in-Cumbria hosts International Women's Day event in Penrith

There were insightful conversations, laughter and even a few tears at the in-Cumbria magazine event at North Lakes Hotel and Spa in Penrith on Friday, March 1 to mark International Women’s Day.

The event hosted by Newsquest Cumbria regional editor, Joy Yates, included: Eirini Etoimou - Head of Corporate Sustainability & Supply Chain Development at Sellafield Ltd; Jill Glencross - Jill Glencross Funeral Directors; Rachael Bell - Principal at Rachael Bell Wealth Management; Emma Jayne Gooch - CEO at Plain Purpose Ltd and Gail Rajjayabun FCA, Head of People Development.

After a Q&A hosted by Joy Yates, the panel took questions from the audience, with many also sharing inspirational stories.

Judith Cook tells her story to the room at the event. (Image: NQ staff)

Joy Yates said: “What a way to mark International Women's Day and the theme of ‘inspire inclusion’. Our panellists of female Cumbrian business leaders were knowledgeable, insightful and entertaining.

"They provided many takeaways and good advice and our audience were extremely engaged and posed some exceptional questions for our panel to answer. A huge thank you to them all and to Sharon and her team at North Lakes Hotel for their expert hospitality.”

Mary Ballard shares her story as she asks a question to the panel. (Image: NQ staff)

What did our panel have to say about the event ?

Eirini Etoimou, MSc, MBA LS, Head of Corporate Sustainability & Supply Chain Development at Sellafield Ltd.

“Listening to all of these inspiring stories not only from the women in the panel but also from the audience was so motivating and so emotional in some cases, what has been very important is the inclusivity, not staying on the surface and seeing everybody has a story in their life.”

The event was said the be engaging to the audience throughout. (Image: NQ staff)

Jill Glencross, Funeral Director at Jill Glencross Independent Funeral Directors Ltd

“I have absolutely loved it to be honest, I was really nervous when I got here I don’t like public speaking but I have really enjoyed it.

 

“It has just been absolutely lovely to see lots of women asking us questions and women that are just starting their own business where I was, so I know how they feel.”

Emma-Jayne Gooch, CEO at Plain Purpose Ltd

“I was delighted to be invited I haven’t been to one of these events before, so I wasn’t really sure what to expect but I have to say what a wonderful group of inspirational women, it reminds you that you are part of a community of people who are just fantastic, have got so much drive and sometimes just need that opportunity.

 

“in-Cumbria have put on a such great event and I will take away a real fondness of being able to be myself and share stories that you don’t normally share in a business setting.”

The event was a real success among the many business women who attended. (Image: NQ staff)

Gail Rajjayabun FCA, Head of People Development at David Allen

“It’s been really, really inspiring I have been honoured to be a part of such an inspirational panel. It’s been really lovely to hear about other people’s journeys to see what has brought them here today.

 

"I think everybody’s map of the world is different and everybody has got different experiences which they can learn from, and I think just coming here to this event we can support people starting out and those who are at different stages in their journeys.”

The panel who spoke at the event. (Image: NQ staff)

Rachael Bell, Principal at Rachael Bell Wealth Management

“The energy in the room has been infectious, I’m not going to lie I was really apprehensive and a little bit sceptical about what people wanted to hear and what people wanted to do, but for me listening to and hearing from everybody’s journey is really important.

 

“Being in a room that’s a safe environment, that you can ask and feel supported that’s empowerment.”

The next in-Cumbria panel event is on April 19 at the North Lakes Hotel in Penrith - further details to be announced.