Business Brunch for Tomorrow’s Women – a huge success!

The Business Education Together Partnership had a fantastic day at The College on the 20^th of March hosting our very first ‘Business Brunch for Tomorrow’s Women’ following on from International Women’s Day. Students from Afon Taf High School, Blessed Carlo Acutis School, Cyfarthfa High School, Pen-y-Dre High School and The College, Merthyr Tydfil, were treated to three different sessions and a variety of demonstrations from women across a number of sectors.

Our first session entitled ‘Women in STEM and Construction’ was chaired by Siobhan Price and featured Louise Pennell from USW, Lilly Phillips from Tenneco, Kirsten Postle and Taylor Hedditch from Willmott Dixon and Dinda Yenon and Amber Murphy from General Dynamics. The speakers shared their valuable insights regarding the opportunities for females in STEM and Construction and the advantages of embarking upon a STEM career pathway. Crystal Thomas, a former pupil of Afon Taf High School, who is now studying at The College, said, “I personally think young women are a bit intimidated by the industry because the majority of it is a male dominated environment. So hopefully this event has changed their thoughts about their future”.

Our second session was centred on ‘Women in the Arts’ and the panel was chaired by Non Stevens from Into Film. She was accompanied by Danny Marie Elias from Square Peg Studio, Isabel Benavides, an independent writer and illustrator, and Finnuala Buckley, a content creator for Get Into Film who shared her recent experience of interviewing Hugh Jackman as part of her role. The session focused on breaking down preconceptions around women in the artistic sphere and informed pupils of the emerging growth of the film sector in Wales.

In our final session, entitled ‘Women who did it their Way’, pupils were lucky enough to hear from three inspirational women who have forged their own pathways to success. Fay Trowbridge, owner of Daisy Chain Florist, began by talking about the merits of being a small business owner and finding passion in what you do. She was followed by Hannah Phillips, social runner and entrepreneur, who discussed the importance of breaking down barriers and overcoming difficulties. Rhian Lewis, an award-winning member of NHS Cwm Taf Morgannwg, closed our morning by discussing her journey to success and how she dealt with obstacles in her path.  

During the event, we were also fortunate to have an exhibition from Jenna McDonnell who spoke to pupils about running her own hair and beauty company as well as her fantastic theatrical creations. The College’s construction and science department were also on hand to showcase the range of topics that they cover on their courses. Students asked a range of pertinent and focused questions to learn more about these disciplines and the various pathways into these subjects.

A huge thank you to all our panellists for helping to showcase a wealth of opportunities available to our young girls and for enhancing curriculum content and delivery.  #BeTheBestYouCanBe