After the success of the She is Sustainable: London event held in Febuary 2016, we have decided to create another event for women working in sustainability in North West England.

The event will occur over two days on 19-20th July (lunchtime to lunchtime) at Lancaster University.

What can you expect?

We'll kick things off on the first day with a discussion of women’s experiences, styles and approaches to work, and give everyone a chance to meet one another.

The afternoon will continue with discussions on topics chosen by participants, then we’ll head to dinner at a local restaurant, where Paula Helena de Oliveira will talk to us about her experiences of working in sustainability.

On Wednesday we’ll delve a little deeper, talking about how women balance their work and lives: with or without children; in the city or the countryside.

We’ll consider the pros and cons of full-time, part-time or freelance work; and talk through the dilemmas and opportunities that each of us encounter in our walks of life.

You will have the chance to hear women’s stories, share your own and take part in discussion sessions on all aspects of women’s work and life.

This is not a conference – it’s a free discussion involving stories and advice from leading women in sustainability.

We’ll be welcoming insights and personal stories from:

- Laura Babbs, Sustainability Manager at Asda
- Caz Graham, Radio Reporter for, amongst other stations, BBC Radio 4’s Farming Today and Food Programme
- Hazel Graham, Charity Manager of Cumbria Action for Sustainability
- Paula Helena de Oliveira, formerly Executive Director of Interbrand.  Paula is now - Executive Director of BrandCap and increasingly focused on sustainability issues.
- Judi Marshall, Emeritus Professor at Lancaster University involved in activities related to change for sustainability
- Anne Selby, Chief Executive of The Wildlife Trust for Lancashire Manchester and Merseyside
- Penny Walker, Independent Consultant, Facilitator, Trainer and Coach on sustainable development
- Pam Warhurst, Founder and Chair of voluntary gardening initiative Incredible Edible
- Gail Whiteman, Director of the Pentland Centre for Sustainability in Business
- Becky Willis, Independent Researcher

Who’s it for?

Any female in early/developing career pathways within the (environmental/social) sustainability sector, aiming to make a difference, figuring out life plans, wanting to talk about these things openly and honestly with others.

If you’d like to apply to come along, please fill in this form by June 10th and use the form to let us know:

a quick summary of who you are, where you’re working, career history (100 words or less)
why you’d like to come, and what you’d like to discuss (200 words or less)
who nominated you, if you have been nominated – though it’s fine if not
If we’re oversubscribed we will have to pick the people who we think would get the most out of it. If you’d like to nominate someone, please forward them this link.

We will be in contact on June 16th to let you know if you have a place at the event.

Travel and Accommodation

Lancaster University is a short bus ride from the centre of town, and the train station. 

There is plenty of accommodation on campus and in town, if you would like to stay over costing around £40.

We’ll send more details when we confirm your participation. We’ll also set up a ‘buddy’ scheme to link people who can offer lifts and somewhere to stay to those that would like it.

Who’s behind this?

Becky Willis has run a think tank, advised government and worked on many aspects of environmental policy from tax to community energy. Now, she works on Green Alliance’s political programme, researches at Lancaster University and has a long-term project to civilise her two sons.

Jess Phoenix has worked in environmental consultancy specialising in hydrology and set up environmental stewardship schemes for farms in Lincolnshire. She now undertakes research at Lancaster University on bovine tuberculosis, and spends most weekends either on her bike in the Forest of Bowland or hiking in the Lake District.

And Pentland Centre for Sustainability in Business.

If you would like more information or have any questions, please contact jess.phoenix@lancaster.ac.uk