Former students return to inspire the next generation of female entrepreneurs at Coleg Llandrillo’s International Women’s Day event
Ahead of International Women’s day on the 8th of March, students at Coleg Llandrillo benefitted from an afternoon of insight, inspiration and real-world stories from women who have stepped out of their comfort zone shaped the future of their industries.
"If they don't give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair," said Shirley Chisholm, an American politician who became the first black woman to be elected to the United States Congress in 1968.
Inspiring our current students to create their own seat at the table were four outstanding women speakers who have created, built and run their own local business in the art, holistic wellbeing, STEM and social enterprise sectors. The line up included two former Grŵp Llandrillo Menai students, yoga teacher and wellbeing coach, Nia Evans, and the founder of Prom Ally CIC, Ally Louise; plus Welsh illustrator, Niki Pilkington, and former scientist and chemistry teacher, Awen Ashworth.
From left to right, Grŵp Llandrillo Menai Enterprise Officer, Karen Aerts; Niki Pilkington; Nia Evans; Ally Louise; Awen Ashworth; and Sasha Kenney
The event was hosted by Sasha Kenney, a Role Model with the Welsh Government’s Big Ideas Wales programme, which uses a network of real-life entrepreneurs to inspire young people in schools and colleges across the country.
Sasha said: "Hosting this International Women's Day event and introducing four remarkable local business women was an incredibly uplifting experience. Their stories reminded us that success is not only about building businesses, but about lifting others, breaking barriers, and creating a legacy that empowers the next generation of girls and women both locally and globally".
Ally Louise, founder of Prom Ally, said: "It felt like a full circle moment talking to students in the same place that I attended as a teenager. I enjoyed meeting the other inspirational women on the panel and hearing all of their amazing stories about the businesses they've founded.”
Students had a chance to chat to the speakers after their presentations, and pick up key tips on how to overcome the barriers often faced by women, touching on confidence, having belief in yourself and the importance of supporting each other along the way.
If you missed our International Women’s Day event, you can still watch our speakers here:
Introduction - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jrq_52iEGls&feature=youtu.be
Niki Pilkington - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WoS_wZb2I_U
Ally Louise - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2fQEPOMGXYU
Nia Evans - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6MzbOTrceN4
Awen Ashworth - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cl7JG8JXz3k