Inspirational Women Inspire Barnsley College Students To #BalanceforBetter

Over 400 students from across the College and Sixth Form attended. Each speaker had an individual interpretation of success and taught the students how to change their way of thinking to enable them to succeed. The event’s aim was to inspire the students to ‘Balance for Better’, the message for International Women’s Day this year.

The first speaker Nat Jackson, Director of Totally Runable, spoke of her passion in building girls’ confidence in sport, motivating students to live their own journey and be who they want to be.

Speaker Helen Ball, Chief Executive Officer at Barnsley Civic, discussed her upbringing and education and talked about the work that the Civic does. She went on to detail how it’s important to overcome barriers to achieve career goals.

Ellie Hunneyball, Station Manager at South Yorkshire Fire Service, encouraged the students to challenge stereotypes and to fight for gender balance. She also explained how to start a career in a predominant male industry.

Other guest speakers included BBC Journalist and Rainbeaubelle Blogger, Julia Bryson; Life Empowerment Coach, Elaine Mitchell; and Chief Executive Officer at South Yorkshire’s Community Foundation, Ruth Willis.

Ellie said: “I really support International Women’s Day. It is important to recognise the contribution anyone can make regardless of gender.”

Jess Widdowson, Enterprise Engagement Officer, added: “Through the event we wanted to promote the important role that women play in our society, especially those who work in traditionally male working environments or those who have overcome adversity in their lives. Tying it in with International Women’s Day helps us to raise the profile of this extremely important day with our students.”