State Opening of Parliament

Visit from Hong Kong University

Pink Sky Trustee Ling Tyler Bennett along with Helene Martin Gee and Pink Shoe member Grace Lee hosted a visit from Hong Kong University students newly arrived in London to take up internships. 

After a tour of the Palace of Westminster with Sheila Williamson, we highlighted some of the things to expect from working in London and their new work placements.

BoardAble Public Appointments Seminar

Vanda Green, Leadership Director of Pink Shoe, led a BoardAble seminar for members and guests interested in taking up a Ministerial Public Appointment. 

We heard a fascinating insight into the whole process from Sarah Anderson CBE, who outlined what is involved, how to make a succinct application and supporting statement, and what to expect from an appointments panel.

Delegates heard from Helene Martin Gee about the breadth of appointments available and the Talent Pool. Jill Pay then shared her expereinces of what to expect when working with Ministers, and meeting heads of state.

After Q&A with Sarah Anderson delegates worked together to explore the next steps.

Digital Transition Debate with WIL Europe

Pink Shoe hosted WIL Europe at the Palace of Westminster for a breakfast debate on Digital Transition, followed by a Career Development Workshop for the young women of WIL’s Women Talent Pool program. 

Helene Martin Gee introduced the event then introduced WIL President Thaima Samman.

Helene then welcomed Fiona Capstick, Executive Director at EY Advisory, who gave us an insight into results from the World Economic Forum. 



Starting with the alarming fact that at the present rate it will be another 170 years until women have the same chances and wages as men, so objectives should be set with that in mind.

Fiona outlined the W20 recommendations towards advancing pay parity, encouraging entrepreneurship and bridging the technology divide. Fiona also highlighted that a lot of traditional white-collar jobs traditionally held by women will disappear due to digital transition which is a big issue to address.