"I was 15 when my father died, it was the end of an era in many ways and it was an end of my dreams of going to university, or so I thought then.

I started work at 16 but went to night school to do my A levels, I eventually went to university aged 22 determined to pursue a career in law and social work (caring passionately about injustice).

The first in my family and the first amongst many friends in my Leicestershire community, all whom supported me but didn’t particularly understand my drive and ambition. I left university with a degree, social work qualification and a huge student loan to pay off! As much as I loved case work, I needed to pay the bills and became a manager early in my working career, earlier than I had intended. I’ve never regretted this and 25 years on that drive and determination has remained my faithful companion and is with me now in my senior role at Creative Youth Network. 

It's still not always easy for young women, whatever their circumstances are, to be who they want to be. I’m proud to be part of an organisation that support and enables young women to make their own individual choices however tough that journey may be sometimes. I think that’s something to celebrate on International Women’s day."

Jack Beech - Chief Operating Officer

"I am extremely proud to be part of a female strong leadership team at Creative Youth Network. It serves as a reminder how far we have come on the road to equality. International women’s day is important to me to celebrate the amazing contribution all women have made, and the important female figures in my life. We must also use this day  to recognise where there is still work to be done and it is a privilege to be in a position to bring about some change through my role at Creative Youth Network. I will continue to advocate for all women and girls and champion equality for all"

Hannah Panes - Head of South Glos Youth Services

“My Grandma’s generation were told not to go to college or get an education, let alone to go out and work but that their place was in the home. My Mum’s father (my estranged Grandfather) almost stopped my Mum from going to college believing that the education would be lost on her, but my Grandma fought for her to go. My Mum went onto being a Nurse and a wonderful Mother who left nursing to be a stay at home mum, her new career choice. She supported both me and my sister to follow our dreams and never settle. My sister now runs a successful catering business and I am a very proud senior manager at Creative Youth Network, one of the largest youth arts charities in the UK, whilst also running my own business that supports women in the creative sector.

I’m proud to know that my Grandma’s and my Mum’s fights are now mine and that with each generation equality is improving.  I am honoured to work for Creative Youth Network, a charity that supports girls and women to overcome barriers and reach their potential.”

Emily Bull - Head of Creative