Rise Up: Women in Business and Finance Inspires Future Leaders
On Wednesday 11 March 2026, the School of Business and Management hosted its annual ‘Rise Up: Women in Business and Finance’ event in collaboration with the School of Economics and Finance at Queen Mary University of London.
More than 120 young women currently studying in Years 10 to 12 attended the event, which was held in time with International Women’s Day and focused on empowering the next generation of female leaders in business and finance.
The event was designed to encourage young women to explore opportunities within the worlds of business and finance, while offering practical guidance, inspiration, and valuable networking opportunities.
Academic Talk
The programme began with a series of inspiring talks from Queen Mary academics Dr Lisa Diane Morrison, Dr Lilian Schofield and Dr Eileen Tipoe. Drawing on their own career journeys and experiences within academia and industry, the speakers shared insights into navigating professional pathways and building confidence in competitive fields. As part of their session, students also participated in personality assessments aimed at helping them better understand their individual strengths and how these can be applied effectively in the workplace. 
Student Talk
The event then showcased the experiences of current Queen Mary students. Georgia Demetriou, Aishwarya Johnson and Akua Nkansah delivered presentations about student life and the range of opportunities available during their time at the university, from academic development to extracurricular activities and career preparation.
Alumni Panel
Attendees then had the opportunity to hear from alumni during an engaging panel discussion. Melanie A., Esther Onyeanusi, Sochi Okoye and Festina Nushi reflected on their early career journeys, sharing insights into entering the business and finance sectors, navigating challenges in the workplace and making the most of opportunities in the years following graduation.
The Rise Up event gave attendees the chance to learn from role models across different stages of their careers while building connections with peers and professionals in the field.
The School of Business and Management extends its thanks to all the speakers, panellists and student presenters who contributed to such an inspiring and empowering event.
Events such as Rise Up form part of the School of Business and Management’s ongoing commitment to widening participation, supporting young women from diverse backgrounds to explore pathways into higher education and future careers in business and finance.