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Her Next Chapter

her next chapter

Leamington Spa

Tenacious. Terrific. Trustworthy. Truthful. And sometimes Trouble. When you ask my family, friends and coworkers about me, they will probably list these attributes. Or qualities. For good and for bad. I am the only child to my mother Grace and my father Ken who met in Blackpool, England during the Second World War, which means much of my family resides in England. Including my daughter who met my son-in-law during her junior year abroad at Oxford University. I grew up not knowing that my mother had an accent, never understanding the difference between English and American terminology so that even today I will say a word and people will look perplexed, and I realize I am using the English word and not the American one. I’m an only child because my parents decided traveling back to England would be very difficult with more children. My father made a point to keep me from being spoiled which was a double-edged sword because his lack of praise left me with a feeling that I had to try twice as hard as anyone else just to keep up. The end result is one very motivated woman, and I constantly seek continued learning and new challenges. My first words were undoubtedly “When are you going to give me a horse?” and thus Patience Prize and I became a team when I was 14. My father once again made sure I knew the horse was not to be taken for granted when he said, “Now you’ve got a horse, you’d better get a job. And you won’t be paid for mowing the lawn anymore.” My love of animals produced my first job at the local veterinarians cleaning up cages and feeding animals. One small dog had broken her two front legs, was terribly vicious, and no one could touch her. After her surgery she was crammed up in a corner while still asleep, and I moved her into a more comfortable position and, of course, petted her and spoke to her. After that I was the only one who could open her cage and touch her without getting bitten. She must have known my smell. Years passed and I became both a photojournalist and regular journalist with local Berkshire County Massachusetts newspapers. When I returned to college to complete my bachelor’s degree, my journalism provided me with life experience credits and thus I completed my BA in English. What to do next? I had student loans, so I needed either grad school or a second job. My daughter waitressed at a local restaurant open only on weekends and they said they needed a dishwasher, so she said, “My brother needs a job.” Then they asked, “So who else do you have at home?” and she said, “My mom.” Thus, I tried the second job routine as a waitress. We served wine in long-stemmed glasses and carried them on a tray. During one shift I was at a table of two women and the tray started to tilt, and I couldn’t stop it! So, I stood there and watched the wine glasses crash down on the table and splash everywhere. It was not a happy time for all involved. So, I said, “That’s it, I’m going to grad school.” I took my daughter and son to see Phantom of the Opera on Broadway, we ate at the Russian Tea Room, and I told them they couldn’t bug me for two years. The non-traditional program at Vermont College of Norwich University was a full-time program so I had a full-time job, a full-time grad school program, a son in high school and a daughter in college. During my internship I worked 7:00 a.m. to noon, drove to Albany, New York (a one-hour drive one way), worked at a public relations firm from 1:00 to 6:00 and stopped at the restaurant where my two offspring worked about 7:00 for a glass of wine and a light dinner. Then I realized I didn’t have time to clean the bathroom, so I hired a cleaning lady (very inexpensive in a small town back then) and decided that was an expense associated with grad school. That was a valuable decision. The downside of a small town is that a master’s degree doesn’t allow for many jobs at a living wage. I decided I would move. After networking for several years and finding a church in Washington, DC I moved to northern Virginia on October 2, 1999, never having lived more than 6 miles from where I was born. I got a job the second day. I bought a house that January and a horse, Sonny Madison, in January 2001 and have never regretted my choice or looked back. At some point in 2018 I found Her Nexx Chapter and started writing for them. It provides me with a chance to get in touch with my creative style since my most prevalent job has been a technical writer. Now I’m also the Editorial Project Director and a member of the Advisory Board. It’s a tremendous value to women everywhere, and I always enjoying learning something new and sharing my blogs with the community. So here I am. I’m still horseback riding and trying to keep fit. I try to look for the positive side of life even in times of turmoil – notice I said “try” because sometimes life gets to be a tad difficult. But that’s my story and I’m sticking to it!

Raise Up Business Club (Silke Thistlewood)

raise up business club (silke thistlewood)

Cheshire

I (Silke Thistlewood, that’s me on the left with my 2 girls) set up a local networking group for mums in early 2017 after returning from (self employed) maternity leave and feeling decidedly isolated. I had lost my business mojo, felt pretty lonely, and couldn’t make any of the existing networking meetings (no babies allowed, too early, too late etc) so I decided to start my own. I called it Tonbridge Mums in Business and its facebook group grew to 500 members within just a few weeks (it surpassed 1,000 quite some time ago now). We’ve been having regular meetings ever since and the facebook community has grown from strength to strength, with the Thursday promotional thread having become a thing of legend. You have to see it to believe the amount of local talent! And now RuBC_LogoFinal_White_Rose.png In early 2019 I felt is was time to raise the bar and level up - in my own businesses and for the group. I had for some time been wanting to add more value for members - more structure, support and resources (mailing lists for meeting reminders, access to talks members can’t attend, accountability, goal setting etc). With 2 other businesses to run and young kids to look after this was logistically and financially not possible on a voluntary basis (paying for the yearly website subscription alone made my eyes water…..) so I made the decision to introduce a membership structure and a charge for the meetings. I very much hope that the pricing structure I have decided on reflects the value current members have gained from the group and the meetings, and the fact that most of us are working with small margins and reduced working hours crammed around child care and other responsibilities. To set the group apart from other networking meetings in the area, which are confusingly similar in name, the group has been re-branded and has a new name that I feel embodies what the group and community are - supportive, encouraging, non judgemental, inclusive, friendly and quite frankly, magical. I am blown away at each and every meeting by the friendships and kindness that members show each other. What you can expect Community, support, encouragement, friendship, collaborations, inspiration, education - online and in real life across both communities. Weekly check-ins, accountability prompts in the membership community to keep you on track, inspired and safe in the knowledge that this group of women will always have your back. We also co-work in real life and on zoom, go on walks together, discuss books and have coaching sessions with the one and only Action Woman. A wider community of businesses in the free facebook group with the chance to promote your business each Thursday, as well as getting to know others and forming friendships and a basis for collaborations. Someone will always have an answer to any questions you might have - business or otherwise. Regular networking meetings with expert speakers, mingling and cake and/or wine - and not an elevator pitch in sight (so no need to feel nervous). Easy going networking, without the need to “work the room” or hand out business cards at super sonic speed. Our meetings are informal but effective. Low key but inspirational, educational and supportive. Some kind words from business women in the community “There is always a warm excited, inclusive buzz within the group, with many friendships that have been formed over time and I know that some of us have started either using each other’s products or services – or formed collaborations with each other. It’s like a girls night out every month in Tonbridge! SAM HOGWOOD, ESCAPE FROM THE CITY This group has been very welcoming from my first step into my first meeting. I have found everyone in the group to be friendly and supportive of each other and encouraging of the development of one another's businesses. The facebook group and meetings have allowed for shared knowledge and experience in developing each others businesses. I have made great business links and come into work through the group, both paid and through joint collaborations. I have also made some lovely friends through the group which has been a really lovely added bonus CLAIRE READER, CAPTURE ME HAPPY PHOTOGRAPHY I started my Virtual Assistant business in the middle of last year and I am a regular on the weekly Thursday updates. These updates are great as not only do people learn how your business is growing but you can support and find out about other local businesses on your doorstep. I have not made it to one of the networking events that Silke kindly arranges yet, but I will, and when I do, I am sure it will be even more beneficial to my start up business than the group has been so far. EMMA HAGGART, KENT VIRTUAL ASSISTANT Since setting up my hypnotherapy business in 2018, I've found the support of this talented and diverse group to be wonderful. It's great knowing I am not alone in being new to setting up a business, and coming up against many of the same issues as others in the group. This is so reassuring, and I have really benefited from the shared knowledge, passion and experience of everyone in the group. Meet ups are friendly and dynamic, and the topics very fitting. I've made some good contacts and will always recommend fellow business owners where I can. Thanks to Silke this group has really grown and developed and I look forward to further collaboration this year.

Woodford County High School

woodford county high school

Essex

What first strikes visitors to our school is a palpable sense of community. The atmosphere is vibrant, purposeful and very friendly. Relationships are strong and supportive. There’s always a lot going on and, to an extent which is perhaps unusual, girls of different ages work unselfconsciously together, collaborating on the colourful range of events and activities that make up the fabric of the Woodford school year and contribute to the distinct ethos of the place. What first strikes visitors to our school is a palpable sense of community. The atmosphere is vibrant, purposeful and very friendly. Relationships are strong and supportive. There’s always a lot going on and, to an extent which is perhaps unusual, girls of different ages work unselfconsciously together, collaborating on the colourful range of events and activities that make up the fabric of the Woodford school year and contribute to the distinct ethos of the place. It’s a happy and cohesive community and an environment which liberates young women to take the risks and embrace the challenges that will prepare them for their future roles and responsibilities as leaders in tomorrow’s society. Woodford’s success is the result of striking a fine balance between tradition and innovation. Our values are traditional ones and we offer an unashamedly academic curriculum. We are keenly aware, however, that we are preparing our students for a working life none of us can yet anticipate. Our focus, therefore, is on developing the skills, attributes and habits of mind that will equip them as life-long learners. Woodford leavers are articulate, self-confident and skilled in the use of modern technologies. Our aim is to launch them into the world as self-starters, focused but flexible, armed with the courage to grasp opportunities and the resilience and humour to negotiate setbacks along the way. Above all we want them to be equipped to lead happy, fulfilling and useful lives, wherever and however they choose to lead them. Woodford enjoys an enviable reputation for intellectual, artistic and sporting achievements. In all of these domains, and others beside, we encourage and support our students in exploring their own potential, nurturing existing talents and interests and discovering new ones along the way. Our community, of course, is made up of individuals. To ensure we enable each and every girl to fulfil her potential, an emphasis is placed on personalisation, on proactive mentoring and on pastoral care. And the academic curriculum is complemented by a wide and stimulating range of extra-curricular activities. There is something for everyone. Our students will embark upon adult life conscious of their worth, ambitious for their futures and aware that they are lucky indeed to have been educated here. Woodford is a very special school. If you want to see how special, you are warmly invited to pay us a visit.

Inspirenglobal

inspirenglobal

London

OUR VISION is to build a global, diverse and inclusive community of trade members, partners and destinations, who share, and are driven by, a collective passion for sustainable, positive impact tourism, that enrich the lives of both visitors and the host communities Inspire Global is a community and marketplace to promote positive impact tourism around the world An African proverb says ‘it takes a village to raise a child’ in recognition of the community required to build each other up. I believe as a travel community we can come together to grow tourism sustainably, whilst consciously safeguarding the natural world and our inspirational communities for future generations. Join Inspire Global today to grow your business and reputation for positive impact tourism #PositiveImpactTourism #InspireChange #InspiringCommunity #SustainabilityChallenge Byron Shirto Who we are Inspire Global is a privately held, for-profit industry organisation whose purpose is to provide a community and marketplace for the promotion of sustainable, positive impact tourism. We believe travel, when done responsibly, safely and respectfully, can be a catalyst for positive change for communities, the environment, wildlife, and culture. Members benefit from an innovative marketplace to do business and an inspiring and inclusive community to share ideas, resources and knowledge. Established in 2020, during the height of the Covid pandemic, Inspire Global currently serves a growing membership of suppliers, destinations, outbound Tour Operators, Agents, media and industry partners, with a vested interest in positive impact tourism. We uphold community guiding principles, but do not certify or regulate our members. All members sign our Guiding Principles. Our goals To promote the wider understanding of tourism as a vital contributor in creating socio-cultural, environmental and economic benefits for destinations and its people around the globe To help businesses grow and nurture a global travel community of positive impact travel thinkers and champions To drive positive awareness and sustainable growth for emerging and established destinations To provide our members with year-round business support, educational resource, promotional solutions, and media opportunities To encourage an understanding of advocacy for diversity, equity and inclusion in the travel industry To collaborate by sharing best practice To promote gender equality, supporting and empowering women and non-binary individuals in the travel industry To encourage, educate, equip and provide mentorship opportunities within and for the community To promote economic prosperity for all nations, so all peoples and communities of the world, thrive and flourish! Why join as a member? Grow your business through networking, partnerships, and resources Gain valuable industry knowledge through online courses, webinars, in person training, and events Access research reports about positive impact tourism Your investment in Inspire Global helps us to pursue initiatives to drive industry-wide growth in sustainable, positive impact tourism practices What we believe We believe positive impact tourism is to enrich the lives of both visitors and the host communities, enabling the positive regeneration and symbiosis between all peoples and the natural world

Online Training Academy

online training academy

About Us Welcome to Training Academy, where learning meets excellence! We are not just a platform; we are your dedicated partner in the knowledge and skill enhancement journey. Our courses are crafted and delivered by industry experts and seasoned educators. You're not just learning; you're gaining insights from the best in the field, ensuring a world-class education at your fingertips. From cutting-edge technologies to timeless skills, we curate content that empowers you to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving world. Join us at Training Academy – where the next generation of learning unfolds. Empower yourself, unlock your potential, and embrace a learning experience like never before. Why Choose Online Training Academy? At Training Academy, we take pride in being the premier destination for online learning, and here's why we stand out from the rest: We understand that life is chaotic, and so is learning. With unlimited access to our courses, students can tailor their learning experience to their own pace and schedule. At Training Academy, education bends to fit your life, not the other way around. Education is dynamic, and so are we. We are committed to continuous improvement, regularly updating our platform with new features, courses, and tools to keep you engaged and motivated. Our Mission Empowering individuals to achieve their full potential through accessible and quality education is our mission's core. Education is the key to personal and professional growth, and we are dedicated to providing the best tools and resources to facilitate that growth. Join Training Academy today and discover the limitless possibilities that education can offer. Your success story starts here!

Nick Constantine

nick constantine

Whitley Bay

I began my running coaching journey in 1976 when I ran in my green flash:) but kept on coaching, attending courses and qualifications/badges throughout my life. I also hold a post-grad degree in Physical Ed, with my first degree in Theoretical physics and Astrophysics. I have practised yoga for 25 years (recently qualified to teach in 2018). I also work in Adult Education as an associate lecturer with the Open University. After 12 years as a coach I decided to further integrate and develop my own running programmes and coaching with a much stronger focus on yoga knowledge and practice (attending professional development workshops from Leslie Kaminoff (https://www.yogaanatomy.org/) and Gary Carter (https://www.naturalbodies.co.uk/), A.G Mohan ( https://www.svastha.net/) ). We are all different, creating personalised programmes that allow runners to feel more relaxed, have a greater understanding of how they move and how they can improve their running form without an increase of injury. I have coached over 2000 runners, with a very mixed profile. From National runners to starting out and broken 'lost mojo' runners, all ages from 12-80! Running with awareness, running with ease, running with relaxation and stillness will set the conditions to allow you to run quicker, pain free and have a deeper sense of 'in the moment' focus when running or walking. I focus on developing a more mindful and holistic approach to movement (using much yoga training), allowing runners to recognise 'if it is somewhere it is everywhere' and 'don't think it, feel it'. We explore 'changing our relationship with gravity' allowing us to feel more relaxed and encourage a lighter and better feeling with the ground. For the BODY, for the MIND, for the BREATH The yoga practice complements and integrates into the running coaching, I don't teach a 'little bit of running' and a 'little bit of yoga'. They two disciplines connect and I hope folk get a sense of the power of combining the two practices. I have helped many people, from beginners to cross country runners to triathletes. Whether you are just beginning a running program or training for a marathon, race, triathlon, or general all-round fitness the soulinmotion running and yoga approach is one that builds a healthy body, instead of breaking it down from misuse or overuse. The background of runners vary from15min 5K female runners, 1h 3min half marathon runners to clients who could barely run/walk. Ages have varied between 12 to 85. I have coached yogi's, cross fit, martial arts, ultra runners, Ironmen and women, clubs, private groups.....jog scotland groups appear a lot as do some sport England. My own science, maths and sports background (BSc(Hons) Physics and Astrophysics, PGCE in Sport and Mathematics together with years of coaching means I always approach any idea with a critical and clinical eye. Find out more? Keep up to date with SoulinMotion via the Newsletter, subscribe here....or link to the Eventbrite site and follow my workshops/classes OR visit the soulinmotion FB page (https://www.facebook.com/soulsinmotion) and the list of events which gives all the free tasters and workshops in Scotland and the NE.

International University of Japan

international university of japan

International University of Japan (IUJ) was founded in 1982, with the extensive support of Japan’s industrial, educational and local communities, to train professionals who can actively make contributions to the international society with a high level of interdisciplinary and specialized knowledge. As the nature of IUJ is very different from other Japanese graduate schools that mainly nurture scholars for academia, before stipulating its founding principles, IUJ was extensively discussed at the IUJ Advisory Committee, comprising eminent persons from industry and educational society, and at the Drafting Committee. The following is the Founding Principles of IUJ that have been made effective with the approval of the Board of Trustees Meeting. Aims of the school The International University of Japan is a private post graduate institution founded with the extensive support of Japan’s industrial, financial and educational circles and of administrative in the area where it was established. Its administrative policy, based on a spirit of progressive internationalism, is open and autonomous. The graduate school of the International University of Japan is a new professional school whose primary purpose is to educate capable young men and women and develop in them a high level of interdisciplinary and specialized knowledge which they can put to practical use in the international arena. Characteristics of the school Reflecting the above aims, teaching and research in the graduate School are, as a matter of Principle, interdisciplinary and are characterized by the comprehensive integration of area studies with the study of international relations and international management. In order to develop in its students a high level of specialized knowledge, the graduate school aims to foster originality in both teaching methods and in the organization of its curriculum and also to respond to social needs through extensive research activities. Instruction in the graduate School will as a general rule be conducted in English with a view to educating talented men and women whose skills will be applicable throughout international society. One of the fundamental aims of the founding of the graduate School is to encourage the enrollment of college graduates who have had previous business experience. The School opens its doors widely and welcomes persons with a wide variety of back grounds and specialties, both from Japan and abroad, in the hope that their practical knowledge will be further broadened and reinforced through friendship and interaction with other students. To effectively implement the above stated aims, students will as a rule reside in dormitories so that by living together young people of different nationalities and with different backgrounds can be stimulated by each other’s world views and awareness of critical issues and learn to work together. It is hoped that the graduates of the university will promote a high level of mutual understanding and international friendship on the basic of the personal relationships and trust developed during their student days. The Graduate School has searched widely for distinguished scholars from Japan and abroad, who are experts in their fields, to create a truly international faculty, which will have a strong formative influence on the students by maintaining close contact with them not only in the classroom but outside of it in the opportunities offered for interaction with the local community so that the students’ learning experiences can be both varied and meaningful. IUJ Mission and Objectives The objectives of IUJ are to: Teach and conduct research in academic theory and applications necessary for practical solutions of issues facing international society and international businesses, and Foster global leaders who have a high level of professional knowledge and skills with deep understanding of and respect for different cultures, thereby contributing to the development of international society. Mission and Objectives of Graduate Schools GSIR’s Mission GSIR is dedicated to developing professionals by educating students towards acquiring a long-term vision of the rapidly changing world, appreciating diverse perspectives in global and local contexts, and enhancing their analytical skills and problem-solving capabilities in a wide range of contemporary international affairs. GSIR also encourages academic research conducive to the development of its faculty’s teaching and supervision as well as student’s capability in the fields of international relations, international development and international peace studies, utilizing the experiences of Japan and the Asia-Pacific region. All programs are conducted in English. GSIM’s Mission The Graduate School of International Management (GSIM) is dedicated to developing “wise” (i.e., socially responsible) individuals for global business and social leadership, with an emphasis on serving the emerging countries. The two key components of GSIM mission are nurturing Social Responsibility (SR) and Global Business (GB), which the school aims to achieve and operationalize through its innovative policies, recruitment strategies, placement efforts, teaching, research, and service strategies. SR in GSIM mission derives from its belief that GSIM and its graduates should not only be compelled by financial benefits but also by their sense of duty to social causes. At GSIM, we mainly focus on the following aims in SR: To enhance the social responsibility policies of GSIM stakeholders, including Japanese corporations, Japanese government organizations, and local community To educate students to be socially responsible leaders, stressing the need of students from emerging countries in Asia and Africa. GB focuses on the needs surrounding all the constituencies that GSIM serves. For students and faculty, it is vital to keep abreast of the ever-changing dynamics of global business, supported by solid theoretical and practical bases, in order to advance their own careers and professionalism. For other stakeholders, which include Japanese corporations and government organizations, it is vital that GSIM nurtures students who can blend their business objectives with a sense of social leadership because such organizations expect this balanced outcome. At GSIM, we mainly focus on the following aims in GB: To instill global mindedness in students, including those from emerging countries in Asia and Africa. To help students understand the business and cultures of other countries and serve their home countries by contributing to their development, following graduation To help Japanese corporations, Japanese government organizations, local SMEs, and other stakeholders (e.g. foreign entities operating in Japan) to become globalized with a sense of social responsibility GSIM’s Vision To be the premier business school with a world-wide reputation that develops future leaders with social awareness who understand both Japan and emerging countries in Asia and Africa. GSIM’s Values Derived from the GSIM mission statement, the following are its notable values. INCLUSIVENESS (AND MULTICULTURAL AWARENESS) Our students are educated to be capable of being sensitive and skillful in reaching common objectives with people from various cultural backgrounds. GLOBAL MINDEDNESS Our students are trained in such a way that they can cope with any competitive environment on the global business stage. SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY Our students are educated (1) to influence the activities of other individuals or the group to which he/she belongs to and (2) take wise and socially responsible decisions. ETHICAL INTEGRITY AND PROFESSIONALISM Our students are inculcated to be aware that in businesses moral and ethical conduct is essential. The students master business fundamentals necessary to become truly competent professionals.

iStudy UK

istudy uk

We understand more than anyone how important it is for you to get the right qualifications at the right time. We also understand that when you have a lot to do, you might not always have the time free to go to a place of study. That is why we created this site, so you can take all the time you need to learn more about your chosen topics as well as be able to do the whole thing from home. We believe in empowering people by offering them opportunities to expand and extend their knowledge and skill set as well as giving them the support they need to achieve great things. With thousands of courses available and a team who will do just about anything to help you, it is safe to say that you will not find a better course provider on the internet and so we would love to work with you to make sure that you get the best experience and best results out of your education. WHAT WE DO Here at iStudy we provide a range of online training courses for those who want to gain new skills, and qualifications and update their knowledge. iStudy training courses are delivered entirely online through our sophisticated student learning portal. The student learning portal is an online learning management system that allows students to study for their courses online. This innovative technology means there is no need to attend any classes or take time off work to study. Professionally accredited courses All our courses are delivered in partnership with nationally recognised awarding bodies so be assured that what you learn with us matters when it comes to achieving your career goals. Study that suits you You do not have to give up your job or your life to get a new qualification, you can learn anytime, anywhere.

Lotus Midwife

lotus midwife

Eton

I have three beautiful and challenging teenagers! Zaiah was born Vaginally Breech (Bottom first!) Isaac was breech for a while and then I had him turned (by ECV) and subsequently had him at home, and Otto was born premature at 32 weeks, also Breech and by Emergency C-Section. My personal birth experiences and the ways in which I was cared for during my pregnancies and births have shaped me as both woman and midwife. My journey to Midwifery began in 2008 where, as part of my IBCLC training, I attended a 'Womb to World' conference. At the conference, one of the speakers included a wonderfully funny and engaging lady called Ina May Gaskin, the author of 'Spiritual Midwifery'. I was already a Breastfeeding Counsellor with the charity the 'Association of Breastfeeding Mothers', and was working hard towards my International Board Certified Lactation Consultant qualification. My own babies were all approaching school age and I was at a milestone in my life, deciding whether to return to secondary school teaching, or to try something else. Ina May Gaskin opened my eyes to Midwifery, through the way she presented pregnancy, birth and motherhood, and I left the conference having decided that I was not going to return to teaching (which actually I hated!) I was going to be a Midwife! I commenced my training in 2009, qualifying in October 2012. In Aug 2012, I was extremely fortunate to have the opportunity to travel to The Farm Midwifery Centre in Tennessee, (where Ina May lives and works) and witness the amazing work of Ina May and Pamela Hunt (another original 'Farm Midwife') first hand. At The Farm, I completed the Advanced Midwifery Workshop, and the course included many aspects of how to keep birth as physiological as possible. At the end of the course, there's a ceremony in which the Farm Midwives Bless the participants hands. At each Birth I have attended, as my hands are poised, ready to receive the new life, I am reminded of the ceremony and -I truly believe- my calling to be 'with woman'. For me at the time, travelling to The Farm, symbolised the completion of a circle of events that led me to finding myself as a Midwife. However, I was naiieve- my journey to Tennessee wasn't the end of the journey-it was a new beginning. My passion for a holistic approach to midwifery care has never left me, and I use this to support families through more challenging pregnancies. Women who are known within obstetrics to be 'high risk' deserve to be nurtured, cared for and given evidence based choices so they can make informed decisions regarding their care. I am humbled by the birth process and the families I serve. I am proudly a Registered Midwife, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant and Tongue Tie Specialist. I also volunteer for the Association of Breastfeeding Mothers as Regional Supervisor for the East of England, and as well as being a Trustee for the charity, I run a weekly support group for Breastfeeding Families. My family life finds me as a single parent to my daughter aged 20, and two sons, aged 17 and 15, life is a challenge with teenagers, but they are great fun! Our family time includes eating too many roast dinners and camping in our VW called 'Old Bill', and in my spare time enjoy swimming, walking and running with our crazy rescue puppy 'Blue'.

Spencer Education

spencer education

London

The Spencer Educational Foundation was founded in 1979 and to this day remains the premier organization funding the education of tomorrow’s risk management and insurance leaders. THE SPENCER EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION: Awards scholarships and grants to students studying risk management, insurance, actuarial science and business Facilitates internship opportunities Provides on and off campus experiential learning opportunities through grants Funds development of risk management/insurance curriculum Over the past 5 years, the amount awarded through Spencer’s programs has grown by 43%. Spencer is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that relies solely on the contributions of generous individuals and the industry. Spencer was named in honor of the late Robert S. Spencer, an innovative leader and past president of RIMS, and an outspoken advocate for risk management education. Since our founding, we have awarded over $8 million in scholarships and over $5 million in grants to universities and professional institutions impacting more than 60,000 students through our programs. We have taken actionable measures to foster a diverse pipeline of talent into the industry. The Spencer Educational Foundation believes diversity, equity, and inclusion in the risk management and insurance industry is a business imperative that only makes us stronger. Redesigned our scholarship application so that applicants can self-select their race/ethnicity and gender identity, in order to track (and measure) who exactly is receiving our scholarships. Changed our scholarship application review process so that all identifying information (name, demographics) is not visible during scoring, to avoid interference from unconscious bias to the extent possible. Enabled the creation of 43 new diversity scholarships (8 with the NYC Association of Insurance Women, 8 with Arch Insurance, 3 with the Latin American Association of Insurance Agencies (LAAIA), 6 with Argo Group, 2 with Beecher Carlson, 3 with Beckage, 2 with Hylant, 2 with AF Group, 2 with Travelers, 5 with Allied World Assurance Company, and 2 with Liberty Mutual), specifically earmarking funds to be awarded to students who identify with a historically underrepresented group. This funding represents a deliberate investment of over $180,000 in diverse talent. Reaching out to MSIs and HBCUs to inform them of our Course Development grant and other opportunities, to foster the creation of risk management classes and programs at more educational institutions that serve historically underrepresented groups. Working with other corporate partners and industry groups to sponsor diversity scholarships and course development grants at Minority-Serving Institutions. Awarded Course Development Grants to 2 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to develop and launch their first RMI course on campus: University of the District of Columbia and Fisk University. Awarded Risk Manager on Campus Grants to 2 HBCUs: Johnson C. Smith University and Lincoln University. Awarded grants to foster a diverse talent pipeline, including support for: the National African American Insurance Association’s Talent Development Competition; Appalachian State University’s D&I in RMI Initiative; Indiana State University’s Recruitment and Career Awareness Diversity Program; Howard University's 2022 FIRM Symposium; and others. Funded RMI curriculum development and experiential learning opportunities at Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) including Northern Arizona University, Cal State University Fullerton, Cal State University Northridge, Mercy College, and University of Houston Downton. Met with other industry organizations to learn how we can collaborate on DE&I initiatives, including the WSIA Diversity Foundation, IICF, Gamma Iota Sigma , LAAIA, NAAIA, HBCU Impact, Insurance Society of Philadelphia (ISOP), CIAB, Sexuality and Gender Alliance of Actuaries (SAGAA), Organization of Latino Actuaries (OLA), International Association of Black Actuaries (IABA), Chinese American Insurance Association, and others.