This week the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences hosted an all-female leadership panel as part of the University’s events to celebrate International Women’s Day. The event was led by Professors Carri Westgarth and Judy Coulson and brought together women from across a wide range of backgrounds, who shared their personal leadership journeys and reflected on both the challenges and opportunities facing women.
This year’s panel included:
- Emeritus Professor Susan Wray, whose extensive leadership contributions include serving as Director of the Centre for Better Births, Co-Director of the Harris Wellbeing of Women Centre for Preterm Birth Research, University of Liverpool Athena Swan Chair, and President of both the International Union of Physiological Sciences and the Federation of European Physiological Sciences.
- Mary Clegg, former Chief Executive of the Green Party with a career spanning national health systems, political transformation and civic innovation.
- Dr Chiedza Ikpeh, Director and Co-Founder of the RARA Education Project
- Elaine McDonald, Business Manager for the University’s School of Veterinary Science and Chair of the charity Merseyside Society for Deaf People.
- Professor Carri Westgarth, IVES EDIW Lead.
Organised by the Faculty’s EDIW Officer, Laura Davies, the event was a resounding success. It drew attendees from across the Faculty, from early career researchers to those working in professional services, providing an inspiring platform for discussion, connection, and celebration.
Professor Carri Westgarth said: "The conversation around women in leadership is both timely and timeless. Visibility of diversity in leadership is incredibly important. Across sectors, including universities and research institutions, women are leading, shaping strategy, driving innovation, and redefining what leadership looks like in these contexts."
Early career researcher Dr Genever Morgan attended the event and commented: "The speakers were really inspiring and made me reflect on my self-belief, motivating me to value my strengths more highly in future."