Inspiring the Next Generation: Stanmore College Marks International Women’s Day with Powerful Panel of Role Models

Students at Stanmore College gained valuable insight, motivation and career guidance as three inspiring women, from education, local government and youth careers, shared personal stories and life lessons during a special International Women’s Day panel event.

Stanmore College celebrated International Women’s Day with an inspiring panel event on 5th March, welcoming three accomplished women who shared their experiences, challenges and advice with students.

The event brought together Hannah Butland, Angela George, and Mayor of Harrow, Cllr Anjana Patel, who spoke candidly about their career journeys and the lessons that helped shape their success. The panel aimed to encourage students to reflect on their own ambitions while highlighting the importance of resilience, confidence and determination.


Learning from Real-Life Role Models

Students heard from Hannah Butland, Chair of the Stanmore College Board of Governors, who shared her remarkable journey from being the first student from her state school to attend the University of Oxford, where she studied Philosophy, Politics and Economics, to becoming a senior leader in education and now running her own consultancy focused on leadership and opportunity.

Hannah encouraged students to believe in their abilities and not compare their journeys with others. Her key messages included:

  • Be clear about what you are capable of
  • Believe in yourself – you can do this
  • Avoid comparing your journey to others
  • Difficult challenges are often the most worthwhile

Finding Opportunity in Every Challenge

Angela George, Work Experience Manager at Youth Careers Collective, brought over three decades of experience working with young people and adults facing barriers to education and employment. Her work spans youth services, counselling, prison education and employment support.

Angela reminded students that setbacks can often become powerful opportunities for growth. She emphasised that determination and effort play a crucial role in shaping success. Her advice to students included:

  • There is always something positive to learn from difficult situations
  • Your level of education does not define your potential
  • Every lesson can connect to something you enjoy or value
  • Effort is within your control, and focus can lead to achievement

Leadership Through Hard Work and Courage

The panel also welcomed the Mayor of Harrow, Cllr Anjana Patel, who made history as the UK’s first British-Tanzanian, Indian-born Mayor of Harrow. Before entering public service, she built a successful career in banking in the City of London and has served the Harrow community as a councillor since 2002.

She spoke about the importance of perseverance and standing up for what you believe in. Her key lessons included:

  • Speak up, ask questions and expect answers
  • Hard work is essential to achieving your goals
  • Defining moments can shape what you are willing – or not willing – to accept

Empowering Students for the Future

The discussion provided students with an opportunity to ask questions, reflect on their own ambitions and learn from the real-life experiences of successful women from different sectors.

By hearing directly from leaders who have overcome challenges and forged their own paths, students left the event feeling motivated to pursue their goals with confidence and resilience.

The International Women’s Day event reinforced Stanmore College’s commitment to creating opportunities for students to engage with inspiring professionals, helping them develop the confidence, ambition and mindset needed for their future careers.