Today’s International Women’s Day (8 March) got off to a superb start for Sarah Ward, ceo of The Giftware Association, who was thrilled to hear that she has been nominated and included as one of 100 women selected for the inaugural Women in Trade Association Powerlist, a collaboration between FSB, CBI and the Trade Association Forum, to celebrate and recognise inspirational women in the Association sector.
“I am so honoured to have made this list and be celebrated in this way,” commented Sarah. There are so many other powerful women here too, so I am privileged to share this achievement with them and for the power of our industry.”
The list was compiled from over 200 public nominations, and a selection panel from the Trade Association Forum. The CBI and FSB selected the 100 women that make up the inaugural list.
Other powerful women on the list included Amanda Fergusson, ceo of the Greeting Card Association (GCA), and Seema Grantham, housewares sector manager/director of sales for the Exclusively show, BHETA.
“I am honoured to be selected to join a group of such inspirational women on the inaugural Women in Trade Associations Powerlist,” said Amanda. “It’s fantastic to have another opportunity to champion the greeting card sector, and I am delighted to play a part in celebrating female leadership.”
Nicola Bates, chair of the selection panel and strategy, and external affairs director of the Portman Group said: “It has been a real pleasure to be able to bring the CBI, FSB and TAF together to champion the role of women in trade associations, celebrate their achievements and encourage the next generation of women into the association sector.”
Commented Julie Lilley, ceo, FSB: “At FSB, I’m proud to lead a diverse organisation with strong representation of women at every level. This is true for our staff team but also our volunteers who are small business owners/self-employed right across the UK. As FSB was involved in setting up this initiative and the judging process, it would not be right to have also taken some of the slots – but I want to take this moment to say how brilliant the list is, to thank the Trade Association Forum, and reiterate my pride for FSB’s women. Well done to everyone in the list and involved.”
Gaynor Pates, chair of the Trade Association Forum and operations director of the Rail Industry Association added: “We are incredibly lucky to have so many brilliant women in trade associations, all of whom are experts in their sector and many who have smashed glass ceilings and succeeded in traditionally male dominated sectors. Since I became chair of the Trade Association Forum it has been a personal mission of mine to make sure that these brilliant women receive the recognition they deserve.”
Top: The Giftware Association’s ceo Sarah Ward, one of 100 women selected for the inaugural Women in Trade Association Powerlist.
