Meet Our Intern: Cerys Evans

Cerys Evans has joined our team as an Intern whilst studying Event Management at John Moores University to learn the ins and outs of all things marketing! She's brought a bundle of energy to our office and we're delighted to have her here.

Take a read of Cerys' blog to find out more about her ..

What’s your full name and where are you from?

Hi, I am Cerys Evans and I am originally from a tiny village called Cockshutt near Shrewsbury but currently living in Liverpool.

Tell me how you first found out about The Women’s Organisation and become part of our team?

I am currently a second-year student at LJMU studying Events Management and while looking for internships opportunities I found the Women’s Organisation. I did some research online about the background of the Women’s Organisation and after reading their website I knew that their mission and beliefs aligned with my own so therefore would be a team and company I would love to be a part of. I applied online, then had an interview with Jo and Lucy and luckily found out the next day I got the job.

What kind of things have you done prior to coming to The Women’s Organisation?

Before moving to Liverpool for University in 2017 I worked in my local pub and restaurant, then I volunteered myself to run their social media and website which is where I found my passion for digital marketing. When coming to Liverpool I spent my first year working at University Events and now work at Rudy’s Pizzeria while interning here too- I like to be busy!

What has surprised you about working at The Women’s Organisation?

The sheer amount of people who reach out and ask for help from the organisation, the number of people who ring up daily is incredible. The organisation is obviously vitally needed in the community and it’s amazing to see its impact it has on local women and entrepreneurs.

What’s the best thing about working at The Women’s Organisation?

The best thing is how everyone who works for the Women’s Organisation is so supportive and positive. Every single member of the team is working together to make such a huge difference and it’s very rewarding to feel like you are a part of that. Nothing is ever too much hassle or hard work, everyone just wants to help women reach their potential. I feel very empowered whenever I leave and that’s an amazing feeling.

Could you describe one of your typical workdays?

I know everyone’s said it, but no two days are the same!

My role contains a lot of content creation like blog posts, Instagram posts and tweets so I’m always busy doing that. I love finding new empowering women quotes to post on our twitter and gain a lot of inspiration for our social media from hashtags online.

My long-term project is to promote our book called Twenty-One which celebrates twenty-one inspiring women who have made a huge impact in and around Liverpool, so I am always creating social media content for that. I also spend time taking pictures of local art and buildings to put on our social media channels which I really enjoy.

What might (someone) be surprised to know about you?

I am undergoing a volunteering expedition in June for 5 weeks to Fiji where I will be aiming to help disadvantaged youth to overcome poverty issues and achieve holistic health. I will be doing this by improving education, sports development, infrastructure assistance and health promotion. I am nervous but excited, however I know it will be an amazing and rewarding experience.

What do you do when you aren’t working?

When I am not working, I should be doing University work but quite often instead I go out for food or will be watching documentaries with my flatmates! I love going home to the countryside too and being on my family farm, which is a big difference from living in Liverpool city centre.

Meet the Team: Bethan McShane

A new face has joined us on the front desk of 54 St James Street. If you’ve popped by you may have had the pleasure of meeting our lovely Bethan! Bethan has been with us for three months now, so it’s time you get to know her as well as we do. 

From joining the feminism society, working at a psychiatric unit and all the while maintaining an avid love for all things Disney, say hello to Bethan ..

What’s your full name and where are you from?

My name is Bethan McShane and I’m from Liverpool.

Tell me how you first found out about The Women’s Organisation and become part of our team?

I went to Bangor University and became involved in their feminism society, which really ignited my passion for equal rights and in supporting and lifting others, as opposed to tearing them down. After graduating and moving back home to Liverpool, I was keen to find more opportunities and organisations similar to what Bangor offered so that I could continue standing up for what I believed in. The Women’s Organisation was one of my discoveries and is now, amazingly, also my place of work!

What kind of things have you done prior to coming to The Women’s Organisation?

Before starting at The Women’s Organisation, I studied Philosophy and Religion at Bangor University and graduated with a First. Shortly after this, I started employment at a Forensic Psychiatric Unit which was very interesting and rewarding and taught me a lot.

What has surprised you about working at The Women’s Organisation?

The huge amount of people the organisation helps and the difference that is has on their lives. Each member of the team plays such a significant role in providing the service that we do and it’s lovely being able to call myself a part of that.

What’s the best thing about working at The Women’s Organisation?

The wonderful people I get to call my colleagues. They have all been so incredibly welcoming and helpful and have shown so much kindness to me. I really feel part of the team.

Could you describe one of your typical workdays?

On a typical day, I’ll check and respond to any telephone or email enquiries and be at hand to assist with any face-to-face visits. I’ll help to set up any rooms for external bookings we may have and prepare the resources for the courses that we offer, meaning I can often be found scanning, filing and printing! I also look after any post that comes in. Additionally, I’m here to help my colleagues if they need a spare set of hands.

What might (someone) be surprised to know about you?

I’m a huge Disney fan even though I’m nearly 25 ..

What do you do when you aren’t working? 

I love travelling different countries when I can afford to and creating memories with my nearest and dearest. I also enjoy being creative, even if I’m not necessarily the best at it! 

Meet the Team: Victoria Hart!

Meet Victoria Hart! One of our newest recruits to the ever-growing training team. You may have already had the pleasure of meeting her on one of our courses. If not, take a read of this get-to-know blog. From Italian food to Batman, read on to find out more about our Victoria – and be sure to say hello next time you see her ..

What’s your full name and where are you from?

My name is Victoria Hart. I was born in Scotland and I have lived in Birkenhead since I was a teenager.

Tell me how you first found out about The Women’s Organisation and become part of our team?

I first heard about The Women’s Organisation through a general chat about women-focussed organisations within the North West with the operations manager at Tomorrows Women Wirral. After researching the organisation, I decided this was the place I wanted to work and kept an eye out for available jobs - this was in 2015! I applied for the training jobs as they became available over the years and it was in March 2018 that I was fortunate enough to get an interview. When I found out I had been successful, I was sitting in a restaurant with my family and I stood up and did a happy dance whilst emphatically accepting the position.

What kind of things have you done prior to coming to The Women’s Organisation?

After graduating from Edge Hill university with my PGCE in Post Compulsory Education and Training, I went to work in the Justice sector in offender learning with Novus (formerly The Manchester College). I delivered personal social development courses and functional skills English and maths to offenders in the community throughout the North West. Within this role, I also had the opportunity to work at Save the Family in Chester and Tomorrows Women Wirral delivering courses to vulnerable families and women that ranged from parenting classes to gardening to retail.

Unfortunately, due to redundancy this came to an end and I took on a new challenge at PeoplePlus as part of the Group Work clinical trial for the DWP. This role involved delivering an employability intervention to long term unemployed people in Liverpool. It was challenging due to the restrictions of the trial, but also very rewarding. The intervention was motivational and gave the participants a new perspective on returning to work. At the end of this contract I moved into Further Education, delivering BTEC Business Level 2 and ILM Level 2 and 3 to 16 – 18 years olds.

What has surprised you about working at The Women’s Organisation?

I have really been surprised by the range of amazing business ideas. I have heard so many original, forward-looking and eco-friendly ideas from speaking to the women who attend the business support, training and networking events. Each time I have attended an event I am always blown away by the creativeness, passion and energy of the business owners. The entrepreneurs that attend are an inspiration and have really got me thinking about my own ideas.

What’s the best thing about working at The Women’s Organisation?

I have a list as long as my arm for the best reasons to work at The Women’s Organisation. I love the autonomy, trust and freedom from the management. The people who work here are so friendly and everyone believes in what they do. The atmosphere is one of positivity with everyone on the same team! Also, the comradery of the women on the courses – everyone is so supportive of each other, its brilliant.

Could you describe one of your typical workdays?

If it is a training day then I will head straight to the venue where the course is being delivered and set up the room ready for the day. When the learners arrive, we will go through the running order of the course and then start our learning journey. At the end of the day I will spend some time touching base with the keyworkers of the project. On an engagement day I will be meeting other organisations in the community and promoting the Women’s Org courses, making contacts and finding ways of working with others. Or I may be based in the office where I work on creating resources, checking emails and catching up on paperwork.

What might (someone) be surprised to know about you?

That I have two Batman tattoos.

What do you do when you aren’t working? 

When I’m not working I enjoy spending time with my husband, two children and the dog! I like to go to Yoga a couple of times a week. I have always enjoyed going to watch live music and can’t wait to see my absolute favourite, Florence and the Machine, in November. As a family we love eating out, with Italian food a firm favourite. I also love to go to the cinema or watch films at home, my favourite era being films produced pre-1960 and the film noir genre.  

Thanks Victoria! We love have you in our W.O family. 

Meet The Team: Leanne Johnson

Our marketing team has had quite the shake-up this year. We recently introduced you to Sarah Brown, now meet Leanne Johnson! Leanne started working at The Women’s Organisation in March after deciding she wanted a career change. She brings all the humour, wit and creativity to our Marketing Team and we can’t remember a time without her. From Nandos, to The Big Apple and Primark, read on to find out more about Leanne .. 

What’s your full name and where are you from?

Leanne Johnson, I’m from Liverpool.

Tell me how you first found out about The Women’s Organisation and become part of our team?

I first found out about The Women’s Organisation when I was doing some research about the type of role I wanted to go into next. Someone I worked with had also volunteered at the organisation for a few weeks and told me what a nice place it was, so when I saw they were recruiting for a Marketing and Engagement Officer role I thought I’d give it a go! I always wanted to work in marketing, so I applied, got an interview and thankfully got the job!

What kind of things have you done prior to coming to The Women’s Organisation?

I’ve only worked for one other company before this role, I got my first job at Primark at 17 and worked my way up to a Human Resources supervisor before leaving this year! I spent my time there doing lots of varied things like staff training and UK and international store openings. I also graduated from LJMU with an IT & Multimedia Computing degree, where I also took a year out to work full time in a digital creative start-up company. I’ve always wanted to do something a bit more creative and be able to engage people so getting this role has been an absolute dream!

What has surprised you about working at The Women’s Organisation?

I think what surprised me is the high-quality support that The Women’s Organisation offers to people and how just in the short time I’ve been here I’ve already seen how massively our personal development programmes can impact people’s lives, it’s such a great feeling!

From a work point of view, how welcomed I’ve been into the organisation is the best. Within a couple of days, I felt like I’d been here for years, my team is amazing!

What’s the best thing about working at The Women’s Organisation?

The best thing about working here is how valued my opinions have been, not just on my team but throughout the entire organisation. I’ve already been working on several different projects that I’ve been able to really sink my teeth into and know that I’m trusted to get on with it. I also like that my ideas are really going to use and that I’ve got control over the work I do. It’s nice to feel like a valued member of the team and not just another number.

Could you describe one of your typical workdays?

I’m going to be that person but ‘there really is no typical day’.

All of the Marketing & Engagement team work on varied projects and at the moment I’m working on a lot of case studies and blog content for my projects. Daily, I suppose you could probably find me scheduling in relevant content for our social media pages, writing away and general promotion of our services and goings on around the organisation! I’ve also recently started conducting training for ‘Business Blogging for Beginners’ which is very exciting.

I’ve only been here gone 5 months now and I’ve already been involved in so much, some highlights include being part of the planning and live tweeting our awards event in Manchester for my project Excelerate Labs.

What might (someone) be surprised to know about you?

Maybe that I lived and worked in New York for 3 months! What can I say? Metropolitan girl!

What do you do when you aren’t working?

Fine dining (Nandos) and spending time with my loved ones!

Thanks Leanne! We’re delighted to have you here.

#WeAreInternational: Meet the Team!

July at The Women’s Organisation is a month dedicated to our worldwide reach. Whether it’s our international projects and partners, the diversity within our own team or our merchandise popping up on all corners of the globe, we’ll be celebrating the marvels of internationalism! 

Our office is a proud workplace for people from all backgrounds and cultures and we’d like to pay homage to that. You’ll already be familiar with many of these faces, who have been working with us for as many as 19 years. Take a read of their international experience and find out just how they ended up with us here at The Women’s Organisation .. 

Huda Mamoun – Senior Business Adviser

“I grow up at the banks of the River Niles city, Khartoum in Sudan, and had also lived in Ethiopia and Kenya, during my teen years. Coming from a mixed cultural background of African origin and Arabic language speaking as a mother tongue, it has been a privilege for me to understand cross cultural heritages and become so open to the world. 

For education, career development and family commitment, I then moved on and lived for years in other countries (Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Australia and UK).   The times I lived on those counties, have been the accumulative wealth and treasure that I cultivated throughout my living. Meeting different people and living in various and different cultural places and communities have enriched my live all round in many aspects, which I’m grateful for.

Having graduated from a Law school and practiced for some years.  I’ve always, from early years, have strong interest in women development and I chose it as part of my MBA research studies. Afterwards, I had the opportunity to work in Liverpool for main Academic institutions and large-scale regeneration programmes involved in women development projects.
 
In late 1990s, I found about Train 2000 (now The Women’s Organisation). I became very fond and interested in what they do and started following them and got involved in voluntary activities with the Organisation on different level. Several years after, I joined Train 2000 as a Trainee Business Adviser, have learned and developed skills and become a senior business adviser at The Women’s Organisation. 

Looking at the bigger picture, I can see my life and professional career was painted well beforehand, may be form my early years, to marry my interest and what I love doing with previous work opportunities that I have had in my life and the job I’m working on at The Women’s Organisation today.”

Lacra Aciobanitei – Finance Officer

“I was born in Romania in a small town in the eastern part of the country, called Husi. Moved to Bucharest at 19 to attend university and lived and worked there for 6 years before moving to the UK.
In 2009, my partner and I wanted to explore life a little bit and decided to try and live abroad for 12 months and our adventure has been on for 9 years now.

I applied to be a volunteer with an international charity and choose London initially, but as they had no vacancies we were encouraged to try Liverpool and turned out to be the best decision ever. We were and still are fascinated by the home of the Beatles. A friend of mine was already working for The Women’s Organisation and encouraged me to apply and the rest is history!”

Cynthia Bosafola – Trainee Business Adviser

I was born in Democratic republic of Congo and moved over to east London when I was 4 years old! So, I would say I am a Congolese Londoner!

I moved to Liverpool 10 years ago to study at John moors university, previously to this I had never been to Liverpool, but I wanted to study somewhere different, be away from London but not too far away! But when I came up for my university audition, I had such a great experience and there was something magical about the city!

My background is mainly in television, but after my contract ended in my last job, I was looking for something different – something that would challenge me. I did an internship at a co-working space and at the same time was looking into starting my own business. Future Boss Club did an event at Launch 22, where I was working and so when I looked into them I found out they were linked to The Women’s Organisation and really loved their beliefs and what they stood for.

A few months later a vacancy came up as a trainee business advisor and I jumped at the chance. I wasn’t sure if I would get the job, but here I am! I’m so glad I have the opportunity to work in this organisation! 

We're not done just yet .. stay posted for part TWO of this blog! 

Meet The Team: Sarah Brown

Our Marketing Team has had quite a shake up recently, with two new faces joining the squad. As always, we want you to get to know them as well as we do. First up is Sarah, our Marketing and Engagement Executive! Sarah is a digital whiz, with a wealth of experience in social media, PR and marketing and we're feeling pretty lucky to have her with us. Take a read of Sarah's guest blog to find out more about her ..

What’s your name and where are you from?

I’m Sarah Brown and I’m originally from Durham, but I moved to Liverpool in 2012 and have never wanted to leave!

Tell me how you first found out about The Women’s Organisation and become part of our team?

I first heard about The Women’s Organisation whilst studying at the University of Liverpool and have always known what an important role it plays for women across the city region. Working for a charity has always been on my dream job list, so when I saw that The Women’s Organisation were recruiting for a marketing and engagement officer I knew I had to apply!

What kind of things have you done prior to coming to The Women’s Organisation?

I graduated from the University of Liverpool in 2015 with a degree in Classical Studies and I had no idea of the route I wanted to take. I started a public relations internship and soon got my first “proper” role as a PR account executive and absolutely loved working with the media and getting to put my writing skills and creativity to the test. I spent the next three years working in agencies with clients in all kinds of sectors, from education, property and legal clients, to those working in innovation and tech. And now here I am!

What has surprised you about working at The Women’s Organisation?

Coming into The Women’s Organisation it’s been eye-opening to see just how many women have new business ideas on a daily basis, and that’s just in the Liverpool City Region. We take calls from so many women every day looking for support to launch their new venture - there’s definitely a lot of entrepreneurial spirit in the city!

What’s the best thing about working at The Women’s Organisation?

The best thing has got to be the people. It’s a real privilege to get to work alongside women who are so passionate about what they do. I’ve been completely taken-aback by the sheer level of support here too, both between colleagues and between the amazing women who come on our courses and programmes and share their stories with each other. It’s very inspiring.

Could you describe one of your typical workdays?

No two days are the same at The Women’s Organisation - and that’s a great thing! A typical day would start with checking in on the social media channels I manage to make sure that we have content ready to go for the day. I would then usually dedicate some time for writing content, whether it be for a blog sharing our top business tips, a press release with our latest news and events, or a case study celebrating one of our clients’ success. I’ll also spend time designing new social media cards, posters and flyers. As a team we like to stay creative too, so plenty of time is set aside to come up with fresh ideas to promote our services and values.

What might (someone) be surprised to know about you?

In primary school I came first place in a painting competition (despite a severe lack of artistic talent!) and got to present Blue Peter’s very own Matt Baker with my masterpiece. He told me he was going to hang it in his bathroom, but I doubt he ever did…

What do you do when you aren’t working? 

When I’m not in work I can usually be found eating - I love food - or making the most of Liverpool’s bars and music venues with my friends. I’m originally from quite a rural area, though, so I do like to get back to the countryside as much as I can. I spend a lot of time outdoors going on hikes, camping and visiting new places.

Thanks Sarah, and welcome to The W.O family! 

Armed Forces Week: My experience of growing up as the child of a parent in the military

As part of Armed Forces Week, we invited our staff members with varied armed forces experiences to blog about how it impacted who they are today. Earlier in the week, we heard from Training and Development Specialist, Jenny Wallwork, and her time in the navy - if you haven't yet read it, click here. 

One of our newest members of the team, Victoria Hart, grew up with parents in the military taking her to new places, cultures and people and developing her outlook on the world, her adaptability and her resilience. Take a read .. 

As part of Armed Forces Day I am writing about my unique experience growing up as the child of a parent in the military or better known as a ‘Forces Brat’.  

We have a military family with uncles in the Irish Guards and my dad in the Royal Air Force so we have been scattered all over Europe over the years. My dad was in the RAF as a Senior Communications Electronics Specialist Technician for over twenty years and before I was 13 we had moved 5 times and I had been to 7 different schools!

Being a child with a parent in armed forces was like being part of an exclusive club, for weirdo kids who moved to a new country every so often. I was born in Dunfermline whilst my dad was based at RAF Pitreavie Castle in the Kingdom of Fife, Scotland. When my sister arrived three years later we up and moved to Oslo, Norway.  we also lived in RAF Brize Norton, Oxfordshire and after my youngest sister was born we moved to Holland.

We were really lucky to be able to experience different cultures, food, attitudes and lifestyles as we grew up. I attended an international school for several years with American, English, German, French and Dutch friends. This is my sisters and I on our way to Afcent International School, Brunssum, Holland in 1991. We took full advantage of our European home, in the international school our trips were to neighbouring European countries, as a family we would go shopping to Germany on the weekend, socialising with different nationalities through the officers’ club kid’s parties and we could drive to Italy, Spain, Belgium for holidays!

The best thing about living abroad was experiencing different celebrations for example Carnival. At Carnival we would all get dressed up  in funny costumes and go to the parades, catching the sweets thrown from the floats. On Sinterklass on the 5th December we would put one of our shoes outside the front door overnight hoping that we would get a big bag of sweets and not a big piece of coal! As a kid there is nothing like eating sweets in your pjs at 7am, out of a pink and green shoe!

Growing up a Forces Brat has had a massive influence on me as a person, I feel it is like a badge of honour that I wear and when people ask me where I grew up I can say “EVERYWHERE”! It always gives me an interesting story to tell.

I am open to new cultures, new foods, new music, new everything! I love travelling! I am forever telling my children about the Loempia and HEMA Rookworst we would eat when shopping on a Saturday in Holland and encourage them to try new foods themselves! I love learning about different cultures and carry on some of the traditions that we experienced abroad, here in the U.K.

When we returned to England and settled in Birkenhead, I had lots of adjustment and that was difficult as a 13-year-old. Living abroad for so many years meant I had to build relationships with cousins, aunts, uncles and grandparents that I didn’t know as we had always been away. It wasn’t until we fully settled in England that we were aware our upbringing was different to other kids, now we are thankful to my dad for providing us with amazing opportunities as kids.

Through moving around and starting new schools’ half way through the term I have developed adaptability, resilience and most certainly stoicism. Forces Brats are strong with a good sense of humour, because growing up you need to be to survive as a child with a parent who often is away on exercise. Meeting so many people from different countries has helped me to develop a proactive and alternative approach to doing things.

My childhood influences me as an adult as I am always challenging myself to take on new challenges, like my upcoming Tough Mudder in September!
Me and dad at Pitreavie, Scotland 1984.

Media Expert Lisa Pearson Joins The Women’s Organisation Board

We are delighted to announce that Lisa Pearson, Current Head of Marketing at Arriva North West and Wales, has joined our Board to assist in supporting and shaping our marketing strategy and vision for the future. 

Having worked with a wide variety of companies, from commercial radio group Bauer, to some of the region’s leading law firms, as well as within the leisure tourism industry, Lisa is an expert in creating impact on the local and national stage.

Lisa is incredibly passionate about empowering women to support each other in achieving great things and we can’t wait to welcome her into our team.

We sat down with Lisa to find out more about why she wanted to be part of The Women’s Organisation and her plans moving forward. Take a read ..

1) What made you want to join The Women’s Organisation’s board?

Over the last couple of years, I have been lucky enough to be involved in a number of events at The Women’s Organisation - aimed at supporting female entrepreneurs across our region with knowledge & advice to make their businesses (and themselves!) more successful.

At each event, I have been very aware of the unique sense of community that The Women’s Organisation has created and I like that! As I researched further into the areas of focus The Women’s Organisation is committed to, I felt even more inspired and wanted to ‘get involved’.

A change in my career earlier this year has brought me back to Liverpool and the vibrancy, ongoing regeneration and true uniqueness of our City continues to grow from strength to strength. I admire how passionate The Women’s Organisation is about our regions women being a part of this positive growth and change in Liverpool.

2) How do our values around women’s economic empowerment align with your own?

The Women’s Organisation is a genuine example of how ‘women empowered empower women’. I’ve always been a strong believer in the importance of women knowing their worth and how this is so dramatically linked to personal and professional development. There shouldn’t be any hidden agenda for wanting to help people and see them do well.

For those of us launching or running our own businesses, the need to feel supported and know that you can turn to someone for advice and guidance is incredibly important.

This is something The Women’s Organisation deliver time and time again – it is not dependant on backgrounds, needs or aspirations. We’re treating others the way we’d like to be treated – something I try to live my own life by, daily.

3) From your skills and experience, what will you bring to the organisation? 

My career in marketing has been very rewarding and over the last 5 years, I’ve gained knowledge & expertise around the importance of digital marketing, social media and engaging video content. If I can bring some of this marketing ‘magic’ to support the already excellent campaigns and messages coming out of The Women’s Organisation, I’ll be doing a good job.

I also firmly believe that there’s Power in People – who you know & how you can leverage your network to support a cause, campaign, event or message is sometimes more valuable than any marketing spend. I can’t wait to get out there & spreading the good word for The Women's Organisation!

4) What are you most excited about? 

This year already, I’ve been honoured to attend the Launch of our fantastic book, Twenty One (21 stories of Women who shaped our City) AND to speak about the necessity of being highly visualise with your marketing messaging at our June Business Club Event.

Events are definitely a strong point of The Women’s Organisation, bringing women together for a variety of themes and topics & I am really looking forward to our calendar over the coming months.
For me, it feels like 2018 has so far been a year of change and celebration – the #MeToo movement, the historic Eight Amendment referendum in Ireland and continued remembrance of 100 Years of Suffrage.

Women are really getting ‘stuff done’, something that has always been true for The Women’s Organisation – I am delighted to be a part of its future and what we get ‘done’ in years to come.

Meet T'shana, Our New Trainee Receptionist!

We’ve breathed new, youthful life into our W.O office in the form of two new lovely Trainee Receptionists that keep us smiling all day, Sophie and T’shana! We love staff introductory blogs, as we get to find out loads of interesting things about our new members of the team (like when Ellie told us that she has a qualification in archery).

First off, we’ll be introducing you to T’shana – if you’ve popped into 54 St James Street recently you may have had the pleasure of meeting her. Have a little read below to find out more about T’shana and just how she ended up with us here at The Women’s Organisation. And be sure to say hello to her next time you’re here! 

T'shana and Sophie

What’s your full name and where are you from?

My name is T’shana Braithwaite and I am from Liverpool.

Tell me how you first found out about The Women’s Organisation and become part of our team?

I first came to hear about The Women’s Organisation through one of my tutors at college. I had been looking for a role which offered more progression and development than my then current role at McDonalds.

What kind of things have you done prior to coming to The Women’s Organisation?

Prior to coming to The Women’s Organisation, I completed numerous traineeships and employability programmes whilst working at a fast food restaurant. I also carried out a voluntary work placement at a sheltered scheme near me, as a way of helping the elderly and giving back to my community.

T'shana! 

What has surprised you about working at The Women’s Organisation?

One of the things that surprised me about working at The Women’s Organisation is how welcoming the staff are and how quickly I have felt a part of the team. It’s also rather surprising how much I love coming to work every day!

What’s the best thing about working at The Women’s Organisation?

The best thing about working at The Women’s Organisation is the practical side of the role. For me, the thing I enjoy most is setting up for conferences and events held here at 54 St James St. It’s very hands on and it isn’t always easy, but still the best thing for me personally.

Could you describe one of your typical workdays?

No two days are the same working at the reception desk here at The Women’s Organisation. The job roles vary from setting up events to intensive filing! Some days can be extremely busy and others, not so much.

T'shana on Reception Duty

What might (someone) be surprised to know about you?

Maybe that I taught myself how to play the keyboard by ear and sometimes in my spare time I like to teach myself new songs.

What do you do when you aren’t working? 

Outside of work, I tend to spend most of my time shopping! When I am not shopping, I enjoy spending time with my boyfriend and my family. After all, family time is the best time!

Thanks T’shana – welcome to The W.O family, it’s great to have you here. 

Next up on the blog, we’ll be introducing you to Sophie – stay posted!  

Meet One of the Newest Members of Our Team - Ellie Vick!

If you've popped into 54 St James Street recently, you may have had the pleasure of meeting one of the newest (and smiliest!) members of our team. Ellie is a member of our Admin Team and operates Reception - and after four months we can't really remember a time that Ellie wasn't here! So, we thought this would be good time to catch up with Ellie and find our a bit more about her and how she ended up with us at The Women's Organisation. Have a read and be sure to give her a hello when you visit us ... 

What’s your full name and where are you from?

Eleanor Vick and I am originally from Wallasey on the Wirral.

Tell me how you first found out about The Women’s Organisation and become part of our team?

I first found out about the women's organisation via social media, and I attended courses and kept my eye out for job opportunities on the website. It was an organisation that really appealed to me, I have been a member of the Women's Equality party from the beginning and was brought up as feminist, a place championing women's rights on a grass root level is something I really wanted to be a part of.

What kind of things have you done prior to coming to The Women’s Organisation?

I completed a degree at the University of Sheffield in History and English Literature, working two jobs to fund myself, one in the very glamorous role of a night club cleaner and one as a disability assistant (helping students with disabilities get the most out of their university experience). Following on from university I worked at the National Museums of Liverpool (the Walker Art gallery and the Museum of Liverpool). I took up a 6-month placement at the galleries in Edinburgh which was such a wonderful opportunity to work in one of my favourite cities! However, due to funding cuts the job couldn't be made permanent so I moved back to the Wirral and I took a job as a Wedding and Events coordinator at a Hotel. I decided that my future didn't lay in the hospitality industry and made the decision to focus solely on achieving a job I wanted. Which is how I came to apply for this role at the Women's Organisation.

What has surprised you about working at The Women’s Organisation?

The diversity and complexity to the influence that The Women's Organisation has, not just a local level but nationally and internationally. The many branches to the organisation astounds me. Perhaps more so, the staff each hold a multitude of roles and all play a part in achieving the goals of the organisation. The passion and unity of the office is something I have come to really enjoy working within.

What’s the best thing about working at The Women’s Organisation?

The people by far. It would be nothing if each staff member did not actively participate in the values and aims of the organisation. It's an inspiring place to work.

Could you describe one of your typical workdays?

Reception is the first point of call for the organisation and the building, so it can be a very fast paced place to work. Queries come in all forms - phone, email and in person. As receptionists for the whole building, we greet and direct all visitors to the building, so knowing the building and its occupants is crucial. With many tenants and virtual tenants, we deal with their post, take messages on their behalf and answer any queries they may have. Other aspects of our role include setting up internal/external events, processing room hire enquiries, helping with projects within the organisation and any other admin related tasks that crop up on daily basis.

What might (someone) be surprised to know about you?

Perhaps that I have a qualification in archery!

What do you do when you aren’t working? 

Most of my time off is spent with friends and family. We are close knit family but are scattered all over the country so I enjoy travelling to see them. I enjoy visiting galleries and museums around Liverpool and beyond! Most of my travel trips evolve around art! I love travelling, I can never get away as much as I would love to but I am always planning my next adventure!

Thanks Ellie and welcome to The W.O family!

Meet Our New Team Member - Jenny Wallwork

Our Finance Team & Training Team has grew in rapid numbers over the past few months. Our new team members are certainly part of The W.O family now, and we’d like you to get to know them too. Over the coming weeks we will be sitting down with new staff to find out more about their interests, delve into their past and discover how they ended up with us at The Women’s Organisation. Up first is Jenny Wallwork, she is our new Training Development Specialist and will be working on the new ‘Change It: Progress to Success’ programme at 54 St James Street and Everton Children’s Centre.

What’s your full name and where are you from?

Jenny Wallwork, born and bred in Liverpool

Tell me how you first found out about The Women’s Organisation and become part of our team?

I first found out about The Women’s Organisation, when I noticed a vacancy for a Training and Development Specialist which was advertised, I did what most people do and googled to find out more about the WO and its values and beliefs.  Straight away, I was taken in by the support and diversity that they offered and decided to apply.  I was lucky enough to be asked for interview and as they say the rest is history.

What kind of things have you done prior to coming to The Women’s Organisation?

As a teacher/trainer I have worked within Further Education and for over 10 years I worked within Sefton Local Authority delivering Family Learning programmes within the community.  I then worked for a wonderful charity called Home-Start delivering training on a national basis, throughout the UK and also British Forces Germany.

What has surprised you about working at The Women’s Organisation?

I am really impressed with the buzz about the place, whether working for the WO or seeing the amount of tenants and people who hire rooms for training and conferences at 54 St James Street.  The work ethic is incredible, it literally is head down and coming up for air for coffee and lunch  Ha!

What’s the best thing about working at The Women’s Organisation?

It is a wonderful environment to work in, energetic, productive and inspiring.  To have the opportunity to help and guide women regardless of background is a privilege.

Could you describe one of your typical workdays?

We are currently in the process of launching a new 8-week personal development programme called ‘Change it’ Progress to Success' course.  Most days, I have been networking within the local community and local children’s centres, promoting and marketing and building a rapport with contacts within the area.  The programme is due to start in a couple of weeks, whereby I will be delivering out in the community and also at 54 St James Street .. Exciting times!

What might (someone) be surprised to know about you?

A few things, from leaving college I joined the Women’s Royal Naval Service and lived in Norway for 2 years, working for NATO, with my daily office being at the centre of a huge mountain.
In my younger days (very young) I played for a ladies football team.

What do you do when you aren’t working?

I enjoy family time, spending time with my two grown up children is a pleasure, one lives and works in London, whilst the other is studying at Glasgow University. (opposite ends of the UK, do you think they are trying to tell me something!)  I enjoy my Zumba classes and I am a season ticket holder at Liverpool Football Club, have been for over 30 years.  Spending time with friends is important to me and I have a large circle of lifelong friends, with whom I meet up with as often as possible.  Life is never dull, there is always something happening within the Wallwork household

Welcome to the team Jenny, we are very happy to have you here! 

You can find out more about The Women's Organisation's new programme Change It: Progress to Success, which Jenny will be working on here.