The Aims of This Exclusive WISE Member Webinar
- To understand why women’s networks are important
- To learn how to establish a women’s network
- To discuss how to improve the success of an existing network.
Speakers:
Dina Gillespie
Dina joined Thames Water in 2012 and has been in the operations part of the business since 2016, specifically in waste. Her time in Thames has seen her work in the Energy Team, manage large sewage treatment works to currently managing a catchment that covers strategic pumping stations and trunk sewers. She is passionate about diversity and inclusion and has been part of the Thames Water’s Women’s Network since 2018. Dina manages large frontline teams and through her work in the Women’s Network is committed to making the workplace an inclusive one, where women can thrive and develop their careers and are supported in doing so. The Women’s Network has led the way in Thames Water by supporting women through circles, lunch and learns, celebrating women through events such as International Women’s Day and running campaigns such as the Menopause Campaign and the Maternity Returners Campaign. Dina is most proud of the Women’s Network Allies Programme which is aimed at senior male leaders, raising their awareness of the challenges faced by women in Thames and giving those male allies the tools to make a difference.
Sakinah Merali
Sakinah has been working as a Technical Consultant at Capgemini Engineering for 3 years, primarily working as a Software Developer in the life sciences area. Alongside her day job, she co-leads the Capgemini Engineering UK Women’s Network, where she organises regular events aimed at opening discussions and educating staff on issues surrounding gender diversity in the workplace, and works to make Capgemini Engineering a more inclusive workplace.
Siobhan Sweeney
Siobhan is a dynamic and experienced professional with over 15 years in the Financial Service Industry. Operating as a trusted leader, Siobhan led Diversity & Inclusion for AIB, developing its Diversity & Inclusion strategy to further evolve mindsets into breaking down unconscious biases, raising awareness, and delivering supportive initiatives across AIB. In January 2020, Siobhan completed a secondment from AIB to the Open Doors Initiative where she worked as Director of Development, Diversity and Inclusion. Through her role with ODI, Siobhan provided opportunities to some of the underrepresented members of our society: refugees, asylum seekers, non-native English speakers, Young people under 25 with educational barriers, and People with a disability. Siobhan worked at HubSpot as Global leader for Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging. Siobhan had the opportunity to move the dial on a number of strategic company objectives. In January 2023, Siobhan moved to Element as Global Senior Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Siobhan is excited to embark on this new journey with the organisation and execute on the companies Diversity, Equity and Inclusion commitments. Qualifications include – Certified Diversity Executive (CDE), INSEAD- Gender Diversity Program & MSc in Work and Organisational Behaviour/ Psychology in DCU. Proud mom to Faith (13), Lois (12), and Byron (9).