Women in Business and Children’s University Unite to Inspire Hull’s Future Changemakers at Girls of Achievement Day
“We can be anything!” Just one of the amazing responses we got from one Year 6 attendee.
More than 80 Year 6 girls from primary schools across Hull came together for an inspiring Girls of Achievement event hosted by Women in Business in partnership with Hull & East Yorkshire Children’s University. The day was created to spark ambition, challenge stereotypes and show young girls that they can achieve anything they set their minds to.
Held at the Mercure Hull Grange Park Hotel, Willerby, the event brought together pupils from eight primary schools for a full day of interactive workshops, hands‑on activities and real conversations with women from 19 local organisations. Each business gave the girls the chance to meet professionals working in sectors ranging from emergency services and healthcare to engineering, education, construction and technology.
The girls listened closely, asked thoughtful questions and embraced every opportunity to explore roles they may never have considered for themselves.
Rachel Miskin, Chair of Women in Business and Partner at Bridge McFarland, said:
“The girls arrived full of curiosity and it was brilliant to see that grow as they met women working in roles across every sector. Misconceptions still exist about what women ‘can’ or ‘can’t’ do and days like this help to break those down. When girls see women leading, building, creating and problem solving, it expands their sense of what’s possible for them.”
The Women in Business Q&A panel took that excitement even further. Professionals shared honest, behind‑the‑scenes stories from their own careers – the hurdles they’ve faced, the moments that changed everything and the unexpected turns that led them to where they are now. The girls jumped straight in with smart, brave questions, turning the session into a lively conversation rather than a formal panel. It gave them a rare chance to hear first‑hand how many different routes there are into the world of work and to see that ambition, resilience and self‑belief can open doors they may never have imagined.
Caroline Neadley, Committee Member of Women in Business and Partner at Wilkin Chapman Rollits, added:
“This idea was born out of our biennial Women of Achievement Awards in 2024. Those awards always showcase the exceptional talent and resilience of women across our region and we were inspired by one simple thought: imagine the impact if we could inspire girls at the very start of their journeys. That’s why we created this day – to give them a chance to explore the incredible career possibilities available, give them the confidence to believe in themselves and know there is a world where they can rise as high as their dreams can take them.”
Schools attended included Dorchester Primary, Bude Park Primary, Endike Academy, St Nicholas Primary, Sidmouth Primary, St Anthony’s Catholic Primary, Parkstone Primary and Broadacre Primary. With many of the girls preparing to move to secondary school, the timing felt especially meaningful.
Rose James, CEO of Hull & East Yorkshire Children’s University, said:
“We still hear young girls saying certain careers are ‘only for boys’, and we see gender stereotypes appearing in play as early as age three. When children are asked to draw an engineer, a boss or a scientist, most will draw a male figure. This event introduced the girls to women who have been incredibly successful in their fields, and I know they were truly inspired. They left knowing they are capable, ambitious and absolutely able to achieve whatever they set their minds to.”
The event was compèred by Fiona Dwyer, PR specialist and Women in Business committee member, and included a lively, practical workshop from resilience coach Hayley Buchan, who encouraged the girls to unlock their inner potential and recognise their strengths.
Every girl received a goody bag thanks to funding from the Hull and East Riding Charitable Trust, secured by Carol Ideson, a bid‑writing specialist for the education and charity sectors and Women in Business committee member.
We would also like to thank Bridge McFarland, Wilkin Chapman Rollits, Foxglove Care and Women in Business for their generous donations and support in making the day possible.
Women in Business would also like to thank the following organisations who gave their time, enthusiasm and encouragement to the girls:
Foxglove Care, Scott Dixon Inc, Bridge McFarland, Wilkin Chapman Rollits, MS3 Networks, Humberside Police, Houlton, James Ray Recruitment, Smailes Goldie, Ideal Heating, Reality Solutions, Accountancy Tuition Academy, MKM Building Supplies, Becker UK, Mercure Hull Grange Park Hotel and Park Rise Physiotherapy.
Women in Business and Children’s University intend to make this inspirational day a regular fixture in the annual calendar, continuing to show girls across the Humber region that they can achieve anything they set their minds to.
Don’t forget, nominations for the Women of Achievement Awards 2026 are open. Entries close on 14th August 2026. To enter the awards, please visit: WIB Entry Form with Award Categories 2026.