Students at Stratford-upon-Avon College celebrated International Women’s Day with visits from a range of influential women, including an inspiring visit from local MP Manuella Perteghella.
Students also benefitted from hearing about the career of Donna Alos, International Sporting Announcer and Sunday breakfast show presenter for BBC Radio WM & CWR, who spoke to the students about her fascinating journey as a female journalist.
Manuella, Liberal Democrat MP for Stratford-upon-Avon, is an impressive female figure in Stratford, being the first non-Conservative MP elected in the area since 1950 and the first female MP of the constituency. She spoke to students about her career, spanning from education to politics and was thrilled to have been able to share her story and talk to current students about the working world they are going into.
She commented: “I was delighted to visit the College and speak about careers in politics. I told my own story and explained that my career began in the arts.
We are at an exciting and nervous point in time, where AI technology seems set to revolutionise the world of work, and change lots of jobs in the process. We talked about how they will need to reskill and perhaps change careers during their working lives.
I wish the students all the very best in their careers, and I hope that I inspired some of them to consider public service and political careers in future.”
Donna Alos was able to share her experience with the students of how she used to be one of the only female journalists at football press days and her work with the England Women’s Cricket Team as a stadium announcer and pitch host.
She was pleased to speak to the students: “It was great to come in and chat to the students about my 25-year career as a female journalist to celebrate International Women’s Day. I think it’s incredibly important to inspire the next generation of students, and women, by sharing real world experience. I also talked about my role working in International Women’s Cricket as an announcer and the pride I feel in that role, watching the sport grow, and being a tiny part of the matchday experience.”
College Principal, Rebecca Gater, was delighted that the students benefited from hearing from two interesting, experienced women from competitive industries as part of the College’s wider International Women’s Day celebrations: “This year’s International Women’s Day theme, ‘Give to Gain’, resonates deeply with us. When women generously share their experiences, insights and journeys, others gain the confidence to step into their own potential. Hearing real stories that feel relatable and authentic can be transformative for our community. When women offer a little more of their truth, their voice and their encouragement, they give others the inspiration and permission to imagine new possibilities for themselves. Creating these moments matters. By making space for women’s authentic stories, we nurture ambition, build belonging and strengthen the future of our sector.”
