26/03/2024 - Earlier this month was International Womens' day. At UOS we hosted an uplifting Women in Research panel, followed by our Women in Suffolk awards, for our International Women’s Day celebrations.
Earlier this month was International Womens day. At UOS we hosted an uplifting Women in Research panel, followed by our Women in Suffolk awards, for our International Women’s Day celebrations.
Here at UOS it's important for us celebrate International Womens’ Day to remember the impact of female history and to recognize the impact, talents and dedication of our female staff and students. On days like International Womens' Day that our female staff are appreciated day in and day out in their work at UOS.
Starting with our Women in Research talk this afternoon, we had a fantastic turnout to hear the 11 inspirational female panelists speak on their experiences and wisdom on different issues women face in academia.
Thank you to: 
- Professor Miranda Horvath - Miranda is a researcher in forensics physiology at UOS. Her research has played a huge role in raising awareness of violence against women and girls.
- Dr Adetola Adekunle PhD - Adetola is a lecturer at UOS who specializes in HR.
- Dr Marianna Stella – Marianna is a lecturer in childhood and childhood primary education.
- Emma Harvey Lawrence BSc- Emma’s role at UOS is being a lecturer in public health.
- Patience Pounds- Patience is an associate professor in midwifery at UOS while also studying for a PHD.
- Dr Andrea Smith- Andrea's role in UOS is a lecturer in creative writing and journalism. Her career has seen her work for local media in the Suffolk area and the BBC.
- Professor Valerie Gladwell - Valerie is a professor at UOS within the health and wellbeing institution. She has a huge passion for enhancing lifelong health.
- Dr Federica Francesca Masieri - Federica a course leader and associate professor at UOS in regenerative medicine.
- Katie Tyrrell- Katie’s role at UOS is a research fellow and ref coordinator. Her research is mainly focused on mental health.
- Ioana Crivatu - Ioana has a background in psychology and is a researcher at UOS looking at behavioral analytics. She has been involved in researching a range of projects including sexual violence.
- Dr Reilly Anne Dempsey Wills - Reilly is a lecturer in law at UOS. Her work in being an advocate for women's rights in the UN and charitable sector.
It was an honor to hear their experiences within their respective fields, and to come together to share and exchange knowledge.
The panel was followed by the Women in Suffolk Awards - we received an incredible 138 nominations for 8 award categories, and the way that women at Suffolk lift up other women was so awe-inspiring, we decided we needed to award 19 women, and we would have given every woman in the room an award if we could!
And the winners are…
The heart of the uni (Someone who makes this uni better for all) - Samantha Clarke (student) & Fiona Fisk (staff)
Best hype gal (someone who has really cheered you on) - Ioana Crivatu (student) & Carmen Ortiz Granero (staff)
Best motivator (someone who has kept you motivated to achieve your goals) - Phoebe Claridge-Wye (student) & Dr Ivana Lessner Listiakova PhD (staff)
Shining star (someone who makes you feel bright and happy when you’re with them) - Jade Rofe (student) & Vicki Doughty (staff)
Inclusivity icon (someone who champions everyone and making sure all are included in everything they do) - Lauren Searle (student) & Chloe Appleford (staff)
Girl boss (intersectional feminist icon) - Susan Philippe (student) & Laura Polley (staff)
Biggest change maker (someone who makes positive changes here at uos) - Ufuoma Ufy Ebegbedia (student) & Anna Sheldrake (staff)
The ultimate slay queen (nothing more needs to be said) - Ronni Natividad (student) & Amy Carpenter (staff)
We also had two honorable mentions, Justine Oakes & Sandra Mann and winner for the Most Nominated Woman at UOS - Marianna Stella.
Today’s event wouldn’t have been possible without the dedication and hard work from two of the most amazing women at UOS Katie Pickard, President of Activities & Wellbeing, and Leesha Daniells, Women’s Officer. The amount of work and care they both put into making this afternoon happen was truly remarkable, and we’re so grateful to have such strong female leaders who only wish to raise up the women around them.
“Women supporting women is the most powerful force for change in the world.” — Ntozake Shange