Modern Joinery News’ Rachael Lewis ’empowered’ by WFN event

Rachael Lewis, Content Coordinator at Modern Joinery News, shares her thoughts after attending the inaugural Women in Fenestration Network Professional Development Day.

“On Thursday 25 June, I attended the launch of the Women in Fenestration Network at the Bristol Harbour Hotel, and it was one of those events that left me feeling genuinely inspired.

“From the moment I arrived, there was such a welcoming atmosphere. It was great to meet so many women from across the industry, all sharing experiences, making connections and supporting one another.

Personal highlights

“One of the highlights for me was hearing Clare Bailey speak about her career journey.

“She spoke honestly about overcoming challenges and the importance of building confidence.

“What really resonated with me was when she talked about doing it all for her children. As a working mum, I could completely relate. There are days when balancing everything feels overwhelming, but my son is always my biggest motivation.

“Clare also introduced the new mentoring programme, and I’ll be applying as a mentee. Having the opportunity to learn from women with so much experience is something I’m really looking forward to.

Keynote speaker

“The afternoon keynote from Catherine Spencer, ex-England rugby union captain, was equally inspiring. Coming from a rugby family, I loved hearing about her experiences captaining England.

“Her story about refusing to let being told “no” from stopping her from playing cricket as a child was a powerful reminder that determination and resilience can take you a long way.

“Another highlight was the panel discussion, where women from different areas of the fenestration industry shared their career journeys and reflected on how the industry is evolving.

“Hearing their honest experiences, challenges and successes made the conversations feel relatable and reinforced just how important it is to continue supporting and encouraging more women into the sector.

“The day ended with a fascinating talk from thinkivity’s Carly Grant on how AI can help make every day work more efficient, proving that technology doesn’t have to be intimidating.

“I left feeling motivated, empowered and proud to be part of an industry that is creating more opportunities for women.

“The Women in Fenestration Network is a fantastic initiative, and I’m excited to see how it grows while continuing to inspire and support women like myself.”

For more information and regular updates about the Women in Fenestration Network, visit its LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/women-fenestration-network