As mentioned by the Principal in his recent update, the 4th University of Aberdeen International Women's Day Conference held to celebrate International Women's Day on 8 March was a huge success.
The theme of the Conference was ‘Inspiring Journeys’ and over 250 delegates enjoyed motivational stories from the 6 speakers, 2 of whom were international from Palestine and Nigeria and a third who grew up in South Africa:
- Hannah Miley, Olympic swimmer; who talked about her motivation to achieve despite not being the typical build for a competitive swimmer, and the power of hard work.
- Dr Jen Warren, Invictus Games medallist; focused on how she has overcome her disability to rebuild her career as an anaesthetist and compete in the Invictus Games (winning 9 medals), the Lewa Marathon (in a wheelchair), captain the first female disabled team to complete the Arch to Arc, and the importance of thinking about what you can do, not what you can’t.
- Professor Carron Shankland, University of Stirling; who shared her personal journey to becoming a Professor and how she overcame challenges on the way.
- Dr Fiona Pienaar, Clinical Director, Place2Be (a charity with a mission to enhance the mental wellbeing of children and their families by providing support in schools) grew up in south Africa and then studied and worked in New Zealand, focused on the key people who inspired her, which began with her father.
- Timipre Wolo, University of Aberdeen Alumnus and CEO of TFN Energy Ltd who came from the impoverished Niger Delta and through education and hard work now runs her own oil company.
- Maysoun Odeh, from Palestine, who set up and now heads up Nissa FM All –women radio station broadcasting on human rights and in particular women’s rights.
The speakers shared their truly inspirational personal and professional journeys and feedback from the delegates was overwhelmingly positive.
For more information on the speakers please see their biographies by clicking on the link below: