Empowering tomorrow’s leaders

The UCL Leading Women Society aims to empower people of all genders and help its members strive for the careers they deserve.

Students at UCL have formed an inclusive community focusing on empowerment, gender equity and personal development.

“We aim to bring a sustainable balance and diversity to leadership, both by celebrating current female leaders in a range of professional industries and by providing our members with career opportunities to prepare them for becoming leaders themselves,” says Jacqueline Hsing (UCL Science & Technology Studies 3), 2020/21 President of the UCL Leading Women Society.

“We welcome people of any gender who believe in this too. Our society is a forum for discussion and empowerment, and an avenue for social good in our communities.”

Now boasting more than 100 members, the society holds career and personal development events, including career panels, CV clinics and networking nights. These bring together current female leaders in professional industries and provide opportunities for its members to prepare them for becoming leaders themselves.

““We aim to empower people of all genders and help our members strive for the careers they deserve.”

Speakers at previous events have included: Joanne Garnett, Chief Technology Officer at Citi; Harriet Minter, creator and editor of The Guardian's Women in Leadership section; Anne Wood CBE producer and creator of Teletubbies), and Catherine Mayer, founder of the Women's Equality Party. Former society members also often return to help guide new members.

To ensure that it provides a space that encompasses all interests and abilities, the society also organises activities that focus on developing new skills and improving wellbeing, including a book club, self-defence classes, dance classes and painting sessions.

"Our goal is to empower people of all genders and help our members strive for the careers they deserve,” adds Jacqueline. “We also hope to create a supportive and inclusive community for our members.”