We recently hosted an engaging virtual workshop where Ambassadors from The Girls' Network shared their inspiring journeys. Theresa, Liza, and Salma facilitated the session, discussing how they transitioned from mentees to ambassadors and leveraged the platform to network, make connections, and find opportunities. 

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Theresa’s Journey:

Theresa spoke about her initial days as a mentee and how The Girls' Network helped her gain confidence. She highlighted her experiences attending various events, including a memorable visit to Downing Street. Theresa shared how she used the connections made through the network to secure internships and eventually land her first job. "The Girls' Network opened doors I never imagined could be opened," Theresa said, emphasizing the importance of networking.

Liza’s Journey:

Liza recounted her journey from being a shy mentee to confidently speaking at law conferences and engaging with top corporations. She shared how mentorship helped her realize her potential and pushed her to pursue her dreams. Liza also spoke about being interviewed by the BBC and mentoring police officers, which further boosted her confidence and professional growth. "The platform provided by The Girls' Network was crucial in shaping my career path," Liza noted.

Salma’s Journey:

Salma shared her experiences of using The Girls' Network to build a strong professional network. From attending workshops to speaking at events, Salma made the most of every opportunity. She spoke passionately about how the platform helped her secure internships and job offers. "I learned the power of networking and how it can transform your career," Salma shared with the attendees.

Feedback from Attendees:

The workshop was well-received by the participants. Here’s what some of the attendees had to say:

“Hearing about Theresa’s visit to Downing Street was so inspiring! It made me realize the endless possibilities out there and her determination to get into law”

“Liza’s journey from being shy to hosting online workshops and meeting politicians at the London GLA and Downing Street motivated me to step out of my comfort zone and seize opportunities.”

“Salma’s story about securing internships and now working in the charity sector through networking gave me the confidence to start building my professional connections.”

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Here’s what new ambassador Zoe Stradins had to say about the workshop.

Ambassador Community: Hear, Connect and Get Involved 

Attending the Ambassador Community: Hear, Connect and Get Involved virtual workshop was a fantastic way of hearing how getting involved with The Girls' Network has led to some incredible opportunities for ambassadors. 

On the call, ambassadors spoke of their experiences in attending workshops and events hosted by the Girls Network and how this has impacted them. All mentioned how empowering it was meeting people from different career backgrounds through workshops, and how it had led to opportunities they had not previously given thought to, such as one ambassador doing a paid internship with Space Doctors, a marketing and PR company, after reading about the opening in the Girls Network newsletter. 

The ambassadors attested that attending 10 Downing Street was a significant moment as prior to getting involved in the ambassador community, many had not thought that this would ever be possible for them. The ambassadors sourced the beginning of their journey to the BEYOU events hosted in 2022, which many said was their favourite event with the Girls Network so far. 

It was both intriguing and uplifting to hear about their experiences.

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The Importance of opportunities for girls and young women:

Providing girls and young women with opportunities in the workplace, education, and society is critical for their development and the overall progress of our communities. Here are some compelling reasons why Salma, Liza and Theresa believe support is needed in these areas is essential:

• Salma: Workplace - According to the World Economic Forum, women are underrepresented in leadership positions globally, with only 29% of senior management roles held by women in 2022. Programs that provide girls with mentorship and work experience can help bridge this gap.

• Theresa: Education - The UNESCO Institute for Statistics reports that 129 million girls worldwide are out of school, including 32 million of primary school age. Access to education is a fundamental right and a crucial stepping stone to achieving economic independence and empowerment.

• Liza: Society - Research from McKinsey & Company shows that gender-diverse companies are 25% more likely to outperform their peers financially. Supporting young women in gaining work experience and education not only benefits them individually but also contributes to societal and economic growth.

“Programmes like The Girls' Network play a pivotal role in providing these essential opportunities, helping young women build the skills and networks they need to succeed”

Salma

“For those who couldn’t attend, the presentation will be uploaded to YouTube soon so get ready to be inspired.”

Liza

“Don’t miss the chance to learn from these incredible journeys and discover the exciting opportunities waiting for you in the Ambassador Community!”

Theresa

You can watch a recording of this inspiring session on our YouTube channel here.

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Thanks to all who came along for sharing their inspiring stories and for having such brilliant passion for this community. We're excited to see where your journeys take you next.