POW AMBASSADOR YEARBOOK 23/24
INTRODUCTION
Welcome to your POW Ambassador Yearbook! We’re thrilled to celebrate your incredible journey over the past year as a POW Ambassador.
This yearbook is a record of your activity and shares the story of your growth, leadership skills, and commitment to championing equality and aspiration.
There is no doubt you’ve gained valuable insights and made a significant impact in your schools and communities. We’re immensely proud of your achievements and so should you! As we explore these pages, we hope you feel as inspired as we do by your passion, courage, and dedication to creating a fairer future for all and that your enthusiasm for equality remains with you.
A heartfelt thank you to our sponsors and partners, as their support has made all of this possible. Together, we are shaping a brighter future for girls and women.
SEPTEMBERJANUARY: PoW Launch!
Your POW experience began with Sonia’s introduction to the Power of Women (PoW) Campaign, explaining to your year group how the programme would boost dreams, promote equal opportunities, and challenge stereotypes. The session encouraged you and your classmates to think critically about gender equality while having fun and thinking about your strengths and dreams for the future.
We then returned to your school to conduct interviews and select our POW Ambassadors. We were thrilled to choose our four exceptional ambassadors from each school to represent POW proudly throughout the year. That included you!
Your enthusiasm was truly inspiring, and while selecting the ambassadors was challenging due to the high calibre of applicants, we were excited with the results! Each of you brought unique qualities which shone as representatives of your school and POW throughout the year.
A huge thank we to our business role models who supported with Ambassador interviews across the 24 schools: Liz McGurk (FitPod), Amy Iman, Carole Bond and Emily (PX Group), Halle Fletcher (HR Alchemy), Katie, Zoe and Joanna (Baltic Apprenticeships), Emily from PX, Dave Allan and Martin Walker (Tees Business), Ellie Honeyman and Martha Rae (Jacksons), Lisa Tipton (New World Financial Group, Liza Pontone (Active Financials), Lily Brothwood (Intelect), Maxine Freer (OOK), Nicole Collins (Reign Accounting), Claire Orton (BTS Fabrications), Sarah Dale (SASS Media), Donna Gowland (3M), Rachel Rix (Cygnet Law), Charlotte Ellen Battison (British Gas), and Kirsten Donkin (PD Ports).
FEBRUARY: Inspiring Inclusion with Intelect
During National Apprenticeship Week, we visited Intelect’s hightech facility in Middlesbrough. The day included a behind-thescenes look at the business, a Q&A with apprentices, and a tour showcasing various aspects of engineering. The goal was to break down stereotypes and inspire you to explore regional opportunities, and to share what you’ve learned back in school with your friends.
We also hosted our first development day at Hartlepool FE College. You met the other ambassadors from schools across the area, and some very impressive business people. This was your first experience of networking and many of you felt nervous but by July you were networking superstars!
THE GOAL WAS TO BREAK DOWN STEREOTYPES AND INSPIRE YOU TO EXPLORE REGIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
MARCH:
AV Dawson Development Day and International Women’s Day at Wynyard Hall
In March, we gathered for an inspiring Development Day at AV Dawson. The day featured a balcony tour of AV Dawson and learning about the history of the area. We were also treated to a musical performance by Northshore Academy students and learned valuable insights into local job opportunities and leadership.
This month, we also celebrated International Women’s Day at Wynyard Hall with over 200 attendees, including inspiring talks from Brooke Urwin, Alison McGee, Vikki JacksonSmith, and Nick Tunley. The standout moment was the passionate speeches from St Bede’s ambassadors about their dreams for the future, the importance of equality and how POW is making a difference - leaving a huge impact on everyone present.
MAY: APRIL:
Exploring Success and Self-Care
April’s Development Day at Yarm Preparatory School was packed with exciting activities. we learned about upcoming events, including inspiration days at Ampleforth College and Cambridge University. Clare Heaney from CatsUK led a session on AI’s impact, and we practised networking again with local business guests - you were all becoming networking experts! Discussions on success and goal planning further boosted your confidence.
Tees Business LIVE Event
In May, the Eldon Grove ambassadors shone brightly at the Tees Business LIVE event, where they met and heard from business leaders from across the region then took part in a panel, where they shared insightful thoughts on the POW campaign and diversity and inclusion - making a strong impact with confident speeches and advocating for business and school involvement in POW.
JUNE: JULY:
Aviation Inspiration and Ampleforth College
We had an incredible day at Teesside Airport with Teesside University’s Aviation Department, exploring careers in aviation and participating in a hands-on safety demo. The day ended with a special graduation ceremony where we received our ‘wings.’
At Ampleforth College, we enjoyed engaging in activities in Art, Drama, and Science and participated in team-building games with the Combined Cadet Forces. It was a fantastic example of how teamwork makes the dream work!
Development and Election Day at Teesside University
Our final Development Day, held on General Election Day at Teesside University’s Student Union, was a celebration of your journey. We participated in a board meeting - sharing thoughts on POW, showcased and developed networking skills, and created kindness manifestos with Nahla Summers - voting for change! The day concluded with a visit to the Tees Valley Business Summit organised by Umi, where we networked with industry leaders and explored a range of career opportunities.
Cambridge University Visit
We capped off the year with a memorable visit to Cambridge University, exploring King’s College and the Institute of Astronomy. With guidance from Carole Haswell and Matt Bothwell, we delved into the wonders of the universe and got a glimpse of future academic possibilities. It was a long journey, but a memorable one and worth it!
As we wrap up this year’s journey, we look back with pride at your incredible experiences and achievements. Your commitment to promoting equality and embracing new opportunities has been truly inspiring.
THANK YOU
Thank you to all Ambassadors, along with everyone who supported and participated in this year’s events. Your involvement has made these experiences a success and paved the way for a brighter future. We’re excited for the coming year and look forward to welcoming new ambassadors and seeing you support them in their roles!
Stay tuned for more updates and opportunities to get involved.