Taking place on 18 September at Wheatley Academy in Glasgow, attendees will have the chance to hear from inspirational leaders from diverse fields including keynote speaker Dame Irene Hays DBE.

Icon Dame Irene, owner and director of Hays Travel, will share insights from her career which spans local authority chief executive roles, Whitehall and high-profile board roles. Irene and her late husband John were hailed as ‘heroes of the high street’ in 2019 when they acquired the Thomas Cook estate and offered jobs to nearly 3,000 people. Hays Travel is the UK’s largest independent travel agent and was voted the nation’s favourite at the British travel Awards 2023.

The event will also hear from:

• Laurie MacPherson, a career and LinkedIn mentor who has supported over 1000 people to find work over the last 10 years.
• Zara Mohammed, a recognised leadership voice in British Muslim civil society and the first and youngest woman to hold the post of Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Britain.
• Mary MacLeod, Director of Gilded Lily which supports women and girls in Govan and surrounding areas of Glasgow to become more confident, creative, employable and enterprising.

Kirsty Wells, chair of WISH Scotland who will also chair the event, said: “At WISH Scotland we are really proud to be the only networking community dedicated to championing women in the housing sector in Scotland.

“Whether you’re seeking professional growth, meaningful networking, or inspiration to take on new challenges, this event will offer it all in a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this empowering celebration at our biggest event yet!”

WISH Scotland’s third birthday event will take place on Thursday 18 September 2025 from 10am until 4pm at Wheatley Academy, Wheatley House, 25 Cochrane St, Glasgow G1 1HL.

Book your place go to: https://www.wishnetwork.org/events/scotland/wish-scotland-third-birthday-celebration

For further information, please contact: Kirsty Wells, Chair, WISH Scotland, Kirsty.wells@wishnetwork.org