2025
International Women's Day Event
MRS KYLE
Head of Girls' Division
On Monday 10 March we will mark International Women’s Day, which is celebrated every year on 8 March. International Women’s Day events began over a century ago, with the first such gathering in 1911 being supported by over a million people. Today, International Women’s Day is a global event, bringing together people from different groups, communities and countries.
Nowadays, International Women’s Day promotes a gender-equal world and marks a call to action for accelerating women’s equality. The day itself is often spent celebrating social, economic, cultural and political achievements in the areas of:
raising greater awareness about issues impacting women's equality; taking a stance to call out inequality while working to forge positive action; highlighting and applauding where important gains are being made; and celebrating women's achievements and accomplishments.
The theme for 2025 is Accelerate Action. This is because of their research that “at the current rate of progress, it will take until 2158, which is roughly five generations from now, to reach full gender parity, according to data from the World Economic Forum”. Their aim this year is to emphasise the importance of taking swift and decisive steps to achieve gender equality.
On our day of celebration, we will be welcoming back to School 17 of our former pupils as our guest speakers.
We will hear from our keynote speaker, Habibunnisha Patel (Class of 1997), in Assembly, and then pupils from Years 9, 12 and 13 will participate in various events, speaking with our visiting Old Girls, who will share some of their experiences and who will prove to be a source of inspiration to you, I am sure.
As ever, I am very grateful to the Alumnae involved, and to all those involved in arranging such a varied programme of activities for this important event.
Monday 10th March 2025
International Women's Day 2025
List of speakers
Name
Kate Allen
Vanessa Azavedo
Saamin Cheema
Elizabeth Davies
Elizabeth Foster née Whyte
Eleanor Gibbons
Tahera Khan
Kopal Matanhelia
Lucy Nolan
Habibunnisha Patel
Sophie Patel
Liz Rhodes née Thomas
Nicola Rigby
Jasmine Shum
Suzanne Smith née Dick
Ella Smyth
Amanda Valentine
KATE ALLEN
Kate is the Financial Times' weekend news editor, responsible for news output around the world from Friday evenings to Monday mornings. She is also responsible for producing the Monday print edition. She has been at the FT for 13 years; her previous roles include global economics news editor, capital markets correspondent, Westminster correspondent and property correspondent. She originally joined the FT as a data journalist. Before her career at the FT she worked on business magazines covering the property industry, and ran a small specialist finance journal.
WEEKEND NEWS EDITOR
Financial Times
ECONOMICS & PHILOSOPHY
University of Nottingham
POSTGRAD DIPLOMA IN NEWSPAPER JOURNALISM
City University
Class of 1996
VANESSA AZAVEDO
Vanessa attended Bolton School from 20102019. Building upon her Geography A Level, she completed her undergraduate degree at Newcastle University in Urban Planning. It was here that she sparked an interest in Real Estate. After completing work experience placements over the summers of university (post covid), she realised she was more interested in the investment side of property rather than planning.
Vanessa began her postgraduate degree at the University of Manchester in Real Estate where she became more aware of the economics of the built environment. Completing the course with a distinction, she now works in the Capital Markets team at the American conglomerate - Newmark. Here she has completed acquisitions, sales, valuations and underwriting of deals in the UK ranging in all sectors from commercial to residential real estate.
GRADUATE SURVEYOR
Newmark
URBAN PLANNING
Newcastle University
Class of 2019
SAAMIN CHEEMA
Saamin is a scientist at the Wellcome Sanger Institute, studying how DNA accumulates damage over time and how these mutations contribute to diseases like cancer. She uses coding and computational techniques to analyse large genomic datasets, helping to uncover the mechanisms driving different types of cancer. Passionate about genetics and its potential to transform healthcare, Saamin has contributed to major international research projects and published in leading journals, including Nature. Currently completing her Masters by Research at the University of Edinburgh, she will begin her PhD at the University of Cambridge this autumn, continuing her academic journey.
BIOINFORMATICIAN
Wellcome Sanger Institute
BIOCHEMISTRY
UCL
CURRENTLY STUDYING FOR A MASTERS BY RESEARCH IN CANCER
University of Edinburgh
Class of 2016
ELIZABETH DAVIES
Class of 1997
Elizabeth graduated with a First Class degree in Psychology, and continued her studies with a Masters in Forensic Psychology. After working in several prisons, Elizabeth returned to her interest in Educational Psychology and became an Assistant Educational Psychologist. She subsequently completed the 3-year Doctorate training course, after which she worked for several years in local authorities. Elizabeth and her family then relocated to Lincolnshire where she established her own business working as an independent Educational Psychologist focusing on assessments of children’s learning, identifying learning needs and working with schools and parents to determine appropriate support.
EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGIST
PSYCHOLOGY
University of Manchester
DOCTORATE IN EDUCATIONAL, CHILD & COMMUNITY PSYCHOLOGY
University of Exeter
ELIZABETH FOSTER
Class of 1989
Elizabeth left Bolton School in 1989 and, after a few years at the Royal Exchange Theatre, joined the BBC in 1996. After working on television programmes such as A Question of Sport and Mastermind, she moved full-time to radio on 5Live, Radio 2 and 6Music and now works as a Producer for Radio 4. She produced Pick of the Week for many years and now balances her work on Loose Ends with producing documentaries. She won a Radio Academy Gold Award for her documentary on forced adoption in 2024.
PRODUCER
BBC Radio 4
ELEANOR GIBBONS
Class of 2019
Eleanor is a Midwife working at the Royal Bolton Hospital, Princess Anne Maternity Unit. Eleanor studied Biology, Religious Studies and Textiles at A-Level and was a keen member of the school Lacrosse and Netball teams. Eleanor went on to gain a first class Midwifery degree from the University of Salford, graduating in September 2022. Eleanor is currently working a hybrid maternity role as a Community Midwife supporting women and their families throughout their pregnancies and during the first few weeks at home. Eleanor also works on the Central Delivery Suite aiding and facilitating women to have safe birthing experiences. During her career to date, Eleanor has had exposure to a wide variety of pregnant women and their families, with varying social, educational and health needs, which has further ignited her passion for working in the NHS and caring for the families of Bolton.
MIDWIFE
Bolton Hospital
MIDWIFERY
University of Salford
TAHERA KHAN
Class of 2003
Tahera is Partner of her own awardwinning law firm, Oakmount Law.
Tahera left Bolton School to study Law at The University of Oxford. After qualifying as an Employment Law solicitor, she worked for several national and global law firms, culminating in her job as Counsel at the world’s largest law firm. There, Tahera enjoyed legal work at a global level for some of the world’s largest and most high-profile companies. Tahera has won several awards, including the Fusion Award for Entrepreneur of the Year for a nursery she owned and ran alongside working as a solicitor. Tahera is still a Bolton girl at heart and her two children currently attend Bolton School!
PARTNER
Oakmount Law
Solicitors
LAW (JURISPRUDENCE)
University of Oxford
KOPAL
MATANHELIA
Kopal is a Chief of Staff within the Global Banking and Markets division at Goldman Sachs and part of the leadership team of a 700-person global organization. With 20 years of experience in finance, she drives strategic initiatives, operational efficiency, and leadership alignment. She completed her Executive MBA from London Business School in 2024.
Passionate about empowering women in finance and fostering connections within the Asian community, she actively supports mentorship and inclusion. She serves on the board of Motus Dance, championing arts, culture, and giving back. In her spare time, she enjoys swimming and exploring creative pursuits.
VICE
PRESIDENT
Goldman
Sachs
FINANCE
University of Edinburgh
EXECUTIVE MBA
London Business School
Class of 2001
LUCY NOLAN
Class of 2010
An award winning harpist, Lucy is equally at home in venues ranging from concert halls to jazz clubs, from orchestral pits to industrial installations. Her work has ranged from performing with Katie Melua to playing on Hollyoaks and ITV’s drama, Victoria. She has featured on BBC Radio 3 and 4 and regularly works with orchestras such as the BBC Concert Orchestra, Hallé, Manchester Concert Orchestra and the Royal Northern Sinfonia, invited to perform in renowned music venues such as the Royal Albert Hall, Royal Opera House and Cadogan Hall. She has composed and recorded music for Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival and Channel 4 and her ground breaking work with Carnatic singer, Supriya Nagarajan has taken her all over the world from Manchester Jazz Festival to Thessaloniki Concert Hall, from Lambeth Palace to Jaipur Literature Festival.
MUSICIAN
MUSIC
University of Oxford
POSTGRAD DIPLOMA IN ADVANCED PERFORMANCE STUDIES
Royal Northern College of Music
HABIBUNNISHA
PATEL
Class of 1997
Habibunnisha Patel is currently General Counsel and Company Secretary of Cancer Research UK. She is an experienced General Counsel, lawyer and international NGO board trustee, currently on the board of World Humanitarian Action Forum.
Habibunnisha started in the City as a corporate lawyer at Slaughter and May, a leading global law firm. She was in The Lawyer’s 2024 “Hot 100” list and is a Pause for Thought contributor on Radio 2.
GENERAL COUNSEL & COMPANY
SECRETARY
Cancer Research UK
LAW
University of Cambridge
LEGAL PRACTICE COURSE
Nottingham Law School
SOPHIE PATEL
Class of 2023
Sophie completed A Levels in Computer Science, Economics, and Mathematics before choosing to gain real-world experience through IBM’s Digital and Technology Solutions Degree Apprenticeship scheme. As part of Consulting, she has the opportunity to explore various roles across different areas, including security and software development. Specialising in IT Consultancy, she balances her professional responsibilities with academic studies, attending university one day a week. Working in a professional environment has provided her with valuable industry experience, networking opportunities, and insights into navigating corporate life.
JAVA DEVELOPER
IBM
DIGITAL & TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS DEGREE APPRENTICESHIP
LIZ RHODES
Liz is CEO at Leeds-based Art of Cloud, a dynamic technology consultancy. She is an experienced business leader (and Dragons Den winner!) who has spent her career in tech promoting the sector and helping others, especially women and those from under-represented backgrounds, realise their professional potential.
Since 2020, she has been working with Schools and Universities to ensure students think about real world skills and employability.
APPLIED
CONSUMER SCIENCE WITH FOOD & NUTRITION
Manchester Metropolitan University
CEO
Art of Cloud Ltd
Class of 1992
NICOLA RIGBY
Class of 2000
With over 20 years experience, Nicola is a Principal at Avison Young, a global commercial real estate practice. She is based in their Manchester office where she leads the Place offer – overseeing specialisms including planning and EIA, development, regeneration, land assembly and CPO, economics and funding, and residential agency.
Nicola’s background is in regeneration and place-strategy. She is involved in some of the most exciting projects in the region including most recently leading on a strategic masterplan for the Strangeways area of Manchester.
Outside of her day-to-day role, Nicola is a member of the Avison Young UK Executive Committee, and was a founder member of the Avison Young UK Women’s Network.
Outside of work, Nicola is kept very busy by her sprocker spaniel, Buster, and DIY projects in her house!
PRINCIPAL
Avison Young
GEOGRAPHY
Newcastle University
TOWN PLANNING
University of Manchester
JASMINE SHUM
Class of 2023
Jasmine is a 19-year-old fashion and lifestyle content creator, who works in marketing at Amazon for Prime Video in London.
Recognised as a Teen Titan by Forbes for launching her own business at just 12 years old, she has also been celebrated for her advocacy in mental health and championing alternative pathways to higher education.
With appearances on BBC Radio 1, BBC Bitesize podcasts, and UCAS panelsalongside collaborations with the UK Government Department for Education, Jasmine is a leading voice on apprenticeships and navigating life after school.
She attended Bolton School from years 3 to 11 and after finishing her GCSE’s went to study a triple Business BTEC Extended Diploma at Xaverian College.
MARKETING APPRENTICE
Amazon
SUZANNE SMITH
Class of 2001
After leaving Bolton School, Suzanne studied Business and Spanish at the University of Birmingham and like many graduates, had no idea what line of work she wanted to pursue. Having taken advice from family, Suzanne applied for an accountancy training contract at PwC. This 4 year training contract combined client work with further study and as a result Suzanne qualified as a Chartered Accountant. Once qualified Suzanne took a role in industry, working as part of Finance teams for several North-West businesses where she progressed through the Finance function hierarchy. Today Suzanne is the Chief Finance Officer and executive director of Supreme PLC, the highest ranking finance role working alongside the CEO where her role involves managing a global finance function, finding and acquiring other businesses to add to the Supreme group and advising the wider business on new product launches and manufacturing efficiencies.
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
Supreme PLC
BUSINESS & SPANISH
University of Birmingham with a year at the University of Barcelona
ELLA SMYTH
Ella joined Bolton School in 2012 and left in 2019 with A Levels in Biology, Business and Psychology. She went on to The Hammond School where she completed a degree in Musical Theatre and Performance.
Following a hard core three years at drama school she graduated and signed with Roberts and Day Management. Since then she has completed multiple professional performing contracts in the UK and abroad. Most recently she played the lead role of Clara in the Nutcracker production at Warner Brothers World in Abu Dhabi.
She is also a keen presenter, currently hosting radio shows for Bolton FM and working with Street Interviews which has over 3 million followers across social media platforms.
PERFORMERACTOR, DANCER, SINGER & PRESENTER
MUSICAL THEATRE PERFORMANCE
The HammondUniversity of Chester
Class of 2019
AMANDA VALENTINE
Class of 1983
Amanda joined in Junior School and went on to read Chemistry at St Anne’s College Oxford, and then joined KPMG in Manchester, qualifying as a Chartered Accountant in 1990. She remained at KPMG in audit and working in a variety of sectors, progressing through to Senior Manager. In 1999 Amanda joined the independent wealth management firm Torevell & Partners where she was both Finance Director and Compliance Officer until her retirement a year ago.
She now splits her time between France and Bolton and is enjoying the freedom that retirement brings. Both of Amanda’s children attended Bolton School, her daughter has qualified as an M&A corporate lawyer with A&O Shearman in London and her son is studying Materials Science at Oxford.
Amanda is also a Governor of Bolton School and is currently Vice Chair for Girls’ Division.
CHEMISTRY
University of Oxford
International Women's Day 2025
Notes