In celebration of International Women’s Day (8th March), Wellington Place proudly hosted its seventh Women of the Future event, bringing students and professionals together to champion belonging, inclusion and positive engagement in education.
The Women of the Future initiative forms part of Inspired, a collaborative programme between Federated Hermes Real Estate and Ahead Partnership, specially designed to support young people by increasing access to relatable role models, raising aspirations and nurturing a sense of belonging in modern workplaces.
This year’s event welcomed 60 young women from schools across Leeds, including Mount St Mary’s Catholic High School, Dixons Unity Academy, Roundhay School and Temple Moor High School to explore their ambitions in a supportive and inclusive environment.
The event brought together students with female volunteers from a wide range of business from across the Wellington Place neighbourhood, offering a glimpse into real-world career journeys and an immersive experience into a modern workplace. Volunteers came from a wide range of companies including Lloyds Banking Group, Equifax and Redmayne Bentley.
Through a series of workshops and activities, students and volunteers explored themes such as personal purpose and recognising what makes them unique. They learned techniques to boost confidence, reframe negative thoughts and develop a growth-focused mindset around trying, failing, learning and progressing.
Students found the day hugely beneficial. Early feedback showed that 100% of students improved their knowledge of how their skills, strengths and interests could relate to job roles at Wellington Place, and 100% improved their confidence and self-belief, as well as their speaking and listening skills.
Jennifer Smith, Assistant Vice Principal from Dixons Unity Academy, said: “The day’s focus on belonging is central to supporting young people to remain positively engaged in school life. As national research continues to highlight the link between disengagement and a higher likelihood of becoming NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training), opportunities like Women of the Future help students feel seen, supported and motivated as they navigate their future choices. The Women of the Future event is always one of my favourite trips due to the sheer joy that I see on the students faces and the positive impact that it leaves on them when they return to school.”
Dominique Murray, Associate Marketing Director for Federated Hermes, said: “This event is about much more than exploring careers. It’s about creating a space where young women feel included and confident in who they are. When students feel they belong, whether in school or the workplace, they’re far more likely to stay engaged and motivated. Wellington Place is proud to bring our business community together to support that sense of belonging.”
Megan Lipp, Head of Growth at Ahead Partnership, added: “Belonging is a powerful driver of engagement, both in education and beyond. Women of the Future provides young women with role models who help them see their strengths, feel connected and visualise the possibilities open to them. It’s inspiring to see students leave the day energised, more confident and ready to take their next steps.”
