Hanna Roos | Latham & Watkins LLP
Senior Associate | Latham & Watkins LLP
I was born the eldest daughter of 12 in Finland, and discouraged from aiming for Oxford. Now I’m an Oxford and Cambridge educated Solicitor Advocate (Higher Courts), and a Senior Associate at Latham & Watkins – the world’s largest law firm by revenue. I practice broadly in international disputes, and specialize particularly in energy and pharma (https://www.lw.com/people/hanna-roos).
Studying Philosophy, Politics and Economics at Balliol College, Oxford, imprinted a passion for ethics and justice which informs what I do:
- Setting up and co-leading Latham’s global Parent Lawyers Group, which supports the progression of parent lawyers (mothers and fathers) at the firm (https://www.lw.com/AboutUs/Diversity/Affinity). Our awesome initiatives to support those returning to work and planning parenting have generated excitement in our more than 30 offices.
- Co-leading our London Pro Bono Committee to help the disadvantaged by offering free legal advice. This help has merited an external award from TrustLaw. Globally, our help is valued at nearly US$ 1.1 billion since 2000.
- Mentoring junior lawyers and inspiring both male and female colleagues by leading with a gender neutral style and “leaning in” (thank you Sheryl). I believe in openness and have shared my experience of miscarriages to help others speak up, stay positive and manage their career during difficult times.
- Acting on high-profile matters to support victims of historic torture and human rights violations.
- Using my ethics and legal background to help patients. This began a decade ago after two of my siblings passed away because of a rare medical condition. I have established a collaboration with Harvard and been invited an External Professor in clinical pharmacology to a Masters course supported by Milan University, Mario Negri Institute and Novartis Pharma.
- Supporting students launching their first start-ups, as part of a leading business school’s “Founder’s Lab”.
I am a supportive wife to an NHS junior doctor, mother to a 3.5 year old Tyrannosaurus Rex (so he thinks), a caring au pair employer and the owner of an over-sized Alsatian as well as six tetra-fish. I began my career at a magic circle firm and have worked in Paris and London. We do karate as a family on weekends (to try to shake off exhaustion!) and, at our son’s insistence, sponsor wild elephants.
Francesca Brown | Goals 4 Girls
Francesca is the Managing director & CEO of Goals4Girls, which was launched in June 2013. Goals4Girls is a football development programme which works with young women aged between 11-16. The programme aims are to break down barriers & reduce inactivity amongst young women in sport, by raising the aspirations, self-confidence, self-esteem and mind sets of young women inspiring them to set and achieve their goals.
The Football development programme provides football coaching, player development pathways, coaching, qualifications, workshops, inspirational seminars, trips and mentoring to girls in and around East London.
The Goals4Girls coaching experience is different in the way that we cater to the needs of the young women, making each session Fun and rewarding. Being a female only development programme we pride ourselves with having the ability to work with a diverse selection of young women, from all cultures, backgrounds & abilities. G4G aims to encourages every individual we work with to challenge themselves, in a safe environment.
Goals4Girls has developed over 300+ Young women since launching. Currently the programme is running in The Royal Docks Community school, working closely with organisations like London Youth, Sports England, Prince’s Trust,The FA, London FA & Tottenham Hotspur Ladies.
Francesca’s experience stems from her success as a professional athlete, playing for teams such as Manchester United community and Manchester city.
She is the Ambassador for the Prince’s Trust, and is a FA Qualified coach who has worked with young women from BAME, African and ethnic minority communities’ across London. Francesca is also motivational speaker who has provided insight into her business and lifestyle, to organisations such as Women in Sport & Sports England.
#ONETEAMONEDREAM
Debra Jacobs | RBS
PA to Senior Learning & Development Partner | The Royal Bank of Scotland
Debra started her career in the hotel industry with Forte Hotels, taking up a variety of customer facing roles, before moving into Conference & Banqueting. In the years that followed, Debra moved to a corporate environment organising in-house corporate events before finally moving into event management with a number of organisations. In these roles, Debra was responsible for multiple global corporate events; working to tight deadlines, constantly changing logistical aspects including venues, client demands, budgets and environments.
After many years in the events industry to achieve a more sustainable work life balance, Debra changed direction in her career transitioning into the PA role.
For the past 10 years, Debra has worked for a variety of global organisations, always within the HR function supporting at Director Level. Debra has been at for 5 years working within Group HR Functions. Debra enjoys the variety in her role and the culture at RBS.
Debra has recently launched a PA Network at RBS. The aim of the network is to bring the PAs together from across the Bank; to learn from one another, to share experiences, information and best practice and offer customised development and training. The network will help to reinforce the value of the PA role and will help support the ambition to be number one for customer service, trust and advocacy by 2020. From a standing start in January the network now has over 500 members across the bank.
Outside of work, Debra supports various international animal rescue charities. Last September, Debra was part of a committee who successfully organised the “Inspiring Leadership Trust Annual Fashion Show & Gala Event” at the Corinthia Hotel, London. The Inspiring Leadership Trust (ILT) is a charitable trust; the objective is to support vulnerable women and young people around the world.
In her spare time, Debra is an avid Afternoon Tea fanatic and is working her way through the Top 20 best places for Afternoon Tea in London. Debra also enjoys spending time with her husband, friends and family and her two cats, Harley and Miracle.
Cheryl-Anne Sanderson | G4S
Regional Manager Wales - MoJ TFM contract | G4S FM UK and Ireland
Regional Manager – G4S Wales
I have been employed by G4S Facilities Management for just under four years, starting initially as a Service Manager and rising to my current position as Regional Manager for Wales on the Ministry of Justice TFM contract. I believe that to succeed in the FM industry you have to have enthusiasm, drive, the ability to communicate effectively and most crucially, be able to listen and engage with both your client and your own team. I firmly believe that successful managers operate most effectively when working within a great team.
I actively promote collaborative working and encourage my colleagues and team at all levels to widen their aspirations, expand their experiences and seek new qualifications. I'm very proud to work in the FM industry and am keen to promote this profession as an exciting, challenging and varied career choice for young people to consider. I would also like to encourage more women to join the sector and have have recently become a committee member for the Young Managers' Forum.
Isobel O'Connor | Mercer
Isobel is an International Benefits Consultant at Mercer. Having graduated from the University of Bath in 2013 with an honours degree in European Studies, French and Spanish, Isobel joined Mercer in a business development support role before moving to the International Consulting Group in January 2015.
In her day to day consulting role, Isobel partners with senior HR stakeholders to provide strategic advice and support in the management of global employee benefit programs for FTSE 100 and Fortune 500 organisations. She is also studying towards the Diploma in International Employee Benefits.
Alongside her day job, Isobel is Co-Chair of the UK gender balance network at Mercer, ‘The Vine’, which encourages all employees to embrace gender diversity. In this role, Isobel develops the strategy for the network, makes recommendations to the Board on diversity matters at Mercer, and
organises events for employees and clients.
Outside of work Isobel is a keen netball player and enjoys travelling and photography.
Sian Rodway | PA Consulting
Sian is a Consultant Analyst within PA’s Defence and Security practice – an independent company specialising in Technology, Consulting and Innovation where she can fully apply the skills and knowledge gained from an MSc in International Defence, Development and Diplomacy from Durham University. Sian is currently using her experience to help UK defence and security clients design new analysis based approaches to complex problem solving - including Big Data, effective research and development and efficiencies through better collaboration and operating models.
Since 2015 Sian has been a key player in Women in Defence UK, a community of people who wish to promote the value of women in the defence sector. Sian is motivated by their vision of succeeding authentically and is passionate about being a role model that mentors and encourages others. She is pioneering a ‘Women in Defence Blog’ that aims to be an original source of inspiration for others who work or are thinking of working anywhere in the defence sector.
Aimee Gill | Worldpay
Head of Retention Marketing and Customer Lifecycle |
Aimée is a proven Marketing professional with a track record of delivering innovation, whilst demonstrating inspirational leadership and acting as a role model for business women in technology and financial services.
Aimée has worked for a number of leading global businesses and UK brands including Renault and Royal Mail. Since joining, Worldpay, Europe’s No.1 payment services company, in 2012, she has led transformational initiatives to help the business successfully grow and retain its customers. This success helped to play a key role in the recent floatation of Worldpay on the LSE – with the business now ranked in the top 100 of the FTSE.
Aimée has a passion for the customer and ensures that Worldpay remains customer focused and delivers exceptional levels of service and engagement. She is responsible for Customer Experience and Loyalty marketing, and leads a team of 12 people who work with more than 280,000 businesses across the UK - helping them prosper and sell more.
Her outstanding contribution has been recognised via a Worldpay Ambassador Award nomination in 2012 whilst she was invited to join a select group who embarked on a Global Leadership Programme in 2013.
Aimée has also been a passionate advocate for gender diversity in the workplace and the importance of nurturing up and coming female talent in the technology sector. She helped to establish, and now leads the Women of Worldpay (WOW) organisation, Worldpay’s first employee network. The organisation has helped to inspire its members and has acted as a catalyst for the business, with other diversity groups following its lead. In a short space of time WOW membership has reached 400, has presence in 9 offices and 6 countries worldwide. Aimee acts as a true role model – living the value pillars – to attract, inspire and connect with members through a series of engaging events and thought provoking insights, whilst ensuring Women of Worldpay have access to mentors and inspirational leaders. Her ambition is to ensure every WOW member feels supported in their career path and develop into the next generation of leaders.
Sarah Khan | Sara K Digital
Having worked in digital marketing for nearly 10 years, l noticed the rarity of experts, companies who genuinely care for employees and customers beyond financial gain and company politics. How can the UK be the leaders in technology if we aren't providing British SME’s the tools to grow their businesses at honest prices? As a result, SARA K Digital was born.
I serve the hardworking SMEs of the UK and support them to grow their business through online marketing such as social media. My current project provides practical, simple and empowering online marketing training and advice to SMEs - accessible online 24/7 with an expert at hand for further support.
SARA K Digital is an honest business that values each and every stakeholder and gives back to the community because it genuinely cares for people. I practice what l preach as a result, l volunteer my time to mentoring students, young professionals and helping startups who are unable to grow due to personal financial difficulties. Furthermore, a percentage of project profits go directly to educational schemes to help third world countries. And my next venture involves helping children with learning difficulties in the UK.
I believe it’s our duty to inspire and help make the world a better place through our actions for the next generation.
