Emma Miller-McCaffrey | Planet L Events
Natalie Campbell | A Very Good Company
Tanya Compas | The Change Foundation
Caroline Odogwu | Business Launchpad
Caroline Odogwu is committed to working with young people, inspiring them to reach their full potential. And after working nearly five years at youth entrepreneurial charity, Business Launchpad, alongside running her own award winning social enterprise - she has an inspiring story of her own!
After graduating with a degree in journalism, Caroline began her career as a broadcast journalist working with OHTV (Sky Digital), ITV, Granada and Sky News. It was through this work that Caroline was able to hone her skills in digital marketing and communications. Coupling this budding talent with her passion for working with her fellow 20 somethings, she created a TV series called Young Achievers for OHTV. The 20-part programme shone a spotlight on the achievements of young professionals across the UK, giving voice to an often under-represented section of society.
Channeling the knowledge and experience she gained working in the media, Caroline was driven to do more to give young people a voice. She began speaking out about issues such as youth unemployment, diversity and entrepreneurship, reaching key influencers at round table discussions at the House of Lords and House of Commons. Caroline also secured speaking engagements about these vital issues at events with top business leaders from companies including RBS, Tata Consulting and vinspired.
Generating awareness was only one piece of the puzzle, however, it was Caroline’s drive to do something that led her to co-found She is You in 2012. Aimed at helping girls and young women achieve their full potential, She is You provides workshops, events and peer mentoring.
In addition to that Caroline currently works as the Marketing & Outreach officer for Business Launchpad (BLP), a South London-based charity that connects young entrepreneurs, providing them with the skills, resources, support and mentoring they need to start their own businesses. In addition to her marketing role, Caroline leads on BLPs peer-led youth leadership panel and is currently piloting a youth-led digital marketing agency as part of BLP’s development programme.
Sonia Meggie | Inspirational YOU
Trishna Bharadia | MS Society
I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis aged 28, in 2008, and since then have become a leading and award-winning advocate for people with MS/chronic illness/disability, using my experiences to help others, largely through charitable work.
I’m a full-time translator but in my spare time collaborate with organisations in the UK and abroad, including MS Society (Ambassador), Sue Ryder, the Wheelchair Dance Sport Association (Patron), the Cambridge MS Therapy Centre (Patron), Asian MS (Newsletter Editor and Committee member), the MS Trust, MS-UK, the European MS Platform, Disability Horizons, the Patient Information Forum, and various pharmaceutical companies, among others, to raise awareness about MS/chronic illness, improve support for people living with chronic illness/disability, and improve patient and volunteer engagement.
I speak at events and in the media about issues affecting people with MS/chronic illness/disability, campaign, write, vlog, blog, advise on health projects/research studies and educate pharmaceutical staff and healthcare professionals about living with MS/chronic illness. I’m on the steering committee for the The World vs MS Project run by Sanofi Genzyme, as well as being a member of “The Ozone” virtual round table for key opinion leaders across healthcare specialties by Oyster Healthcare. In 2015 I put MS on the national map by appearing in the first ever “People’s Strictly for Comic Relief” on BBC1, a four-part Strictly Come Dancing spin-off, in recognition of my charity work. I’m regularly asked to speak at conferences and workshops on topics ranging from living with chronic illness, improving patient engagement and volunteering.
I’ve been pioneering within the Asian community, where chronic illness/disability (especially for women) is still not talked about openly.
My charitable work has had a profound impact on the world of MS, particularly when it comes to increasing understanding and showing people how living a positive life is possible with chronic illness.
Zainab Atta | RBS
From the young age of 11 I was interning at my father’s business as an office assistant, and from him I learned really strong work ethics although I didn’t realize it at the time. I went on to study accounting for 4 years at university, and by the time I graduated I knew I did not really want to be an accountant. I always had an entrepreneurial flair so I decided to pursue a Masters degree in International Business and hoped it would guide me to my calling, but it did not quite work out that way. I spent the last 10 years gaining a vast range of experiences in finance and project management roles and finally my current role in financial crime compliance.
Outside my day job I pursue other passions and have held a range of roles at various charities including a Trustee position. One of such roles is as Chief Operating Officer at Career Masterclass where I have the opportunity to support the founder’s vision of giving women and BAME professionals a fighting foot by organising events and Masterclasses that improve soft and interpersonal skills. I am extremely passionate about fairness and equality issues faced by women and BAME professionals in the workplace. I also love to support and mentor young women when I can. At Career Masterclass I am responsible for driving operational effectiveness and driving the activities that ensure we meet our organisational objectives. Ultimately I find fulfillment in volunteering and being able to give back
People would describe me as passionate; always ready to challenge the status quo, dependable and adaptable. I am also a bit of a perfectionist and probably my own biggest critic, but only because I always want to put my best foot forward.
Sarah Kouch | Societe Generale
After finishing my degree in 2015, I had the opportunity to join Soc Gen's graduate program in London. Travelling has always been a dream to me and being able to fulfill it through my job is a wonderful thing. As a student I had to sacrifice a few experiences abroad because I had to work to finance my college education. I worked as sales but also as a babysitter or a mathematics teacher. This is something I am very proud of and I am very satisfied today that I finally managed to explore a new country and a new culture.
I was born in Paris, from Moroccan parents. I am part of the first immigration generation who needed to adjust itself to a double culture. This is something I always bring to the fore, as it makes people sharing different lifestyles, understand more about each other and open our mind to live in cohesion.
I opted for a Mathematic degree as I was more interested by scientific classes than literature, but in the meantime, through my few experiences I really loved my sales roles, discussing with clients and being proactive. Thus, I chose to complete my mathematics degree by a business school in partnership with an engineering school to study Financial Markets. I had the chance to simulate trading activity there and I found the job really fascinating.
If I was not a trader today, as one of my passions is cooking, I would have opened a French and Moroccan restaurant with a crazy touch. Maybe a food truck to reach as many people as possible…
Rachel Scandling | Barclays
I grew up surrounded by military stories of courageous behaviour and risky adventures; my father and grandfather were both in the Armed Forces and from an early age my ambition was to follow in their footsteps. Growing up in a small rural, farming community, my career choice of a life at sea was definitely viewed as out of the ordinary. However, my determination paid off and in the late 80’s I was accepted into the Women’s Royal Naval Service as a Wren Writer.
After 5 years as a non-commissioned officer, I passed the selection process for Officer training and went on to attend Britannia Royal Naval College. I have always strived to be ‘my very best self’ and following an extremely rewarding and challenging career spanning 27 years, I left the RN as a Commander having served overseas, at sea and in Afghanistan as well as at home in the UK. In 2015 I was ready for fresh adventures and exchanged my military career for one in financial services. Whilst these two sectors may seem poles apart, they both require courage, tenacity and resilience along with the ability to make things happen, get things done and deliver results. I started working in Barclays, initially as a Project Manager supporting Structural Reform and more recently as the Optimisation Lead within Global Markets Operations.
Outside of work I love sport and travel, ideally combining the two; I have cycled across Kenya, Cuba and most recently, Vietnam and Cambodia fundraising for female cancer charities. I am passionate about supporting young women to achieve their potential and volunteer as a mentor for the Girl’s Network, supporting young women from disadvantaged communities, with career and professional development advice. My philosophy is one life, live it; don’t let your own fear hold you back.
