Tomorrow (Wednesday, March 8) is International Women's Day so what better way to celebrate than to champion some of Hertfordshire's most inspiring females?
Here, we feature four Hertfordshire ladies who are passionate about their work and helping others.
Karis Parker, assistant marketing manager at Mantle Space Ltd
Karis Parker is currently the assistant marketing manager for Mantle Space Ltd and she has worked in a variety of sectors including hospitality and events, print and design.
Mantle Space Ltd is one of the leading providers of flexible workspace opportunities in the southeast of England and Karis takes an active role in creating and maintaining their presence, via digital and print marketing.
She is a keen networker and enjoys meeting and helping others. She is also extremely busy in her personal life, as a volunteer safety advisor for the Essex branch of The British Horse Society and more recently as the chair of the Essex Committee.
The group proactively campaigns and promotes safer riding across Essex through planning and hosting events.
Karis enjoys training and competing her horse at local shows and events and she works her gundog Max who is now two-years-old. If that’s not enough, Karis can be seen with a gun in hand at the clay ground or paddle-boarding with friends on the River Cam.
Sandra Foster, solicitor and managing director at Fosters Legal Solicitors
Sandra Forster is a solicitor, managing director and owner of Fosters Legal Solicitors based in Stevenage Old Town.
Sandra was originally from Ghana, West Africa and came to the UK in 1999 to study. She studied a degree in administration and law and also has a degree in master of law. She is now a qualified solicitor practising primarily in family law.
The firm is rated top three in Stevenage by ThreeBestRated. Sandra is the driving force behind the success of the firm due to her love and commitment of helping the low-income clients in the community.
She provides free legal advice, working pro bono in cases of domestic abuse where the parent has no money and is fleeing his or her family home. She has also donated money from her own pocket, paid for shopping for essentials, and spent time visiting victims.
Because of the firm’s vision and achievements, it was recognised as a 'national business leader' in 2016 for its community work and support of low-income clients.
Sandra Foster is also privileged to be a member of the Leaders Council of Great Britain and Ireland since 2021.
Sandra said it is always her vision to encourage, inspire, and motivate people to achieve what they think is impossible, and her motto is “your determination determines your success.”
Katie Wheeler, carpentry lecturer at North Hertfordshire College
Katie Wheeler decided to start teaching at North Hertfordshire College (NHC) as she was a student there herself, around 14 years ago.
“I absolutely loved my year studying an art foundation diploma; this course and the amazing tutors helped me combine my love of theatre and design, and I went on to study scenic construction at university.
“It was a real joy to come full-circle and return to NHC as a lecturer for the carpentry course.
“My favourite thing about teaching has to be that feeling of working with a student and seeing them succeed in something they’ve been struggling with.
“It’s fantastic when it 'clicks' and everything comes together.”
Her advice to women looking to move into construction environments is to follow their passion.
“It's been inspiring to see many more female students and staff coming through the doors at NHC in areas which have largely been male dominated.
As a woman working in construction, I feel that representation encourages other women to join the course and the industry. However, at the end of the day, we're all one big supportive team!
If there are ever any doubts from our female students about taking a step into this trade, I whole-heartedly encourage them to give it a try, I think they'll be pleasantly surprised.
I’ve started to see a positive change in the industry through the greater representation of women in the sector.”
Nicola Hankin, manager and owner of The Dressing Room Hair & Beauty
Working in a predominantly female industry, with 95 percent of female clients, The Dressing Room owner, Nicola Hankin, is always one to shout about International Women’s Day.
“The rebel in me hates the fact that as a hairdresser I chose a stereotyped female job” Nicola says.
“However I get to meet different women on a daily basis and love to hear about those smashing the stereotypes; from scientists, company directors, to police officers, football coaches and crowd control.”
Nicola explains she comes from a line of strong women. They all advocate following your dreams rather than following what you think you should do.
Recently her two sisters have followed her footsteps into the world of the self-employed with big career changes.
Deborah, previously a nurse, set up her own dog grooming business in Stevenage called Grooming at Honey’s. Her sister, Laura, has just qualified as a nail technician alongside her career as a social worker.
You will find the link to Laura's page via the Dressing Room’s social media pages as she will be doing guest days at the salon.
Nicola is always humble when talking about her salon and often gives praise to her clients for allowing her to do a job she loves.
When talking about her job, Nicola explains “I love that I get to make women feel good. Our hair plays a big part in how we feel about ourselves and I get to spend every day making everyone feel great.
“Not only by giving them good hair but by giving them a relaxed service and hopefully a good laugh and chat.”
International Women’s Day #IWD Women In Business Networking Event
Hertfordshire is celebrating success and raising awareness through #EmbraceEquity this International Women’s Day, March 8.
Women In Business Networking (WIBN) along with Stevenage Borough Council, and The Cromwell Hotel is delighted to be hosting an informal networking event with guest speakers Vida and Leona Barr-Jones from Focus 7 to celebrate the diverse array of women led businesses.
Informal networking with tea/coffee pastries will start the session off at 9.30am. This is a great opportunity to mix and mingle with other local businesses!
Attendees will be presented a masterclass on how your brand supports your success as women in business, by Vida and Leona from Focus 7. Followed by more opportunities to connect.
To book please visit eventbrite.co.uk/e/international-womens-day-networking-event-tickets-516779981837
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