Teneeka Mai | Oliver Wyman
I graduated from the University of Oxford in 2019 with a Masters in Physics, where I specialized in quantum optics and worked with VeriVin, a start-up wine company working in non-invasive fine wine authentication to develop a quantum spectrometer.
After graduating, I joined Oliver Wyman’s Data and Analytics team the following September where I learnt to code. Using my numerical background, I quickly became an expert in Python and other languages, data science, and building machine learning models. Since then I have used these skills to deliver impact for clients - from developing a covid-19 financial impact assessment toolkit for multiple multi-national banks, assessing portfolios with a combined exposure of over €150BN and hundreds of thousands of companies, to a feasibility assessment of a potential investment area for a green energy social impact charity.
Last year, I founded the Women of Oliver Wyman (WOW) Digital network which aims to connect women working in the Digital space across multiple offices, countries and continents, and specialisms. Our team are focused on building a strong community, inspiring women and supporting them to build skills for promotion through monthly events. We are also in the process of setting up a mentorship programme. I am also working with the recruitment and Inclusion and Diversity (I&D) teams to lead an initiative to increase the diversity of applications to the Data and Analytics team, bringing together my roles in WOW Digital and as a member of the I&D working group.
At university, I was President of Oxford’s university charity society, Raise and Give (RAG) where I led a cross-college 40+ committee raising over £200k over two years for our four elected charities. We hosted dozens of our own events and challenges each year whilst also building a keen community of volunteers and fundraisers across individual colleges and other societies to collaborate with. I am currently volunteering with NUW, a sustainable fashion start-up who are working to reduce the environmental impact of fashion. I am collaborating directly with the CTO to apply my data analytics skills and community building experience to drive key insights from their data and help them grow their user base.
Priscilla Quansah | British Army
Cpl Priscilla Quansah was born in Kumasi, Ghana on 25 August 1985, she completed all her formal education in Ghana and graduated from University of Cape coast in 2010 with a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental science.
She enlisted in the British Army in 2013 and completed her Initial Basic Training at ATR Pirbright, finishing off her trade training in Worthy down as a Combat Chef in Nov 2013. She then served with the 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian and the 1st Battalion The Mercian Regiment for a year. She re-traded to the Adjutant General Corps (AGC) as a Military Personnel Administrator (MPA), and then moved on to the 1st Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment in Warminster in 2016.
She worked assiduously in her role as a junior clerk managing Headquarters Company mostly by herself, after 6 months she was promoted to the rank of Lance Corporal. She moved into a different Company and combined her work managing the biggest Company in the Unit with supporting Diversity & Inclusion(D&I). She co-formed the Battalion Inclusion Committee (BIC) with the Regimental Careers Management Officer (RCMO) which was the first of its kind in the Battalion and 2nd in the Army at that period. Following on she organised a very successful Unit Cultural day and was nominated by the Unit for the National Diversity award and was successfully shortlisted.
In 2018 She was promoted to the rank of a Corporal and moved to 3 Regiment The Royal Logistics Corps(3RLC) where she currently serves as a Squadron MPA. Once again with the support of the RCMO she started the 3RLC Regimental Inclusion Committee to support the Chain of Command and soldiers on D&I and lead in organising another Unit Cultural day in March 2020.
She is currently the Co-Secretary for the Army BAME Network which is a volunteer Network. She speaks on D&I issues and shares her lived experience as a panellist or main speaker in various Units and other platforms. Priscilla’s passionate about leadership and current affairs. She has organised leadership seminars in her Unit and enjoys mentoring others. She is in the last 6 months of completing a degree in Business Management.
Cpl Quansah enjoys reading and participating in debates. She runs regularly to keep fit and watches movies in her spare time.
Abbie Rymer | British Army
I joined the Army in 2012 at 19 years old after a short career in recruitment.
After passing basic training and initial trade training I was posted to 22 Field Hospital in Aldershot, where I deployed on several exercises and worked toward becoming a Class 1 Medic. I promoted to Lance Corporal in 2014 and shortly afterwards qualified as a Class One Medic.
As a newly qualified medic and Junior Non-Commissioned Officer I was posted to Wiltshire in support of 1st Regiment Royal Horse Artillery. It was a baptism by fire as I deployed straight to Canada to spend a month exercising on the prairie, responsible for the medical care of a Battery of around 60 soldiers. In 2016 I was lucky enough to spend three weeks in Nepal trekking in the Himalayas and shortly after my return I deployed on my first Operational Tour. I was part of the first group of UK Troops to deploy supporting the UN Mission in South Sudan.
I promoted to Corporal in 2017 whilst pregnant with my daughter, Florence and return from a period of 9 months maternity leave to The Royal Tank Regiment. Whilst with The Royal Tank Regiment I deployed on range packages, exercises and also spent 7 weeks in Oman working as part of the Pre-Hospital Treatment Team supporting the entire Battlegroup. Whilst with the RTR I started volunteering as a mentor for the Girl Guides and took part in events coaching them through their ‘Lead Skills Builder’ Badge.
I am now part of 4 Armoured Medical Regiment, Clinical Training Department and I feel as though I have found my niche in the training and development of others. I have used this opportunity to further my own education, completing an Access to Higher Education Diploma and enrolling on a BSc.
Single mum to Florence, age 3, in my very limited spare time I act as Reverse Mentor to Commander Field Army, representing the Army Service Womens Network. I am a keen power lifter and enjoy competing when I get a chance.
Bethanie Baker | BAE Systems
I have worked in a few different positions in my working life so far before settling in Commercial for Defence.
I have worked for a youth council, a book makers, various administrative roles, a Dental Nurse, an account coordinator and now I am in Commercial. Commercial is the position I have enjoyed most and find I can make the most of my skills. I am married and a mum to two wonderful children.
Charlotte Davies | Royal Air Force
Charlotte Davies’ career in the Royal Air Force began in 2001 when she joined as a Weapons Technician in charge of maintaining and managing aircraft weapon systems.
Throughout her career, Charlotte’s greatest passion has been the development of others by encouraging them to be the best they can be. She has taken advantage of the many opportunities offered in the Royal Air Force to hold instructing and development roles and has relished the privilege to help people grow professionally and personally. She has been honoured to teach, guide, mentor and coach a wide range of people. From instructing recruits how to iron shirts and polish shoes, to developing a new armament training package for Puma Helicopter Force, she views every day as an opportunity to learn and promote understanding in order to create an inclusive workplace environment. Charlotte is also a strong advocate of equality. As Co-Chair of the Royal Air Force LGBT+ Freedom Network, she uses her position to advise and guide the broader community on LGBT+ matters. As part of the LGBT+ community and as a female role model, she supports RAF Diversity Allies to showcase difference and grow awareness. Through engagement, she supports those personnel in the minority but also widens awareness within the majority, working tirelessly towards a positive culture of belonging. Her reach is wide. She is a ‘reverse mentor’ to a number of executive managers at Royal Air Force Benson and within the Royal Air Force Senior Leadership Team. She offers her perspective to help leaders make more informed decisions for the workforce. She is also a key member of the Royal Air Force Executive Shadow Board; a board of junior personnel that offers their perspectives on key policies and working principles that affect the entire Force. Charlotte is passionate in the pursuit of change. Her commitment to truth, advocacy and knowledge sharing has contributed to significant organisational changes and a greater awareness of inclusion for all personnel in the Royal Air Force.
Mariette Claassens | British Army
I joined the Armed Forces in August 2010 firstly as a Medic, and then later transfered into the Adjutant General Corps (AGC).
I have served at units all over the UK, my most current being the Royal Tank Regiment, Tidworth. As a unit we have been busy with Covid 19 test stations and it's proven to be a very busy year!
I have a huge passion for Women's Rugby and use to play for the Army, Combined Services and Gloucester-Hartpury Premiership team, I have since retired from playing and currently coach the Adjutant General Corps women’s team.
I have a big interest in Sports Massage and I'm currently completing my Level 3 Diploma in Sports Massage.
I reside with my partner Anna in a little Cotswold village and am the proud mother of two beautiful girls, Lucea (5) and Ava 18 months.
I like to keep busy and enjoy long country walks and being by the seaside with family, friends and the dog. Once a year I take part in a charity fundraising event for Maggie’s Cancer trust. I'm a fit energetic individual and enjoy running, cycling, and the gym in general.
I have recently received a Commanders Commendation (Coin) for my contribution to various subject matters at work. I also received my AGC Sports Colours for my contribution to Women’s Rugby in the Armed Forces.
Natasha Day | British Army
Hi! My name is Natasha Day. Prior to joining the armed forces I was a dancer and ballet teacher in Birmingham.
I joined the British Army as a combat medical technician in April 2014. I have deployed to Kenya, South Sudan and various exercises in both the UK and overseas. I am currently studying to become a paramedic which is amazing!
I had my son Charlie in October 2019 and returned to work March 2020 at the start of the pandemic to an extremely busy phase 1 training establishment. Being a mother has changed my life completely. I absolutely live for my son and want to give him every ounce of me, but I’m also very career focused and love being a medic.
In June 2020 I set out to create the Defence Breastfeeding Network to bring together service families who may have been struggling either at home, or returning to work in defence.
Alongside the network I have been working on becoming qualified to support breastfeeding mothers, weighing in on policy changes and creating material such as posters to normalise breastfeeding within the armed forces, which as you can imagine, is quite a heavily male dominated work place.
I have recently completed 24 hours of exercise to raise money for the Royal British legion and conducted an online charity raffle and socially distant patch cake sale to raise funds for ABF the soliders charity. I also received a DPHC commendation for my work in the medical centre during the COVID pandemic in 2020.
I truly believe you should never have to prioritise either feeding your children or your career, and that with the right support system in place, both can work simultaneously. I am so passionate about breastfeeding, but I’m more passionate about empowering women to make their own decisions, empowered women are unstoppable!
Joanne Ellett | British Army
Jo is a Captain in the Corps of Royal Engineers. Her career in the British Army began aged 16 when she attended Welbeck Defence Sixth Form College. Prior to this she was brought up, educated and a member of the Army Cadet Force in East London.
Following her A levels, Jo went on to study a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Design Engineering at Aston University, Birmingham. On completion of her degree she attended the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst to complete the Regular Commissioning Course, commissioning in August 2014.
Jo’s career so far has been varied, including command of soldiers at Troop level, project manager for a construction site in Kenya, planning and delivery of training, control of community engagement, influence and social media for a Regiment, Battlegroup Engineer to the 1st Battalion Scots Guards, which included a deployment to South Korea and being the team leader for the Army Youth Outreach Team (AYOT).
Jo is currently the Regimental Operation Officer at 1 Royal School of Military Engineering Regiment, responsible for the planning and coordination for an establishment of over 1500 personnel. Competent, committed, and professional, she operates across a swathe of functions to positively influence both outcomes and ambition.
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic Jo was required to manage the Regiment’s response. Under pressure and whilst many others dispersed, she guided her team from ‘the routine’ to a war-footing, operationalising many of the internal processes of the Royal Engineer’s largest training establishment and demonstrating fortitude, versatility and leadership. She worked tirelessly to enhance the safety of the whole force; improve situational awareness, and brought about greater coherence between the Station, health authorities, and Defence Primary Health Care. An inspiring endeavour and one easily recognised by the limited disruption to the substantial training outputs and through various accolades received.
Jo’s commitment and resolve has not just been limited to her ‘day job’; she is a mentor for newly commissioned officers and has worked assiduously to be selected to represent Great Britain as a Bobsleigh Pilot, allowing her to use her position and experience to unlock recruiting opportunities. Her engagements on behalf of Army recruiting have been particularly impressive, as have those with various Servicewomen’s and BAME networks. As a credible, confident and fervent public speaker she has regularly briefed and inspired young audiences of over 600, highlighting opportunities within Defence.
An inspirational real-life role model for aspiring females, athletes and all military personnel. Jo is a first-rate ambassador for the British Army.
Megan Lloyd | British Army
Born in 1984, the fifth child and only daughter of a widowed mother, Megan grew up below the poverty line on a tough Essex estate where drugs and crime were part of daily life.
Against the odds, she gained the top GCSE grades in her year in a failing school and rose to Head Girl despite the bullies and gangs. Joining the Army as a teenager to escape the estate, Megan was accepted as a soldier into the Intelligence Corps. At 19 she was sent to serve in Northern Ireland and at 21 she served her first tour of Afghanistan, having qualified as a linguist. By 24, Megan had served three tours of Afghanistan and made a name for herself as a distance runner and mountaineer, leading teams of soldiers all over the world raising money for charity and awareness for the suffering of animals and children abroad. Megan became a mother aged 26 in 2011, juggling her career with childcare, rising through the ranks with the support of her strong single mother, who died suddenly in 2015. Despite the tragic loss, Megan continued her job deploying soldiers to Iraq and remained committed to charity fundraising events that enabled community defibrillators to be placed into two rural primary schools. Selected for a commission from the ranks in 2018, Megan was awarded the rank of Captain and qualified in military accountancy within the Adjutant General's Corps (Staff and Personnel Support). In 2018, whilst undertaking a military trial, Megan was injured and required surgery to her hip and a long period of recovery. With her future uncertain, Megan slowly recovered with the help of military charities and in 2021, was selected to run the famous Marathon Des Sables desert ultra-race for the charity Walking With The Wounded. She hopes to raise £5000 and continue to inspire other injured soldiers not to give up hope.
Megan now leads a team of specialist soldiers in support of the King's Royal Hussars, a Royal Armoured Corps Regiment in Tidworth, Wiltshire.
Claudine Martin | British Army
Staff Sergeant Claudine Martin is a serving Soldier in the British Army for the past 14 years.
She is the winner of PA life 'PA of the Year 2019', shorlisted for 'Rising Star of the Year 2019' with Miss Jones PA, shortlisted ‘Women in Defence Awards 2020, finalist for 'We are the City' Rising Star Award 2020 and finalist for Secs in the City ‘PA of the Year 2020’. She was featured in PA Life Magazine in summer 2019 sharing her experiences as a Soldier and PA. She was also featured in the Jamaica Gleaner newspaper where she gave tips and advice to Lupus sufferers during the COVID lockdown. She was one of the speakers at the PA Show 2020 where she spoke on a panel with celebrity PAs.
Claudine is a keen public speaker and spoke at numerous virtual events. This includes the wellness revival festival where she spoke an a panel with wellness experts promoting wellness in the workplace. She also spoke at Fast forward 15 Bame ambassdors event and and was interviewed on Amaze tv to raise the awareness about lupus. She has a passion for motivational speaking and does motivational vlogs on her you tube channel.
Claudine joined the Army in 2006 when her son was just a year old and deployed to Iraq 6 months later. Prior to her assignment at 11 Inf Bde, she worked as the PA to the Director Army engagements and commuications at the Ministry of Defence and Chief HR Administrator at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst within New College. Claudine sits on the executive committee as the Events lead for the Chronic Conditions and Disability in Defence network (CANDID), it is a network that supports military personnel and their families who are living with chronic conditions and disabilities.
She is passionate about encouraging and inspiring PA’s to maximise their full potential. Claudine sat on the judging panel for PA Life PA of the Year 2020 Star awards. She is a keen advocate for the Lupus UK charity and actively does charity runs to raise the awareness about Lupus. She is a mentor for the ILE network, a network aiming to inspire young people from ethnic minority and disadvantaged backgrounds. Claudine is also a mentor for Fast Forward 15, a programme that aims to inspire, encourage and empower women in the events, hospitality and related industries to be the best they can be. She is also a member of Event Marketing Association (EMA) and is a committee member for their diversity and inclusion working group, a group that aims to encourage and promote diversity in the events industry. She is also a brownie and guide volunteer where gives her time to teach girls about trying new things, learn more about themselves and their community.
Claudine is part time student with University of Lincoln where she is studying for a bachelors degree in Human Resources Management.