When did you join ELBA?
A long time ago – maybe 30 years? I’ve stopped counting!

What is your role and what does it involve?
I am the Programme Director of Eagles, ELBA’s graduate development programme. We facilitate social mobility by finding talented, hardworking and motivated local graduates that go on to shine in a corporate environment.

How do you mentor or support other women in the workplace?
For twenty years now I have mentored young graduates at the start of their professional career. I have joined a group of women who have recently been bereaved – we support each other by sharing our experiences.

Which historical or modern-day woman do you admire the most, and why?
I have recently found out more about Angela Burdett-Coutts (1814–1906), an important figure in the social reform movement in east London. Due to her gender, Angela was prevented from working in the family bank, Coutts. Instead, she used the huge fortune she inherited to improve housing conditions and provide support for women and children in need. Angela worked closely with Charles Dickens on several social reform and welfare initiatives, including the Ragged School movement.

Where do you see women making the biggest strides in the next 5–10 years?
It has been great to see so many more women involved in higher education, the workplace and in the political arena. There is still a long way to go, and I look forward to seeing women taking on more leadership roles in government and business.

Three words to describe yourself
Curious, determined and creative.

Tell us one thing that people may not know about you
I grew up on a farm in Cornwall

Tell us the best thing about working for ELBA
The people that work there. They are diverse, creative and passionate about making a difference.

Name your favourite place in east London and why
I love Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park and often walk my dog there. It is a calm and beautiful place right in the centre of a very busy, urban area.

Complete this sentence ‘The absolute best thing about volunteering is…’:
… connecting with others who share the same goal to create meaningful change.