working with a 3rd Party German vendor, to deliver a new global payment system on behalf of a Dutch retailer
- Delivery of training to a global sports retailer in Germany
- Developing a global behavioural change programme for an Swiss insurer that was rolled out to 4,000 personnel
- 2.5 years working in partnership with American construction firms Bechtel and CH2MHill, as part of a Defence transformation programme
I always jump at the opportunity to buddy, mentor and manage people as sharing experience and developing others is something I really value. Over the last 18 months, I’ve also been empowered to take on lead roles which has given me a unique opportunity to learn and grow.
In my spare time I enjoy travelling, exercise and socialising with friends and family.
Laura Dietz | Royal Navy
Emily Fowles | Royal Fleet Auxiliary
Jessica Bracey | British Forces Broadcasting Service
My job is not to talk, it’s to share stories and listen. As a journalism student from Bournemouth University my passion lies with hearing the remarkable stories of all walks of life and that’s why radio is the perfect medium for the military environment whilst remaining so intimate. I’m fortunate to have been the first ever student station manager of the award-winning Nerve Radio, Bournemouth University’s Student Radio Station. During this time I was crowned as best female presenter twice, presented a week long breakfast show with Phill Jupitus and despite managing over one hundred volunteers I still managed to get a first in my degree.
Subsequent time spent with BBC Introducing resulted in broadcasting stints at Glastonbury Festival, Maida Vale Studios and a nomination in the Grassroots Category at the 2015 Radio Production Awards. Time at BBC Gloucestershire saw me play a part in a new world record for the longest line of cupcakes for Children in Need.
Nearly a decade of volunteering and working in radio stations is a testament to my dedication to broadcasting. Stations have ranged from Community Radio and more recently BFBS Brize Norton and BFBS Blandford where I was one of the UK’s only solo female Breakfast Presenters.
Now permanently based with BFBS Cyprus, I’m embracing everything military life has to offer at the heart of one the RAF's busiest military base at present as well as undertaking a number of hard-hitting interviews; with the family of those who died in Cyclone Winstone in Fiji, with Army Medical Services dealing with Ebola and war photographer Don McCullin about his experiences on the frontline.
Patricia Patilla Sanchez | Rolls Royce Plc
Since I was 14 years old, I coveted to become an aerospace engineer. I was strongly motivated by the challenging nature of the degree together with a passion for space and the universe. In college mathematics and physics were my key subjects, which were the foundation of my degree at Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (Spain). In order to finish my MEng in Aerospace Engineering, I had the opportunity to perform my Master Thesis at the Von Karman Institute for Fluid Dynamics, a state-of-the-art research centre worldwide in the field of Fluid Dynamics. After this experience, I was eager to find an environment where I could apply my knowledge to solve every day challenges.
I have had the opportunity to work in different companies and sectors in Spain, Germany and the UK. I joined Rolls-Royce PLC in 2013 where I have worked in different positions in the Defence sector. These include the aftermarket business developing new services for customer worldwide and in engineering. In my current role as development engineer, I am responsible for ensuring that our products will be safe in service and fulfil airworthiness requirements, whilst meeting the requirement of the customer and our business.
In addition to my day job, I am truly passionate about inspiring the next generation to pursue STEM careers and changing the culture to bring gender equality into the workplace. I re-launched the Rolls-Royce WoMen network in September 2015. From the re-launch I was Chair of the Bristol Site until December 2016. Moreover, I am a founding member of the Steering Group for Bristol Women in Business, a network connecting professional women in corporates and large businesses based in Bristol, which helps its members to continue to progress, make valuable connections and achieve their full potential.
Victoria Percival-Weil | Royal Navy
Graduating from the University of Bath (Mechanical Engineering), Victoria joined the Royal Navy in 2005. Following professional training she was assigned as the Deputy Marine Engineer Officer of HMS EDINBURGH, deploying on Operation ORION 08 to the Far East.
After this exciting and challenging tour, she studied for an MSc in Naval Architecture at UCL. Passing with Distinction, she took a Safety Regulation role responsible for Escape and Evacuation assurance of all MOD water-borne platforms.
Returning from maternity leave, Victoria was selected for promotion and appointed to T45 Destroyer HMS DEFENDER. As Marine Engineer Officer she has led her engineering department of 45 personnel through a short notice Operational Training programme and deployment to the Gulf.
Proud Mum to a three year-old, Victoria loves her husband and rugby in equal measure. She has represented the Combined Services and Royal Navy throughout her career, serving as Navy Captain for three seasons.
Sayli Chitre | Oliver Wyman
I am an Associate (junior project lead) at Oliver Wyman, focusing on financial services and public policy work. I am driven by doing right by my clients and creating a positive, lasting impact through the work I do. I started at Oliver Wyman in 2014, having graduated from University of Oxford with First-Class Honours in Engineering, Economics & Management. I previously interned across a variety of industries such as engineering and investment banking, most excitingly writing a policy paper for the Planning Commission of India on the future strategy for solar rooftops.
I am motivated by agendas of Inclusion & Diversity in the workplace and access in general. I co-lead Empowered UK – Oliver Wyman’s network for racial, ethnic & cultural diversity with a view to fostering inclusion and enhancing the culture of the firm. In my capacity as the co-lead, I’ve driven a variety of initiatives for the network across recruiting, internal community building and upwards mentoring to senior management.
Outside of work, I provide informal advice to school students in India on further education opportunities abroad. I am a travel enthusiast and very passionate about dancing, being a certified dancer in the Indian classical dance form of Bharatnatyam at the age of 12.
Anisha Seth | EY
I grew up in Maidenhead and attended a local comprehensive school called Newlands Girls School from 2001 until 2008. I then attended UCL in 2008 where I studied Law for 3 years. After deciding that Law was not the path for myself I decided to take a different route.
I joined EY in 2011 as a graduate in FSO Tax in London where I currently am. Over the last 2 years I have been leading the EY Sikh Network here at EY and been involved in many diversity initiatives.