At the Wheatley Academy in Glasgow, attendees heard from a range of inspirational leaders from diverse fields, including keynote speaker Dame Irene Hays DBE.

Debra Constance, co-founder of WISH and Crystal Hicks, WISH President, kicked off the day.

Crystal shared updates on her high-impact ‘SeeHer’ campaign as president, focusing on the positive impact social housing providers can achieve by understanding tenants’ experience through a gendered lens.

Debra shared insights about the journey WISH has been on since she and Nicola Dibb made the decision to build WISH together more than 20 years ago.

Attendees were blown away by icon Dame Irene’s inspirational speech about her illustrious career, her values and her call to them to “be clear on what you stand for” and to remember “we all have the power to make a difference”.

Laurie MacPherson, a career and LinkedIn mentor who has supported over 1,000 people to find work over the last 10 years, led an interactive session with delegates on the power of LinkedIn.

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, closed the day. Zara spoke about self-belief, shared her insights about leadership and the art of the possible, breaking the glass ceiling and inspiring future generations.

Mary MacLeod, director of Gilded Lily, shared how the community interest company supports women and girls in Govan and the surrounding areas of Glasgow to become more confident, creative, employable and enterprising. Her colleague Kim Flower led an uplifting session on wellbeing.

Julie McManus, partnerships manager at Voltalis and corporate member of WISH Scotland, said: “I came to WISH Scotland’s very first event three years ago and have attended every one since. I think today was their best event yet.

“It’s been brilliant to watch how the networking community has grown and developed and every time I come, I see new faces. The network goes beyond work relationships, friendships are made here.

“I always take something away from WISH Scotland events and I’m struck by the impact that collaboration across the network can have.”

Kirsty Wells, chair of WISH Scotland, who chaired the event, added: “I think yesterday was our best event yet. All of our speakers were outstanding, but we were all truly in awe of Dame Irene Hays.

“We were thrilled to have a packed-out event attended by women from across the sector and across Scotland and there was an amazing positive atmosphere in the room. Thank you to each of our fantastic speakers who left us feeling inspired, motivated and connected.

“Over the past three years, WISH Scotland has gone from strength to strength and we have lots of exciting plans for the year ahead to support women working in social housing, so watch this space.”

Kirsty Wells added: “We are currently looking for a new board member – if you are interested please get in touch to tell us how you could help us deliver the most empowering networking community for women in the Scottish housing sector.”