Businesswomen from across Coventry and Warwickshire have been given an insight into the rewarding role of serving in the armed forces reserves by two inspirational female speakers.
The Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce hosted its latest Women in Business event at Mallory Court Hotel, in Leamington.
The event was sponsored by West Midland Reserve Forces and Cadets Association, and delegates heard from Anna Zebrowska, a reservist in the 605 Squadron of the Royal Air Force, and Sub-lieutenant Laura Harpham, a reservist in the Royal Navy based at HMS Forward.
It was held on International Women’s Day 2024 which this year had a theme of Inspire Inclusion, and the speakers highlighted the work being done by the armed forces to create inclusive environments which encourage female participation.
Laura spoke to delegates about the training involved to become a reservist in the Royal Navy, the skills she has developed, and the various opportunities she has been able to take advantage of both in the UK and overseas.
Anna gave an insight into how she juggled being a mother to three young boys, navigating English as a second language and maintaining a full-time job while completing her training, and how the skills and values she developed have benefitted both her career and personal life.
Anna said: “The recruitment process was a challenging yet rewarding experience, but I overcame personal and professional barriers to become a part of a prestigious organisation.
“Completing my training was a moment of pride for both myself and my friends and family who supported me throughout the process.
“The skills and experience gained as a reservist are highly transferable and can help professional development in various industries. My children have also learnt the value of perseverance and the value of pursuing their passions, and they have seen the rewards that come from hard work and dedication.
“I hope that by sharing my story I can inspire other women and young professionals to consider a reservist role in the Royal Air Force and discover the incredible growth it can offer.”
Cat Suckling, Regional Employer Engagement Director at West Midland Reserve Forces and Cadets Association, also spoke to delegates at the event, and discussed how working in defence is changing and how more women are joining the forces.
She spoke about the benefits of becoming a reservist, how those who have served in the armed forces can be valuable assets to businesses, and how businesses can support those within the armed forces by signing the Armed Forced Covenant.
The Covenant, which has been signed by the Chamber, is a promise to acknowledge and understand that those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces, and their families, should be treated with fairness and respect in the communities, economy, and society they serve with their lives.
Keely Hancox, head of operations at the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “The event was a fantastic opportunity to come together to celebrate women from across Coventry and Warwickshire.
“We heard from some incredibly inspiring speakers who gave an insight into their lives serving in the reserved armed forces, all while juggling their careers and family life.
“We are very proud to have signed the Armed Forced Covenant and would like to thank West Midland Reserve Forces and Cadets Association for sponsoring the event.”
Caption: (back row l-r) Suzanne Draper, Josefine Blomqvist, Keely Hancox, Siamha Butt and Cat Suckling, with (front row l-r) SLt Laura Harpham, Hazel Pilling and Anna Zebrowska.