REDDITCH’S Suzanne Virdee was among a group of inspirational speakers at the Ladies Fist International Women’s Day (IWD) event.
Warwick Castle, the venue which hosted the event, was lit up with purple IWD colours as this year’s theme ‘Give to Gain’ was celebrated.
Several speakers shared their personal stories, including news anchor and freelance journalist, Suzanne, founder of The Hosking Houses Trust in Stratford, Sarah Hosking OBE, Ch Supt of West Midlands Police, Kim Madill, former Coventry MP Collen Fletcher MBE and founder of Pentlands Accountants and Advisors in Leamington, Elinor Perry.
Suzanne has presented the ITV National News, ITV News London, Channel 5 News and BBC Breakfast, as well as reporting for BBC Radio 4.
She’s best known in the Midlands for co-presenting the 6.30pm BBC regional news programme Midlands Today alongside Nick Owen for 11 years.
She has been a passionate supporter and mentor to women starting out in journalism. And, as a published author of A Girl’s Guide To Being Awesome and the best-selling A Teenager’s Guide To Being Fabulous, she has been empowering young girls with advice on navigating the difficult teenage years.
She said: “I was thrilled to be a speaker at the Ladies First lnternational Women’s Day Event.
“It was an honour to meet so many incredible women and celebrate our achievements, both personal and professional.
“For me the event was also an opportunity to discuss the barriers that still exist and how to tackle them to ensure future generations feel empowered to succeed too.”
The evening was hosted by broadcaster and producer Arti Halai, who has spent 15 years in TV as a presenter, reporter and producer for BBC and ITV and over 15 years as an entrepreneur and public speaker.
Ladies First Director Tracey McAtamney, said: “The evening honoured the achievements of women while inspiring the leaders of tomorrow. As always with Ladies First, supporting charity is close to our hearts.
“With the message ‘Give to Gain’, it felt especially meaningful to support The Esther Project and the incredible work they do for women in need.
“Thanks to the generosity in the room, the funds raised on the night were donated to them and we were also able to shine a light on the important impact of their work.
“A powerful reminder that when women come together with purpose, we can create real change.”
The evening also supported two charitable causes, the Shine Together Initiative and The Esther Project.
