Whitehouse Special - International Women's Day 2021

Glendower Preparatory School

Monday 8th March 2021

International

Women's Day

Choose to Challenge A celebration of inspirational females

On March the 8th I woke up with excitement and with a spring in my step as it was the first day back at school and International Women’s Day! I had a few very large butterflies dancing around in my tummy as I was going to read a poem to mark International Women’s day during the Upper School Assembly. I thought what a great way to celebrate the day being back at school with 250 girls! The school had planned a morning of fun activities focusing on women and girls who have achieved brilliant and often challenging things. In my class, 3S we learned about Bella Lack the 16 year old conservationist who is working to combat the illegal wildlife trade and she is also an ambassador for the RSPCA. I think International Women’s Day is important for celebrating the achievements of women and girls across the globe. It has been taking place since the 1900s and its colour of celebration is purple. The reason why it is purple is due to it links with The Suffrage Movement. I feel proud to be linked to International Women’s Day every day when I put my school uniform on!

The theme for this year is Choose to Challenge. I feel there are many things to be excited about, but I do feel angry that 9 million girls globally do not have access to an education compared to 3 million boys.

This is something that I Choose to Challenge as all children have a right to an education. What do you Choose to Challenge?

#ChooseToChallenge

Marla Year Three Spearheader of Glendower's IWD Celebrations

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Reception Reception 1 had an exciting day learning about strong women. The girls worked hard to write about an important female role model in their lives. We discussed and learnt more about the composer, Shirley Thompson and the exceptional work she has done. At the end of the day we reminded the girls that they can achieve anything they set their mind to!

Reception 2 have been celebrating International Women’s Day. We talked about Elizabeth Garrett Anderson and then discussed other inspirational women. After that, the girls chose important female role models and write why they are special to them.

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Year One We looked at the hand gesture that women around the world were adopting - hand held up with palm facing out. We talked about how we would ‘choose to challenge’ the world around us and strive to reach our goals. Together, we made a list of words which came to mind when we thought of this phrase and wrote them on a star to place on our palm.

For International Women’s Day and Science Week, Year One learned about two women who work in fields related to space. 1KF learned about Tiera Fletcher, an engineer working on the Space Launch System for NASA set to send people to Mars. 1B learned about Mae Carol Jemison, an engineer, physician and former astronaut, who was notably the first Black woman to travel into space. After learning a little bit about space, we pretended we were astronauts and wrote postcards to our families and friends back on Earth!

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Year Two In Year Two we have been learning about two inspirational women who are both engineers: Emily Roebling and Dr Hayaatun Sillem CBE. We read the book ‘Rosie Revere Engineer’ and explored the job of an engineer! After our discussions, we were inspired to design our own inventions and structures! So we used our creativity and engineering minds to design and sketch our new innovative ideas! We were also inspired to build our own structures using art straws! We explored the best shapes for the strongest structures, how to make the tallest towers and the strongest bridges. We had so much fun being engineers and we learnt that it takes many attempts to create a design and to build a structure, but what is important is to keep trying different things and modifying your design as you go! It is ok to make mistakes and for it to go wrong on the first few attempts! We had so much fun being engineers this week and were really inspired by these inspirational women!

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Year Three

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Year Four In 4M, we learned about the life and achievements of June Almeida, Scottish virologist and pioneer in virus imaging, identification, and diagnosis. Her skills in electron microscopy earned her an international reputation. In 1964, June Almeida identified the first human coronavirus. Dr Tyrrell and Dr Almeida, along with Prof Tony Waterson, named it coronavirus because of the crown or halo surrounding it on the viral image. Now 13 years after her death she is finally getting recognition she deserves as a pioneer whose work speeded up understanding of the virus that is currently spreading throughout the world.

For our activity, the girls worked in pairs to create a timeline for use in a museum exhibition about the life of June Almeida. Rather than linking significant moments in her life with lines or arrows, the girls drew villainous coronavirus particles to link her story together! Their drawings were a delight to see with both funny and fierce facial expressions on their coronavirus illustrations. Everyone enjoyed sharing their work back with the class.

“June is inspirational and important, because of her discovery we have been able to get a vaccine really quickly for the coronavirus.” - Annabelle “She was determined and did not let unfair rules stop her for example one doctor treated the electron microscope as if it was his own. He didn’t want anyone else to touch it. June used it anyway.” - Inès “When she retired she did not stop life and say now I am going to knit and read a book. She kept learning news things such as yoga, collecting fine china and antiques.” - Raahi “Sadly, her brother died when she was only ten years old. This inspired her interest in medicine, especially viruses.” - Serena

In 4R, the girls learned about the life and achievements of Nina Marie Tandon. We watched a quick video introduction into the work she and her company EpiBone were doing, and the girls found out how bones can be made in a lab using a person’s own stem cells! And perhaps, one day, a similar process can be used to create human organs in the lab.

For our activity, the girls worked in pairs to device questions they would like to find out during their research and questions they would have for Nina if she was in our classroom. They then created a poster all about Nina Tandon. Everyone enjoyed presenting and sharing their work back with the class at the end of the session.

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Year Five In 5C, we have been learning about Wangari Maathai for International Women’s Day. She was the first African woman to receive a Nobel Peace Prize in 2004 for ‘her contribution to sustainable development, democracy and peace.’

She was born in Kenya on the 1st April 1940. Wangari was the eldest sister of five children; she would always help her mother with multiple tasks including gathering wood for the fire, cooking, looking after the little children and doing farm chores. During her childhood, her mother told her: ‘A tree is worth more than its wood’.This was an expression she never forgot.

One evening, Nderitu (her big brother) asked their mother why Wangari didn’t go to school. Wangari knew the answer: daughters must help their mothers before getting married and having children of their own.

Without even knowing it, Nderitu changed Maathai’s life. A few days later, Wangari went to school along with her brothers and cousins. From them on, she was thankful to Nderitu for daring to ask the right question.

John F. Kennedy invited 600 young Kenyans to the USA so they could pursue their studies. Wangari was one of the people invited. For the next five years, Maathai discovered a completely different world.

When Wangari returned home, the British colonies had fled but Kenya had changed for the worse. Trees were being destroyed at an alarming rate to make space to cultivate tea, coffee and tobacco.

Using her knowledge, she tried to restore the wonderful Kenya that she once knew - but someone stood in her way: President Moi. In her efforts to plant new trees, President Moi saw this action as a threat and Wangari became imprisoned several times. She refused to give up fighting her cause.

After 24 years, President Moi lost his power and Wangari could finally start her Green Belt Movement which has now planted more than 35 million trees and is spreading all across Africa.

On International Women’s Day, we spent the morning examining one moment in Wangari’s life and stepping into her story. We wrote beautiful diary entries in character, trying to imagine what she was thinking and feeling at key times in her life. We decorated the page with delicate illustrations, just like in the book Wangari Maathai – The Woman Who Planted Millions of Trees.

Wangari’s perseverance has inspired us all in 5C. Hundreds of girls across the world are now following in her footsteps.

By Alice C.

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Year Six 6L were inspired by the American activist Emma González to write speeches of the challenges overcome by many women over the years. We researched famous pioneers (and discovered some new ones along the way), made impassioned cases for change in the future and even wrote some raps! Here is a taster of what we came up with.

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Interviews with

Inspirational Women from the Glendower Community

Year Six asked parents and teachers from the Glendower community some questions about their life, career and success.

Mrs Kingsmill Moore Headmistress

How long have you been in your current career?

I have been a teacher for 27 years now. I had a little break after I had my 3 children, so my poor children became my “pupils” when I was on maternity leave. As I am fascinated by how children learn and acquire knowledge, they were the perfect little case studies for me to work with! I’m not sure they thanked me for it though!

If you could have dinner with someone past or present who would it be and why?

I often listen to a podcast called Desert Island Discs and I have been so inspired by so many people over the years.

There is one person who really stood out for me called Lemn Sissay, a poet and playwright. He was fascinating and I was so impressed with how he used words to make sense his world after life threw an unexpected turn his way at the age of 17. His positivity through adversity was impressive. I’d love to chat to him about this further.

What did you want to do as a child?

Funnily enough, when I was about 8 or 9 my mother told me that there were no women blacksmiths just as an aside, and that made me determined to be the first woman blacksmith! Obviously, that didn’t last long, but the desire to be ambitious was formed early and with encouragement from my mum. Those early lessons helped me to aspire to achieve within my chosen field. (And who knows, maybe one day I will take up working in a smithy as a hobby!?)

Did anyone help you to get where you are today?

There are so many people who have helped me along the way, believing in me and affording me opportunities, and that is why I am so keen to encourage and give further opportunities to others. I have had strong female role models in my life; my mum, my sister and members of my extended family, so I give them much credit, but I was also deeply inspired by my Year 3 teacher, who was the most incredible teacher. He brought lessons to life in a way that I had never experienced before and I completely credit him with making me to discover the magic of teaching. We are truly privileged to work with our pupils and ultimately to watch them as they go on to achieve great things and I am thankful every day for the decision he helped me to make.

What is your favourite movie?

I love Castaway with Tom Hanks. It makes me laugh and weep in equal measures, and who knew a conversation with a ball could keep me entertained for hours! Another favourite is Out of Africa with Meryl Streep. The music takes me to a wonderful place, and if you have ever lived in Africa, you will understand the pull that it has on your heartstrings.

When you have a dream, how do you go about pursuing it?

That’s a very good question. I think it is important to recognise that some dreams are completely achievable whereas others are just perfect remaining as they are; dreams! I often hear people say that if you believe that you can get to the moon one day, then you WILL be able to achieve that. I agree with the sentiment, but would add that sometimes the dream doesn’t actually offer the best outcome for YOU. There is a brilliant quote by Albert Einstein which goes as follows, “if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.” My point here is that our dreams need to be realistic and challenging but right for US. If we make them way beyond what is achievable, we run the risk of become deflated by this and not trying at all. So, when I have a dream, I work out a plan of action, break up the steps I need to take to achieve it and, once I know what I am doing, I apply dogged determination to my plan and work very hard to achieve it!

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Miss Gothall Mother of Livia, Senior First Officer - Pilot, British Airways

Why did you choose the career you chose?

I have always liked science and technology.

Why did you choose to pursue your career?

It is such a privilege to fly customers around the world and explore different places and cultures.

Every work duty is different. Pilots are rostered to fly with different teams of pilots and cabin crew on different trips. It is great to be able to work with colleagues from diverse backgrounds. The aircraft has different performance depending on for example the weight of the fuel and the weather conditions on the day. These and other factors are used to calculate the speeds used for take off and landing. The routes and the flight levels we reach for cruising altitude vary and there are many different destinations that we fly to. Some work duties are very long and some are overnight. In my profession girls are performing the same tasks as boys. The airline is full of amazing women in diverse roles who every day help to connect Britain with the world, and the world with Britain.

How did lockdown change your life?

The aviation sector has been severely impacted by travel restrictions. There are less flights than normal at the moment but I feel fortunate to still have a job. We have flown more cargo flights during the pandemic, transporting items such as medical supplies and PPE as well as ad hoc charters. I had the great privilege to fly a large fleet of the Boeing 747-400 until it was retired a few years earlier than planned due to the reduced flying programme during the pandemic.

When you have a dream, how do you go about pursuing it?

I would consider whether it is an achievable goal or a dream and also think about ways to make it come true and lay out a path with actionable tasks to get there. Write a list with steps and stay focused and disciplined. Determination to work hard towards your goal is the key to success. Safety is always the primary concern of any pilot. Continuous learning is required to promote flight safety. The training and checking never ends in this job which mandates recurrent checks and development of non technical skills.

What is your favourite movie?

It has to be Top Gun. It’s a great movie and soundtrack.

Was there a different career you wanted to pursue?

Doctor for children, a paediatrician.

Do you think of yourself as a hero in someone else’s eyes? Summar I hope my children see me as their hero.

What do you like to do outside work?

I love to spend time with my family and I very much enjoy sports, music, nature and the arts.

Facts about the Boeing 747-400 “Ladies and Gentlemen, Girls and Boys, Welcome onboard this Boeing 747-400”.

This is how I would start the passenger address on this truly iconic aircraft. However the 747-400 fleet had to retire early in response to the crisis we find ourselves in. They are an airliner of another era and they burn far more fuel than the latest generation of planes. The early retirement of the entire fleet of these iconic aircraft is heart breaking for those of us that grew up watching them fly all over the world. The jumbo is both beautiful to fly and to look at. Her nick name is The Queen of the Skies. The 747 has two levels with a stair case connecting them. Behind the cockpit of the jumbo there is a separate room with a bunkbed, where flight crew can take turns to rest on longer sectors.

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Countess de Grivel

Mother of Theodora and Olympia, President of Heinz Kraft Northern Europe

How did you know what you wanted to do when you were older?

I dreamed of being different things during different times in my life and usually my thoughts were influenced by people I met and admired. As a 6yr old I loved animals so I wanted to be a veterinarian. When I was a teenager, I had a best friend at school who wanted to be a doctor so I thought maybe that was a path I could also pursue. When it got closer to applying to University, I lost my father who was an Economist and I believe his passing sparked in me a desire to honour him so I ended up studying Economics at University. That led me to a career in Finance which eventually helped prepare me for the profession I have today which is President of Kraft Heinz for Northern Europe. So whilst some people may know from a very early age what they want to be when they grow up and stick to it…others don’t and that is ok. My mind changed several times but one thing was constant, I worked as hard as I could in everything I chose to do and that played a bigger role in a successful career than knowing exactly what I wanted.

What advice would you give to your past self?

“Don’t be afraid to fail because in fact, success is going from failure to failure with enthusiasm”. Unfortunately I spent a lot of time worrying about failing, not knowing that failing was part of the process.

If you could have dinner with someone past or present who would it be and why?

Maya Angelou – she always looked for the positives and faced the hardships with so much courage. My favourite quote from Maya Angelou goes as follows “I have learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

What do you like to do outside your work?

Practicing sports, especially cycling, swimming and running. And it is extra special when my daughter Olympia, who is in Year 3 comes along. When we go running together we like to tell each other stories…I think running free sparks both our imaginations!

Do you have children and if so, how do you feel they have affected your career?

I do – I have two girls. Theodora who is in Reception and Olympia who is in Year 3. They both affect my career in all sorts of positive ways – they inspire me to work hard and with passion so that I can set an example to them that anything is possible when you set your mind to it. Having them also requires me to be a lot more efficient with my time as I want to spend time with them when my work is done.

Mrs Slesinger

Mother of Ava and Daphne, Publishing Director of Tatler and Vanity Fair

Mrs Slesinger is the Publishing Director of Vanity Fair and Tatler at Condé Nast Britain, steering these brands to commercial success through leading sales, marketing, PR and media teams in harmony with the overall editorial direction. She has also been Publishing Director of House & Garden, Condé Nast Traveller and Associate Publisher of Vogue since joining Condé Nast in 1994. Kate serves on numerous fundraising committees such as The Prince's Trust and the Design Museum, is a Governor at Godolphin & Latymer and on the Development Committee of Caius College, Cambridge. In her spare time she likes to keep fit through endurance challenges, preferably on cross-country skis. She has an MA in Modern & Medieval Languages from Caius College, Cambridge, having attended St Paul's Girls' School.

All three of Kate's daughters went to Glendower. To watch her interview, please click here.

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Mrs Read Mother of Emilia, Art Historian

Who motivated you to become who you are today?

My father. In many ways he was quite old fashioned but he always taught me and my sister that we could be whatever we wanted to be as long as we worked hard at it. Even though I went to a school in the West Country that has never made it on to any of those 'top school' lists he gave me the belief that I could make it to Oxford University if it was what I truly wanted - which I did manage, admittedly on the second attempt (proving you should never give up!). My dad trained as an engineer in the Royal Navy and then spent most of his career working in the Middle East in the oil industry - he was an early pioneer of environmental engineering and was the man responsible for clearing up all of the oil spilt during the first Gulf War. After my degree in Geography I spent a couple of years as a banker in the city (which I didn't enjoy) but then found my true career happiness following closely in his footsteps when I moved to Royal Dutch Shell (an oil company) and spent ten brilliant years running oil refineries across the world.

How did you know what you wanted to do when you were older?

I didn't! If I have learnt one thing in life it is that there is no 'one' path for any of us and the greatest joy can be found in following your own heart no matter what your age. I never really knew what I wanted to be when I grew up (apart from an Olympic horse rider, but I am not sure that counts) and so I did a range of GCSEs and A-Levels that covered both the sciences and the arts to keep my options open. I chose Geography for university because I loved the breadth of topics that it covers - from the human impact on the environment to how rivers and lakes are formed - but even then I didn't really have much of a clue. I went into banking first because it was a very trendy job to have in the early 1990s and although I didn't like it, it did teach me that I wanted a job where I was really 'making' something and not just playing around with money.

Do you consider yourself to be a feminist?

Yes. When I joined Shell it was still a very male dominated workplace, especially in the manufacturing section in which I worked. I once walked into a refinery in the Philippines and the man in charge asked when 'Sinead the big boss' was coming and not just his secretary. The whole place just stopped and stared when they realised I was the big boss!

Feminism is a tricky word and many people spend a lot of time arguing about what it means, but for me it means getting equal opportunities to do the things that women are equally good at. I have never wanted people to make allowances for me because I am a woman but I do love surprising people when I do get the chance to show we are just as powerful - whether that was marching through the refineries at Shell or running onto the rugby pitch at university.

What is the first thing you want people to know about you when you meet them?

That I always speak the truth and tell people how I feel, even if it can cause chaos at times. And that I am passionate about learning. If I haven't learnt at least one new thing every day then it feels like a day wasted.

What are your goals for the future?

I would love to get a book published on my research. I focus specifically on tombs and ideas of the afterlife in thirteenth century England so I am not sure how many people would want to read it but I could always give it out as Christmas presents!

Do you have any hidden talents?

My school was run by nuns and they made us do italic writing lessons every day (like doing lines, only slower). When I was 11 I won my age group in the world calligraphy championships - I wasn't very impressed at the time but weirdly all that training now helps me to read the old-style writing in the medieval manuscripts that I need to read for my work.

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Mrs Gingles

Mother of Jasmine, Technology Recruitment

What did you want to be when you were a child? Was it different to what you do now?

When I was prep school age I used to want to be a police officer, I thought it would be really exciting to catch criminals!

At secondary school I became a lot more interested in art & drama, and decided I wanted to be a window dresser for Harrods (then a make-up artist, then a TV presenter!) After graduating with a BA Hons in Drama & English I eventually decided to embark on a career in sales.

Why did you choose to pursue your career?

I used to work for a fashion retailer at weekends during university and we were set sales targets. I regularly won all the incentives and I couldn’t understand why others didn’t appear interested or made the same effort as I did. I quickly realised that a career in sales would suit me as it is very goal orientated – the more you put in the more you get out. The results are very visible and as I love competition this was very appealing. There is no glass ceiling or having to do something for a certain length of time before you can be promoted. Finally, it is a very sociable career and every day is different. Over the years I’ve had the pleasure of meeting many fascinating people, traveling internationally and enjoying many fun incentive holidays and events!

What subject did you study at university? How has it helped with your chosen career?

I chose Drama mainly because I loved it. I wasn’t looking to pursue a career in acting or teaching – but I enjoyed the subject and felt sure it would be helpful to me in some capacity. As it turns out, drama is a very useful background for sales – as most of my time is spent trying to persuade or influence people. Therefore having confidence, being able to present, speak in public, and portray yourself in a way that people like you and want to buy from you – it’s almost like acting! Whatever career path you choose, I think having the confidence to speak well in public is essential – and so drama is a great subject, or hobby, for anyone to pursue.

What is your proudest achievement?

I provide graduate recruitment, sales training and apprenticeships – predominantly in the technology space. Over the years I have helped thousands of graduates secure work and it’s very rewarding to see the careers they forge. Over the last few years there has quite rightly been a huge focus on diversity – specifically around attracting more women into IT organisations. I am proud to have helped many business leaders hire and retain more women, as well as educating female graduates about the opportunities for them in technology. I have a network now of successful women (Directors at businesses like Microsoft, Amazon, Vodafone and Instagram) who I originally helped to get them their first job.

Who was your role model when you were younger?

My role model was my Mum. She worked throughout my school years, despite my father having a successful career.

She was very driven, and had the most incredible work ethic. She worked for 42 years straight without having a single day off ill. She was very independent and definitely instilled in me a belief that I could achieve anything if I set my mind to it and worked hard.

How would your peers and friends describe you?

Fun, kind, loyal, driven and competitive.

How did lockdown change your life?

I suffered stress induced alopecia about a month into lockdown and I quickly built up the worst case scenario of being completely bald by the time anyone saw me again! After a lot of research, I changed my whole lifestyle. Friends bought me a Fitbit for my birthday and I became competitive with myself, as well as my husband and friends, as to how many steps I could do each day! The walking, coupled with a better diet, massively improved my mental and physical health.

The result was that all my hair grew back, I lost 11kg in weight, and all my anxiety vanished. At work I went on to achieve the best month anyone has ever delivered in our 25 year history. Like so many others, I learnt to appreciate the small things a lot more and now I value more than ever family and health. I think as a result I have emerged a happier, healthier, and more positive version of myself!

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Miss Foldes Sister of Alice, Investigator

Who has been your greatest support?

My mother, every day. There is no greater support than a mother's love.

What is the best decision you have ever made?

Five years ago I moved to Poland for my Master's degree, for which I conducted research on post-conflict memory and trauma. As part of this, I interviewed many inspiring women, such as a Holocaust survivor and a partisan. [The attached photo was taken during my field research in Poland] What is your favourite part of the day?

The first 1-2 hours of my morning, the day is only just starting and I am able to concentrate on my own personal projects, before outside distractions kick in.

If you could change one thing in your past, what would that be?

I would have studied a different degree, at a different university. (I studied German at King's College London.)

What advice would you give to your past self?

Don't listen to the loud, boastful boys.

What is your favourite quote and why? "the best way out is always through" - Robert Frost. It reminds me that we shouldn't give up in the face of adversity and to push through challenges.

Were you always interested in what you do?

No, but that's the fun thing about growing up - your interests change and evolve, and you discover many things you hadn't known about before. I never thought I'd become an investigator.

Ms Fatima Mother of Summar, QC

Did anyone help you to get where you are today?

Yes – lots of people, most of all my mum and dad. They still support and help me. I also had some wonderful teachers at school and university and have had mentors since I started my career as a barrister.

Was there a different career you wanted to pursue?

Yes. I thought about going to art school and being an artist.

Why do you like your job and what is special about it?

There are many positive things about being a barrister. For example, every case is like a puzzle. You have to help your client get what they want but you have to do that within certain rules. Sometimes the rules aren’t clear or there is a gap in the rules so there is lots of room for debate and creativity.

How many years in the job did it take to get to where you are today?

I have been a barrister for twenty years. It took me fifteen years to get to where I am today – I am a senior barrister, called a QC. 16

Mrs Triebel

Mother of Lilian, Vice President of Global Retail, Online and Omnichannel, Jo Malone London

Who motivated you to become who you are today?

I grew up with two very independently minded grandmothers who were inspirational at best and highly controversial at worst. They belonged to a generation and culture (Persian) that expected them to play a supporting role within the family and society; but that wasn’t their truth. Watching them navigate through life with so much conviction, strength, intelligence and elegance was nothing short of extraordinary and I always aspired to be like them and continue their legacy.

Why did you choose the career you chose?

I started my career in Finance; as much as I enjoyed the thrill of it all, I realised that while my colleagues were reading The Wall Street Journal, I was only interested in the latest issue of Vogue! I was always passionate about working with tangible products that I truly believed in. I joined Jo Malone London almost 11 years ago and haven’t looked back since.

Do you have any tips on how to succeed at the job you do?

Passion, passion, and hard work! As Mrs. Estee Lauder, the founder of the Estee Lauder Companies has said: “I never dreamed of success, I worked for it.”

Is your job stressful? What do you do to relax?

Yes! I have an incredible amount of pressure; I don’t take my responsibilities for my team and the privilege of my position lightly. I meditate almost every day to slow down and re-centre. I also find the sense of touch very calming, so I am a big believer in hugs; I hug my family as much as they’ll let me!!

Have you ever lived in any other countries?

I grew up in Tehran, Iran, and spent a lot of time in Geneva, Switzerland as a child. Since I was 17 years old, I have lived in Canada (Vancouver & Toronto), the US (New York & Boston), Germany (Berlin) and of course the UK (London).

What are your hobbies?

I don’t have time for one! Life is a constant balancing act and over the last decade I had to prioritise my family and my profession over my hobbies! Having said that, I played the piano when I was younger, and I am planning on picking this up again as I always loved playing.

How did the lockdown change your life?

I don’t think the lockdown changed my life; but it definitely reminded me of my priorities in life. I grew up during the Iran/Iraq war (1980-1988) where my hometown was under attack and schools were closed for prolonged periods of time. I remember feeling so helpless and scared as a child and my family was my rock and safety. The pandemic, even though on a much more global scale, has brought back the same feelings and perspectives; but this time I had to be the rock and safety for my children. I miss my parents and siblings the most, which has been the hardest part of the lockdown for me. On a positive note, I get to see my children and husband so much more and sleep in the same house as them every single night. I do continue my travels around the world, only this time virtually!

What is your proudest achievement?

I don’t think there is one single defining achievement that I am most proud of; my life has been a myriad of large and small moments, all of which contribute to who I am today. From being home-schooled in the countryside of Iran to moving to Canada with my sister at the age of 17, working on Wall Street, attending Harvard Business School, creating my loving family, championing equality through my voice and ending each day more grateful than the previous one; these are all proud little chapters in my journey of life.

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Dr Roy

Mother of Sai, Doctor

Why did you choose the career you have chosen?

I chose medicine because when I was younger I had a few cousins who were doctors and after hearing their stories of how they help their patients it inspired me.

I now work in the private sector as a health screening doctor and I find it very rewarding when people come to me with their issues and I can advise, help and make a small positive difference to their lives.

If you had any power what would it be and why?

It would be to tackle the global obesity crisis. It upsets me that levels of obesity, disability and death are so high due to misinformation given globally about food intake and exercise. Simple lifestyle changes can make such a difference to people's lives.

Are you a feminist?

No I wouldn't regard myself as a feminist but I do believe in equal rights for men and women and I also believe you can achieve anything you want in life. However, life does change when you have a family, there is more to manage so organisation skills need to be improved!

How do you respond to bullies in the workplace?

By ignoring them and not letting them affect my mood or performance at work. Bullies generally look for reactions from people, if you ignore them, it makes them feel insignificant and reduces their power.

What is your favourite movie?

My all time favourite movie is The Shawshank Redemption. It is a movie about friendship, resilience, determination and achieving your dreams in the most difficult of circumstances.

Do you trust anyone with your life?

Yes, I trust my husband with my life. He is a heart surgeon by profession and he is still the best doctor I know!

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