United Colleges Group (UCG) was proud to celebrate International Women’s Day on Thursday, March 6 with a special event at City of Westminster College, featuring an esteemed panel of accomplished women from a broad range of sectors.
The event, which honoured the achievements of women as well as fostering meaningful discussions and helping to inspire positive change in society, took place at City of Westminster College’s Paddington Campus and was open to students, staff and invited guests.
As part of UCG’s commitment to Inclusion and belonging, the morning Q&A session also aligned with the college’s other core principles of Mutual trust and respect, Putting our students first, Always improving and Compassion and empathy.
This year’s panel included:
Bringing together voices from the healthcare, fashion, marketing, education and legal sectors, the discussion delved into the challenges, successes and opportunities for women in today’s world; serving as a platform for empowerment, providing insights and inspiration for students, staff and the wider community.
The International Women’s Day event comes soon after another hugely successful panel discussion at the Paddington Campus. In January, UCG celebrated its annual EmpowerMENt Week, an initiative designed to raise awareness around men’s mental welfare, by featuring a group of diverse speakers made up of staff and invited guests to speak about mind health.
Karen Bonner MBE, Chief Nurse for London NHS, said:
“Everyone has a different journey; events like this to mark International Women’s Day ensure young people can see the art of what’s possible, and hear real stories they can resonate with. I hope students were able take away from today that if you work hard, find what you love, stick to your values and surround yourself with good people, you will achieve in life. The college has a great diversity of people which is clear to see across the campus; I’m sure that will birth incredible young people who will go out into society to do amazing things. It’s so important we continue to inspire and support the next generation, in their careers and generally throughout their lives.”
Stephen Davis, Group Principal and CEO of United Colleges Group, said:
“We were delighted to host this important event, celebrating the incredible achievements of women. Our panellists brought a wealth of experience, engaging in thought-provoking discussion with all who attended, and we look forward to welcoming our guests back to UCG in the future.”
Stacey Duguid, Fashion Editor and Columnist, said:
“Events like this to mark International Women’s Day are crucial for colleges like United Colleges Group; this is where the real change happens – the real changemakers are these young people. Each woman on the panel today was so inspiring; they weren’t born into privilege and had to make their own way in life. I hope we were able to share a message of resilience with the students, the idea that you can move the dial in your life regardless of your background. We want young people to know that change begins and ends within them, and their past does not define them.”
“My experience at College of Northwest London, has been exciting, it has been thrilling and it has been full of opportunities, and we have the tutors that help us whenever we’re in need. We go on educational trips to get a feel for what university life is like. We have the careers advisors that help us on our path, our university path.”
“At City of Westminster College, my experience has been the best of all the other colleges I’ve attended. The reason I like CWC is because the teachers make my journey easier with assessment and exams. I’m a Level Two Science student and I enjoy my lessons because most of them are practical, which are helpful for me. I love studying at CWC because you meet people from other countries – all over the world and from all different communities.”
“The facilities here are brilliant. You have range of courses you can study. My teachers in the Performing Arts department have got history in the industry, which is very useful. You get to ask them for advice and actual knowledge from the industry, and take that into your own work within the college also afterwards. ”
“My favourite thing about studying here has definitely got to be the teachers. They’re really helpful, kind and in the industry, so it’s good.”
“The technical knowledge and hands-on experience gained during my apprenticeship at College of North West London have been invaluable, particularly in understanding site processes, health and safety requirements and the understanding of electrical systems.”
“My experience studying at City of Westminster College has been amazing. It’s been so welcoming; I enjoy it very much because of the staff members we have here. They’re very approachable and I could come to them with any question, and it will be answered straight away. And if I come early for a class, I can use the Learning Resources Centre, I can use the computers, the books, just to continue all my studies outside the classroom time.”
“The training process was seamless. I had good instructors who were very flexible, supporting people of all learning levels. On the last day after our exams, a security company came and did a presentation. We had the opportunity to have an interview afterwards. I told them about my experiences, and they said I would be a good fit. I formally applied for a role and started with the company soon after. Getting into security has opened doors for me. I hope I will continue to take steps up the career ladder.”
“Coming to study at the City of Westminster College was the best decision that I had ever made. The teachers are very accommodating – they help you learn things in a way that might be easier for you to learn. They are very supportive and I think that’s one of the best things about learning here.”
“I was so grateful to have won Apprentice of the Year at the West London Business Awards 2026, I could not have done it without the support my company Size Group and the College of North West London.”
