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 a former Chair of WiPA and have been involved with the committee since late 2015. However I was a keen part of the network before that.

What were you up to 10 years ago?

10 years ago I was working at Bellenden (now SEC Newgate) gearing up for a secondment at Visa Europe (now just Visa) to provide them with extra support during their support of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralymic Games.

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

The free tickets to London 2012 were pretty great and I was fortunate enough to have some brilliant travel opportunities while in my second role at FTI Consulting but I'd probably have to say my work with the Financial Inclusion Commission sticks out as something to be proud of. 

And personal highlight?

Last year I got married, started a new job, brought a house and adopted a cat so 2021 was pretty great.

And (of course) WiPA highlight?

This is really hard but two highlights from my time as Chair were launching WiPA Scotland and launching the first ever WiPA survey (shout out to Sophie Bonnel and Charlotte Adamson for their work on the latter).  

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

Not a new name to most people reading this I suspect but my first boss Nikki da Costa has done so much for women (and men) in the industry.

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

Sleep. Always.

Where's your favourite place to wine and dine?

Everyone that knows me knows I am obsessed with Som Saa, a Thai restaurant in Spitalfields. But close contenders include Rochelle Canteen, Cafe Cecilia and Brawn. Luckily they are all near me in East London.

What are you reading?

The Gate by Francois Bizot which is a memoir of his (traumatic) time in Cambodia. I'm also looking forward to getting into the latest book from Ali Smith.  

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

Network. Its never too early - or late - to make a connection and you never know where someone might end up in an industry where people move around a lot. Moreover, you never know how many "work friendships" might turn into "real life" ones.