College Celebrates Local Inspirational Women
Hugh Baird College in Bootle recently hosted an event which acknowledged the inspirational women in the lives of the College’s students and staff.
The event was organised to coincide with International Women’s Day on the 8th March - a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.
Over 100 nominations were submitted by students and staff at the College and an independent panel shortlisted 9 women to be recognised at the event. Those shortlisted included; staff members, fellow student peers, student mothers and grandmothers.
Those in attendance at the event were joined by guest speaker Gloria Allerton-Simmons and special guest Marcus Collins, who finished runner-up in the eighth series of The X Factor in 2011 and is now enjoying success in the world of theatre.
Gloria shared with the audience her uplifting life story which includes performing with pop groups in the 1960s, her decades of charity work and becoming one of the first female Bank Managers in the region.
The attendees were then given the opportunity to listen to the inspiring and sometimes emotional stories of each woman, one of which was Hugh Baird 14-16 College Assistant Head Sue McKie.
Sue was nominated by her manager, Hugh Baird 14-16 College Director of Curriculum Andy Howard, who said:
Sue is one of the most caring, compassionate people I have worked with, who tirelessly works to support the students we have in the 14-16 College. She is always positive and open.
For a number of our students, she is one of the most influential women in their lives, where they don't have role models outside of College. Seeing her genuinely listen and give of herself to the students every day is really inspirational.
As a gesture of thanks, each of the women recognised were treated to a ladies lunch at the College’s L20 Restaurant, presented with a bouquet of flowers and a voucher for a Spa Day.
Louise Nixon, Hugh Baird College Student Engagement Lead, who organised the event, said:
Reading the stories of each of the 100 nominated inspirational women was a huge honour for me. It was incredible to find out about the inspirational acts taking place around the College and in our community and the contribution women are making on a daily basis.
Our Celebration of Inspirational Women event was the perfect platform to recognise the women who inspire our students and staff.
Video
Watch a recording of the Celebration of Inspirational Women event:
