At The Girls’ Network, we are constantly inspired by the resilience, ambition, and determination of our ambassadors. In this blog, Maham shares her journey of navigating setbacks, finding strength through our ambassador community, and building the confidence to pursue a career in finance. From speaking on a stage in front of hundreds to securing a place on PwC’s graduate scheme, her story is a powerful reminder of how mentorship, community, and self-belief can open doors and break barriers. 

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Breaking Barriers in Finance: Confidence, Mentorship, and Growth 

My name is Maham, and I’m proud to be a Girls’ Network Ambassador. Like all of us, I’ve had moments where things didn’t go as planned. I came close to securing a job that didn’t work out, and I missed out on an award I’d been shortlisted for. 

At first, it felt like everything was piling up at once. But what really made a difference was being part of The Girls’ Network Ambassador Community, which gave me the chance to connect with others, share experiences, and remind myself that setbacks are part of the journey, not the end of it. 

That same week as my setbacks, I attended The Girls’ Network Ambassador Community Careers Day with Enterprise, which gave me a real boost in confidence and practical insight into career pathways. Soon after, I had the privilege of speaking at the Incisive Media Insurance Event as a Girls’ Network Ambassador, addressing an audience of more than 600 people - an unforgettable experience that reminded me how far I’ve come and how important it is to share our voices in spaces where they haven’t always been heard. 

The confidence I gained from both opportunities directly supported me in my interview with PwC, helping me to present myself with clarity and belief in my abilities.  But resilience is about what you do in those moments - and that’s the story I want to share.

Becoming part of The Girls’ Network has been one of the best decisions of my life. When they first came to my school, they shared a mission that stuck with me: to help every girl believe in herself and her future. What inspired me most was the way they made it happen - by connecting girls with mentors who had walked a similar path, women who could guide, encourage, and show us what was possible.

I was fortunate enough to be matched with an incredible mentor who completely changed how I see myself and the world.

As the first woman in my family to pursue higher education, I know how important it is to create spaces that welcome and empower people from all backgrounds. Through initiatives in finance that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, I’ve seen firsthand just how much representation matters.

I’ve always had a passion for finance and investment, but The Girls’ Network gave me the confidence to pursue it fully. They pushed me to break past the limits I had set for myself, opened my eyes to new possibilities, and helped me develop a mindset of growth, confidence, and resilience.

This year, I graduated with first-class honours in Accounting and have been accepted onto PwC’s graduate scheme as an Audit Associate in London.

To my mentors, friends, and family who have supported me every step of the way - thank you. This recognition isn’t just mine; it belongs to every young woman with big dreams and the determination to make them happen.

Every step forward opens doors for others. That’s why I’m committed to continuing this journey - to create spaces where women feel empowered, where diversity is celebrated, and where together we can break barriers.

Here’s to a more inclusive and equitable future for women in finance.

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A huge thank you to Maham for sharing her story with such honesty and passion. Her blog is a brilliant example of how resilience and support can help turn challenges into opportunities, and how our ambassadors continue to shape spaces where young women can thrive. We are so proud to have Maham as part of our community and can’t wait to see all that she goes on to achieve.