Women in Public Affairs Turns Ten

To celebrate ten years of Women in Public Affairs, throughout the year we’ll be asking ten questions to WiPA women past and present

What's your role with WIPA and when did you get involved?

I am one of the two founders of Women in Public Affairs. Ella Fallows (the other founder) and I met on a Public Affairs Diploma course, where we spent many Saturday mornings learning the theory behind public affairs. We clicked instantly over discussing the lack of diversity in senior public affairs roles and decided to set up a women’s network together.

What were you up to 10 years ago?

2012 was the year accepted a role back into politics from public affairs. I ran the Lib Dem House of Lords Whips’ Office, during the Coalition Government. It was a brilliant role and I learned so much during my three years there.

What’s been your career highlight from the last decade?

Just recently, I was promoted from a public affairs role, to a wider Corporate Affairs and Chief of Staff role for Cummins, a global technology leader. Having a career in public affairs has many transferable skills and can prepare you to become a business leader as well as a specialist. I now manage many other corporate areas in our region such as comms and even security!

And personal highlight?

Creating a family with my husband. We now have two amazing daughters, Matilda and Grace.

And (of course) WiPA highlight?

So many to name. I did not think the small idea Ella and I had would snowball into such an amazing organisation. I love hearing stories of people who feel supported and inspired by the network.

Is there a woman in PA you think we should know about?

I work for a Fortune 150 global company of nearly 60,000 people, and the woman who runs our global Government Relations team from Washington D.C. is called Cathy Van Way, and she is also a VP at our company. There are not many global public affairs roles, and certainly not many filled by women. Cathy is an inspiration who has made it to the absolute top of our profession by being authentic, warm, and always the smartest person in the room.

What would you do if you had an extra 10 minutes in the day?

I would add it onto lunch and take a walk outside!

Where's your favourite place to wine and dine?

I live in Hackney which has so many amazing places to eat. I absolutely love a tiny neighbourhood restaurant there called Pidgin. The food and wine are incredible, and service always impeccable.

What are you reading?

How to Stop People Pleasing and Transform the Way You Live, by Emma Reed Turrell. I am a people pleaser and need to stop!

What’s your top tip for women working in public affairs?

Take time to work on your relationships. They are so important. And I’m not just talking about with politicians or government people. Work on your relationships within your organisation, your network, and your family and friends. Many relationships I have made in the past have become so incredibly useful for me in the present – both for work and outside.