On Monday 3rd March, Emerge: Be enterprising launched a new event dedicated to exploring the multifaceted landscape of women in business.
Held in conjunction with International Women's Day, the event served as a dynamic forum for students to engage with industry leaders and delve into the challenges and opportunities facing women in contemporary business and professional environments.
The event generated considerable interest, attracting both enthusiastic student entrepreneurs and those new to considering working within the business environment.
A strategic collaboration between Emerge and student societies, Women in Business and Women in Finance, proved highly effective, driving student participation and broadening the event's campus-wide impact.
It was inspiring to see so many incredible women come together to share insights, network, and celebrate empowerment in the workplace. A huge thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to making the event such a success!
Lydia Tobi, Women in Business member
Keynote Speaker
The program featured a keynote workshop led by Emma Marshall, a respected business mentor with extensive experience in the technology sector.
Marshall’s session focused on equipping participants with practical strategies for navigating leadership roles within traditionally male-dominated industries. The presentation addressed the pervasive issue of internalised self-doubt and offered actionable techniques for overcoming common workplace biases.
Student Pitches
A highlight of the event was the presentation of student-led start-up ventures, Bobbi and Nasalyzer, by Ella Bacon and Luisa Carvalho.
These presentations provided tangible examples of entrepreneurial drive and highlighted the importance of collaborative partnerships in the early stages of business development.
The students’ pitches resonated with the audience, demonstrating the power of innovation and the potential for peer-to-peer inspiration.
As someone constantly wrestling with my inner critic, I found Emma's speech both empowering and refreshingly practical…that pushed me to connect with even more incredible women. Hearing Ella and Luisa share how their start-ups were sparked by peer connections was nothing short of inspiring.
Anna Sokolovskaya, Student Attendee
Panel discussion
The event also featured a panel discussion with Nicky Thomas, a business connector and founder of The Growth Community, and Rose Tran, an experienced enterprise coach and incubation manager.
The panel addressed the critical topic of imposter syndrome, offering valuable insights and practical advice for building confidence in professional pursuits.
The panel were delighted with the quantity and quality of the questions asked, with many students looking for specific advice on their business endeavours.
Supporting female entrepreneurs and helping students develop an enterprising mindset is something I’m truly passionate about. This event was a powerful reminder of the importance of community, confidence, and resilience in business. From inspiring pitches to insightful discussions on leadership, imposter syndrome, and entrepreneurship, the energy in the room was incredible!
Rose Tran, Business Incubation Manager
Creating a movement
Attendees praised the event lead, Victoria Berry, for the organisation and the high calibre of speakers, emphasising the importance of creating spaces for meaningful dialogue and networking.
The overwhelmingly positive feedback underscores the university's commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all students, particularly those with entrepreneurial aspirations.
The University of Sheffield intends to build upon the momentum generated by this successful event, with plans to develop further initiatives that connect students with established entrepreneurs and provide opportunities for professional development.
