Celebrating our wonderful women on International Women's Day

_{Posted: 07th March, 2025}

Today and every day, we continue to champion diversity within our industry, and in honour of this special day, we’re shining the spotlight on some of the incredible women here at Virgin Atlantic Cargo.

In our IWD2025 spotlight series, ‘She moves the world’, our inspiring women share their stories, experience, and advice for the next generation.

To all the amazing women in cargo and beyond—thank you for inspiring change and pushing boundaries.

What does International Women’s Day mean to you?

International Women’s Day is a reminder of how far women have come in the workplace and society.  We now see more women in leadership and there are so many more role models to aspire too.  Its also a reminder to fight for equality, respect, and opportunities for all women.

Can you share a woman who has inspired you, personally or professionally?

My mum has been my biggest inspiration. She balanced work, family, and everything in between when raising three strong daughters.  She taught us resilience, the importance of standing up for ourselves, and that I could have a career and a family without compromising who I am. During Covid at 70 years old she volunteered working 12 hour days Saturday and Sunday at the Vaccination Centres across Sussex and I couldn’t have been more proud of her contribution to the community.

If you could have dinner with any influential woman, past or present, who would it be and why?

Princess Diana. She led the way to show you can be both strong and compassionate and she stood up for what she believed in while being portrayed often unfairly by the media.  I’d also like to know some of the secrets of the Royal Household.

What’s a personal or professional achievement you’re most proud of?

Completing the Auckland Half Marathon aged 40 after taking up running the previous year – its never too late to enjoy exercise and a new hobby.

If you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?

Stop doubting yourself so much! You’re more capable than you think, and you don’t need to have everything figured out at once. It really doesn’t matter if you don’t know what you want to do, once you start working you find your job satisfaction and your career will move in the right direction.

What does International Women’s day mean to you?

It’s both celebrating women's strength and resilience and pushing for further progress, and striving for a world where everyone, regardless of gender, has equal opportunities.

Can you share a woman who has inspired you, personally or professionally?

It has to be my mom. She’s always been a source of strength, love, and guidance in my life. Her unwavering support and ability to balance everything with grace has taught me so much about resilience and kindness.

How do you empower and uplift other women in your daily life?

By being a supportive listener and offering encouragement were I can. Whether it's celebrating their achievements, or simply offering a kind word during tough times, I believe in lifting each other up.

What advice would you give to young women starting their careers?

To believe in your abilities and don’t let self-doubt hold you back. And don’t be afraid to take risks.

What’s a personal or professional achievement you’re most proud of?

Learning to step outside my comfort zone and pursue things that once seemed intimidating.

If you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?

Don’t be afraid to fail, because failure is often where the most growth happens and also don’t rush through life, enjoy the journey

What does International Women’s day mean to you?

Today is a celebration of what it means to be a woman. It’s a reminder that every woman’s success should be an inspiration to anothers, and that we’re strongest when we cheer each other on.

Can you share a woman who has inspired you, personally or professionally?

My biggest inspiration is my mother. She is the strongest woman I know and I look up to her so much. One of the most important lessons she’s taught me is to always remain positive, and she’s always encouraged me to persue my dreams. I’m so thankful for her.

What advice would you give to young women starting their careers?

Be patient. It takes time, dedication, and a few setbacks along the way. It’s easy to compare yourself to others, but it’s important to remember that everyone is on their own journey. Also, get comfortable with being outside of your comfort zone. That’s where growth happens.

How do you empower and uplift other women in your daily life?

Nothing makes me happier than seeing the women in my life succeed. It brings me so much joy, and I’ll always encourage them to take risks and do what makes them happy.

What does International Women’s day mean to you?

We celebrate how far we, as women, have progressed in a traditionally male-dominated world.

Can you share a woman who has inspired you, personally or professionally?

My mom is my inspiration. She has always been there for us, showing us unconditional love and teaching us the strength to face difficult situations. She encourages us to rise each day, no matter how hard times may be, and to keep moving forward even when we feel like giving up.

How do you empower and uplift other women in your daily life?

True empowerment comes from embracing and supporting other women without judgement, lifting each other up and rejecting body shaming.

What advice would you give to young women starting their careers?

Never give up, even when you feel like you're not good enough. There will always be people who try to break your spirit, but remember, your worth isn't defined by their opinions.

If you could have dinner with any influential woman, past or present, who would it be and why?

Definitely Taylor Swift. As one of the best music artists of our generation, and being close to her age, I’ve gone through similar experiences. She writes her own lyrics and has become one of the most successful women in the industry.

What’s a personal or professional achievement you’re most proud of?

Working for Virgin Atlantic Cargo.  I’m proud of how far I've come, and overcoming significant challenges.

If you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?

Be confident! Don't let what others say or think about you define your potential.