A writer, a psychologist and a double Olympic medallist are to visit a Letchworth girls’ school to mark International Women’s Day – with the public invited to attend free of charge.
A writer, a psychologist and a double Olympic medallist are to visit a Letchworth girls’ school to mark International Women’s Day – with the public invited to attend free of charge.
St Francis’ College is hosting the event on March 7, the evening before International Women’s Day, with writer and former St Francis’ pupil Dr Preti Taneja, Team GB hockey star Hannah Macleod and psychologist and TV presenter Professor Tanya Byron set to speak.
The evening is open to the wider public, with St Francis’ hoping to welcome young adults from the surrounding area – and also aims to promote the charity Women for Women International and its #sheinspiresme campaign.
A school spokeswoman said: “St Francis’ is thrilled to be welcoming these three remarkable ladies to Letchworth.
“They have each achieved so much in their professional lives and are already a source of inspiration to us all. We are really looking forward to hearing them speak.
“Refreshments will be served after the talks, allowing an opportunity for reflection and discussion.
“St Francis’ College hopes that the attendees will take inspiration from the event, and that the evening will encourage all of the young people in the audience to be motivated into thinking how they can inspire others in their everyday lives.”
Dr Preti Taneja regularly broadcasts for Radio 3 and 4 on contemporary world literature, culture, human rights and more. Her current research considers Shakespeare plays translated into foreign languages, or set or performed in conflict or post-conflict situations.
Hannah Macleod won bronze at the London 2012 Olympics with the Team GB hockey team, and gold at Rio last year. She made her debut for England in 2004, aged 19, and has since amassed more than 150 caps for England and Great Britain.
She draws on setbacks such as her non-selection and England’s poor performance at the 2014 World Cup to provide insights into the character required to learn from failure.
Professor Tanya Byron is a consultant clinical psychologist specialising in child and adolescent mental health, with an NHS career spanning 20 years. She has broadcast on TV and radio, with credits including Child of Our Time, The Truth About Child Sex Abuse and Little Angels. She also has columns in The Times and Good Housekeeping.
Entry is free, but tickets will still be issued for seating purposes.
If you’re interested in attending, call the school reception on 01462 670511 or send an email to vrobeson@st-francis.herts.sch.uk
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