WISH Scotland’s Shaping Our Futures: Bold Ambition, Lasting Impact day created opportunities for networking, learning and inspiration, with a line-up of speakers sharing powerful personal stories of leadership, resilience and creating positive change in their communities.

Susan Bell, chief executive of Muirhouse Housing Association, who attended the event, said: “It was a really inspiring, motivational, thought provoking and enriching day hearing from so many outstanding women from within the sector and beyond.

“It’s probably one of the most enjoyable events I have been to in some time and I left feeling motivated and uplifted. The key takeaway for me was ‘that you don’t get what you wish for, you get what you work for’.”

The event featured inspiring keynote addresses from Lesley Robertson, founder and CEO of the Juniors Charity in Hamilton, and Sunita Poddar, CEO of Oakminster Healthcare, Glasgow. Lesley spoke about leading with purpose, overcoming adversity and the determination to keep moving forward when faced with barriers, sharing her belief that being told “no” simply means finding another way.

Sunita reflected on her journey from arriving in the UK unable to speak English to becoming a successful business leader and entrepreneur. She shared insights into her leadership approach, the importance of empowering others and encouraged delegates to believe in themselves before they feel ready. 

Delegates also heard from Debbie Shields and Abby Rogers from Simon Community Scotland’s Connect Hub, who highlighted the impact of the service in supporting women experiencing homelessness.

SHARE Award winner Raeann Rankine, from Clydebank Housing Association, reflected on her journey into the housing sector, the challenges she has overcome and her aspirations for future leadership roles, while award-winning author Barbara Henderson explored the power of storytelling, belonging and resilience.

Speaking after the event, Kirsty Wells, chair of WISH Scotland, said: “Our fourth birthday event was a fantastic celebration of how far WISH Scotland has come and the incredible community we have built that supports and champions women across the housing sector.

“The powerful stories shared by our speakers demonstrated the importance of courage, resilience and leadership in shaping a better future.

“Thank you to all our fantastic speakers and attendees, Wheatley for generously hosting the event and McTaggart Construction for their valued sponsorship and support.”

WISH Scotland’s next event will take place on Thursday 3 December at Hanover Scotland in Edinburgh.