Titanic Inspire Conference 2015

On a blustery day at the beginning of March, myself and four other pupils from Year 14 attended the ‘Inspire’ event at Titanic Quarter. The aim of the event was to inspire women to achieve their goals, and not to be discouraged by any gender based challenges that they might face in their chosen career. Upon arriving, after a quick cup of tea and a chat with some representatives from charities in the foyer, we took our places and were introduced to our guest speakers. The speakers were very motivational, giving us advice for the future, based on their own experiences. They included the CEO of Belfast City Council, Suzanne Wylie, a centre from the Ireland Women’s Rugby Team, Grace Davitt, one of the founders of the charity ‘No More Traffik’, Gemma Brown, World Champion Water-skier, Dr Janet Gray, and a senior member of the Trocaire team from Ethiopia, Teamrat Belai. After hearing the women speaking, we had lunch, and then attended the opening of the ‘Inspire’ Art Exhibition which portrays women who have changed the world. By the end of the day, after hearing from so many incredible and inspirational women, we all returned to Bangor feeling inspired and ready to face any challenges which may come our way!

Lauren Wilkinson, Year 14