After the success of our two previous Student Leadership Boards, we are delighted to announce that we are once again collaborating with a group of bright and ambitious female students committed to gender equality for this year's virtual International Women's Day event.
Lauren Aitken - French and German, University of Cambridge
I am a third-year undergraduate studying French and German at the University of Cambridge; my favourite areas of study are postcolonial literature, Enlightenment philosophy, and European film. I am keen to pursue a career in consulting, particularly working with the public sector and non-profits; I am passionate about social mobility and access to higher education, representing my college as an Access Ambassador, and I have just completed a term as Project Leader for the Cambridge Hub, a social impact consulting organisation. In my free time I enjoy reading as widely as possible, ballet, and learning to code.
Manaal Ali - LLB, King's College London 
Within my cultural environment, the role of women in education and employment has always been a challenging issue. I have been inspired by several women within my family who have broken through these barriers and continue to push me to reach my potential. I would like to help empower other women in achieving their career aspirations.
The event allows us to have an open dialogue about these challenges in a positive forum and celebrate women’s accomplishments, particularly in competitive industries. It also provides an opportunity to network with and listen to inspiring women share their experiences in how they have carved their unique paths to success.
Perry Beard - History, University of Warwick 
I’m Perry Beard and I study History at the University of Warwick. I have always felt incredibly passionate about opportunities for young women which is why I write an intersectionality-inspired history blog and run a female fitness account in my spare time. My passion for feminism and uplifting other women is why I am so excited to be involved in organising International Women’s Day 2021. As I aspire to a career in finance I can’t wait to meet and connect with other like-minded students so that we can support one another in such unprecedented times!
Melody Dean - International Business, Loughborough University 
Melody is in her second year at Loughborough University, studying International Business.
Melody is excited to work in a team of like-minded individuals working towards creating more diverse and inclusive workplaces. She hopes that the boards work will help to inspire others to feel confident, empowered and encouraged to pursue their most ambitious life goals. Through this event, she is looking forward to connecting with other young women to celebrate International Women’s Day, commemorating the positive impacts we have had within society. She hopes this event will motivate attendees and see the endless potential to what they can achieve.
Amy Horrocks Madhok - Astrophysics, University College London 
My name is Amy, I am a 2nd year Astrophysics student at UCL and outside of university my hobbies include coding and following Formula 1. I recently held a Q&A session during Microsoft’s BAME work experience week and saw first-hand how sharing my experiences in the STEM industry can encourage young women to follow their chosen careers. I am excited to be a part of the board to help more women share their experiences and dismantle stereotypes.
Having previously completed work placements at Airbus, Williams Formula One team and the Astrophysics Research Institute, I have seen how much work there is still to be done to achieve gender equality and I am hoping days like IWD can help us get there.
Ella McIntosh - Politics, Philosophy & Economics, University of Warwick 
Ella is a second year Philosophy, Politics and Economics student at the University of Warwick. Outside of academics, she enjoys playing tennis and is currently Women’s Captain for the Warwick Women’s Tennis Team. She is also passionate about sustainability and social justice, and is Communications and Welfare Officer for Warwick University Green Party Society.
Ella cares deeply about intersectional feminism, and is very excited to be collaborating with the Board, having seen first-hand how inspirational events centring around empowering women in the workplace can be. She hopes that attendees will leave feeling confident, motivated and determined to unapologetically pursue their goals.
Zeena Wang - Biology, Imperial College London 
I am a final year Biology student at Imperial College London. I am the co-founder of Edu-venture London society at Imperial and we aim to help students find careers and opportunities with a positive social impact. Throughout my education, I have been exposed to many Women in STEM events. Having been a part of WSET and the Adas list community has allowed me to hear from inspiring women from all degrees and sectors. I want to use this opportunity to help aspiring women like myself to find their passion and gain the confidence to apply and achieve their dream job. The future leaders' board will be an opportunity for me to support ambitious women on their career paths and help them feel empowered to aim high and pursue their chosen career paths.