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’m the Secretary of WiPA, and have been since April last year. I first got involved in WiPA six years ago, around the same time former WiPA committee member Rebecca Gladstone succeeded in convincing me to take up my first role in public affairs.

What were you up to 10 years ago?

In May 2012 I was living my best life during my final few months of my first year at uni (*sobs*). I was also studying for a History degree at the time, and had absolutely no idea what public affairs even was!

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

In my previous public affairs role at the ABI I worked with policy colleagues at the trade association and wider stakeholders to help secure the Civil Liability Act, and separately to help protect and support consumers through the passage of the Financial Guidance and Claims Act. Although it was a lot of pressure at the time, looking back it’s great to have had the opportunity to work with so many different parliamentarians and to have played a very small part in helping to get important pieces of legislation over the line.

And personal highlight?

Passing my driving test. After failing it four times, it’s without a doubt my greatest achievement!

And (of course) WiPA highlight?

Back in 2020, Yashshri Soman from PRCA’s NextGen PA Group and I organised and co-chaired a virtual panel event exploring what can be done to champion and progress BAME talent in the sector. There hasn’t been that many PA events specifically focused on BAME diversity in the industry, so I'm pleased that we were able to facilitate that discussion.  

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

Sophie Bonnel, Corporate Affairs Lead at AXA Health! Sophie was someone I really looked up to when I first started out in public affairs, and she took me under her wing when I was learning the ropes. Sophie also led WiPA’s first ever survey while on the committee, and her hard work is something we continue to build on each year. 

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

I'd probably facetime my parent’s cockapoo (with their assistance).

Where's your favourite place to wine and dine?

I’m unashamedly a regular at Gloria Trattoria in Shoreditch. If you haven’t tried their spaghetti carbonara (it's served from a wheel of pecorino cheese!) then you’re missing out.

What are you reading?

Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn. I’m a big fan of the film, and have been meaning to finish reading the book for a while now...  

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

View every new contact, no matter how junior, as a potential door to a new opportunity. You never know who you’ll cross paths with again, or who might help you get your next job. Public affairs really is a small world!