Celebrating International Womens Day
Our host for the day was Charlene Gravesande.
Charlene had great energy from the start, engaging with the audience and encouraging them to get involved and embrace the day ahead.
Charlene talked about her journey, and how an unexpected heart condition changed the course of her life. Charlene was a competitive runner, with a love for sport so had to find a way to stay within the world of sport even though she could no longer compete.
Charlene went on to become a BAFTA winning sports producer and presenter, demonstrating what can be achieved through determination and resilience.
Charlene then stirred further interest by letting the audience know that whoever engaged the most with the day ahead would get the chance to win four tickets to watch the womens Crystal Palace v. Charlton match on 29 March.
The first speaker was Aiko Sato, an educator and leadership development specialist. Aiko wanted to talk about confident people, how their aura showed, and what made them cool. Aiko asked the attendees to look at the barriers that were stopping them from being amazing and the best versions of themselves. The first topic of the session was ‘What is confidence?’ where attendees were encouraged to describe their responses to the question. There were great responses such as be passionate; brave; say what’s on your mind; trust yourself; have self esteem; don’t change who you are. Aiko encouraged activities, both for attendees to discuss in groups and to write down, all of which focused their attention on thinking about the inner voice and letting the girls know that the inner voice had a purpose – to protect you, so you should listen to it. Aiko encouraged the girls to show up for themselves and to take a chance on themselves.
Next Charlene introduced Leah-Sunshine Garrett. Leah founded Dawn Intelligence, a platform to help prevent gender based violence. Leah explained how she attended the conference years ago, which was all about ‘main character energy’ and how to be positive and proud of yourself. Leah encouraged the girls to be confident and spend time in rooms that make a change, urging them to follow their curiosity. Leah gave the background to how AI is used in our day to day lives, and explained how every system is designed by someone who made decisions about what matters. As Leah discussed her work, she focused on the idea that everyone belongs in the room, so urged attendees to be curious, take up space, build something and become a decision maker. Leah raised the point that only 22% of people who work in AI are women so urged the girls to think about the industry, noting that the remainder of people in that industry therefore don’t know what it is like to be us, so we need to level the playing field. Leah’s message was to keep going, and that self doubt means you care, which in turn means that you are on the edge of being amazing.
Charlene then introduced and hosted the Insight Panel, with guests from a range of backgrounds and professions. Charlene chaired a Q&A session, covering a wide range from topics, from the journey into certain professions, how to find a natural fit, how to focus on finding something challenging and rewarding then on a personal level how to choose a job that is fulfilling, invigorating and makes you happy. The panel encouraged the girls to look at the bigger picture, that every lesson makes you stronger, and that you can build relationships because you deserve to be here. The advice was to keep showing up, contribute, expect questions and find your own style.
The high energy morning continued into the afternoon following the lunch break, when Charlene started the afternoon session by interviewing Gracie Mitchell. Gracie is a racing driver, and is awaiting the Guinness World Records team to verify her recent 24 hour solo karting event, which no female has attempted previously. Gracie spoke of her journey on how she became a driver, from an interest at a young age when she tried karting whilst on holiday in Spain which then led to Gracie competing in multiple mixed races, due to the lack of women in the sport. Gracie’s advice was to stay determined, and focus on how good it feels once you have achieved a goal. When Gracie started racing there were only two other girls. A race will have on average 30 drivers, now with an average of 3 being female. Gracie described how she finds the sport empowering and enjoys proving everyone wrong by winning! When asked the secret of her success, Gracie put it down to being competitive, being inspired by role models, and having the ambition to prove that she belongs in that sport. Gracie guided the girls that they should start local with their hobby or interest, but that you shouldn’t back down if you enjoy an activity that is male dominated.
There then followed a brief talk from Evelka of Motorsport UK who championed the Race for Diversity scheme. Evelka confirmed they needed more women in motor sport, which can be achieved through college courses and sponsorships, and felt it is important to inspire the younger generation to get involved by connecting with the right people, preserving to find the opportunity and be brave enough to give it a go.
Charlene then went on to introduce Gerren Ntiri, an Oxford Brookes Graduate who is studying motorsport engineering. Gerren talked through her journey and outlook on life, being based on never saying no to anything! Gerren felt lucky to learn about science and sport, but knew the importance of opportunities being fun and can also be of benefit. Gerren took subjects that she enjoyed, and made the time to get involved with lots of extra curricular activities at school, which created opportunities to meet people and become inspired by them. Gerren told the girls to never shy away from new opportunities as it was important to become your own source of inspiration. The attendees then asked a variety of questions, asking what inspired Gerren to become an engineer, as well as asking what she gained by her volunteer work. Gerren raised awareness of the Mission 44 racing for diversity scheme, and reminded girls that there were so many support programmes available, creating new experiences and new friendships.
Charlene then summed up the day by engaging with the audience, asking for feedback on what they had gained from the conference, and in particulars whether the students now had the knowledge of a career or industry that they had not considered before. The students were then invited to write their thoughts on a postcard as to one thing they took away from the conference, which the Rocking Your Teens founder would review and consider.
There then followed a dance session hosted by a representative from Dance West. Students, teachers, volunteers and speakers all joined in the dance moves, and the auditorium was buzzing with loud music and enthusiastic dancers.
Our host venue brought the day to a close, with Tiffany thanking everyone for attending. Charlene wrapped up the day with a closing message – that everybody makes mistakes but we all need to persevere and carry on. There are opportunities for everybody, so watch, learn and use all the tools available. Think about what aligns with your morals, interest, passion and beliefs, follow your dreams and don’t forget to GIVE TO GAIN.
Charlene then distributed the winning football match tickets before the schools made their way home.
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