Inspiring Women of GoLearn!

Inspired by Women Who Led the Way

I’ve been fascinated by science since childhood, inspired by brilliant teachers at my all-girls’ schools—especially my chemistry teacher, Miss Margaret Amos. She encouraged my confidence in practical work, helped me find my first scientific job at East Malling Research Station, and shaped the entire direction of my life. Her support eventually led me to opportunities such as working in a university chemistry department in Wuhan and later teaching chemistry to adults at Leicester College, where I’ve watched many learners achieve their dreams.

Astronomy has been a passion of mine since primary school, sparked by a simple book about the Sun and nurtured by a kind librarian who let me explore more advanced texts. Although my headteacher once advised me to “keep it as a hobby,” that path allowed me to explore the field widely, especially the history of women astronomers. Discovering Cecilia Payne‑Gaposchkin in my teens opened the door to a lifelong fascination with the women of the Harvard College Observatory, whose remarkable but often overlooked contributions I now share with my own learners.

By Ann

Proof That Strength Has No Age: My Journey to Becoming England’s Strongest

My biggest achievement so far this year is winning a national level natural strongman (woman) competition! Yes – the crazy lifting events you see on TV at Christmas ….

I’ve been competing since last year but decided to really push myself and stepped up to a national level comp last month.

I was hoping to maybe come top 10, but I surprised myself by winning my category. I am now England’s strongest lightweight Master! (‘Master’ in this sense means ‘person over 40’ not really good sadly) I won a big trophy and a place at the UK competition in April so now I’m training hard again to try to place there!

I would absolutely encourage you to have a go. It’s fun, a little bit mad and the best thing for stress! Lifting heavy things is also good for women (and men) over 40 when our muscles start to deteriorate.

By Daisy

Happy International Women’s Day 🌸

I feel lucky to work alongside such strong, talented, inspiring and supportive women every day. Your dedication, positivity, and encouragement make such a difference, and I’m grateful to be part of a team with such inspiring people.

I’m also incredibly thankful for the amazing women in my personal life — the ones who support me, motivate me, and remind me of the strength and resilience women carry every day.

Today is about celebrating all the amazing women who make our lives better, both at work and beyond. 💜✨

By Aisha

Honouring Women’s Stories, Strength & Solidarity

In my native Poland Women’s Day is one of the biggest holidays of the year. Interestingly, the holiday became prominent in the communist era to promote the ideal of an emancipated working woman, fulfilling both professional and domestic roles, while providing a platform for state propaganda. It is customary for women to receive flowers or a small gift from male relatives or even workplace colleagues. While some now perceive the holiday as too commercialised and a relic of the communist era, to this day, marches, demonstrations, conferences and cultural events are organised to draw attention to issues related to women’s rights and gender equality.

I do not think I can point to one single woman who inspires me because every woman carries a story – her story – that is powerful in its own right. Inspiration does not rest in one extraordinary figure, it lives in the everyday strength, courage, resilience and determination found in women from every walk of life.

Having worked in education for more than 20 years, I appreciate how education can empower women and shape how they perceive themselves, their opportunities and capabilities. I have worked with many women throughout my teaching career and have been humbled and inspired by stories of transformation, personal growth and being able to claim one’s place in different spheres of life – all this possible because of the support, advocacy, fostering confidence, self-belief and sense of possibility. What motivates me in my role is the opportunity to create meaningful change and to challenge limitations – those placed on women by the society and those we sometimes place on ourselves.

By Agnieszka

Celebrating Strength, Support & Opportunity

Growing up in Leicestershire has shaped my outlook and my work. This is my home, and I’ve always felt strongly about supporting local people to progress and feel confident in their own abilities. That’s exactly why I was drawn to the Connect to Work role – it gives me the chance to make a practical difference to individuals in our communities who want to move forward. I want to give everyone the opportunity to reach their full potential.

One of the things I really value in GoLearn is working alongside so many capable, knowledgeable and committed women. There’s a genuine sense of collaboration – people share ideas, support one another, and focus on getting things done well. It creates an environment where everyone can contribute and grow.

For me, championing other women is simply about noticing people’s strengths and giving them space to use them. We all bring different experiences and perspectives, and that variety is what makes our service stronger. If I had one piece of advice to pass on, it would be to back yourself and make the most of the opportunities that come your way – you never know the impact you might have.

By Claire

Finding Courage, Finding Myself

International Women’s Day always makes me reflect on the moments and people who shaped my journey. One of the biggest turning points in my life came in my 40s, when a close friend encouraged me to return to education. I’d always believed I “wasn’t good enough” at school, and the idea of being a mature student felt terrifying. But she saw something in me that I couldn’t yet see in myself.

With her support, I took the leap and spent four years studying for a degree in Early Childhood Studies. I won’t sugar-coat it; there were times when it felt overwhelming, and moments where I genuinely wanted to give up. But I didn’t. She believed in me, and eventually, I learned to believe in myself too.

Graduating with a BA (Hons) is still one of the proudest days of my life. It reminded me that it’s never too late to grow, to start again, or to rewrite your story.

So today, I celebrate the women who lift us up – the ones who push us forward, remind us of our strength, and walk beside us when the path gets tough. And I celebrate the woman I’ve become – resilient, determined, and unafraid to take on new challenges.

Here’s to the women who inspire us, and to the courage we find in ourselves along the way.

By Sandy

Creating Space for Joy

I would like to share a simple encouragement: make time for something that brings you genuine joy—something that nourishes your heart and strengthens your sense of self.

Trying something new does not require expertise or perfection; it simply requires willingness. When we allow ourselves to explore without expectation, we create space for growth, creativity, and renewed confidence.

For me, this journey began with jewellery making. It became a welcome escape from the demands and pressures of daily life—a quiet space where I could focus, create, and breathe. Over time, I experimented with various materials, including silver, copper, and polymer clay, each offering its own challenges and rewards. What started as a personal hobby eventually led me to participate in craft market events, where I discovered a vibrant community of makers and small business owners who share their skills, experiences, and passion for creativity.

Engaging in something new can open unexpected doors—introducing us to new friendships, new abilities, and new perspectives. It reminds us that growth can begin with the smallest of steps.

This International Women’s Day, I encourage others to embrace the opportunity to try something unfamiliar. Explore a new interest, revisit a forgotten passion, or simply allow yourself the freedom to experiment. The journey itself can be enriching, empowering, and deeply rewarding.

By Bev

From Uncertain Beginnings to Proud Achievements

I never knew what I ‘wanted to be’ growing up and fell into a teaching role in my early 20’s as I liked the idea of changing one person’s perspective on their future self. I have worked up the ladder from a classroom assistant to managing my own curriculum and whilst it hasn’t been easy, I look back and think ‘I did that’.

I think my advice to anyone would be to remember that hurdles are always different shapes and sizes in work and life, sometimes they are short and sometimes they last longer than anticipated and just sometimes, those hurdles can lead us to somewhere that we never imagined! If I was telling my 23-year-old self where I am now, she would never believe me!

By Helen

Learning, Leading & Lifting Each Other Up

International Women’s Day is a valuable opportunity to reflect on the importance of encouragement, opportunity and the impact we can have on one another.

Many of my learners and colleagues are balancing careers, family life and professional development at the same time. Their determination to keep learning, improving and moving forward is genuinely inspiring, and it is a privilege to support them as they build their confidence and achieve their goals.

By Leanne

💜 Strength in Every Step: A Story of Culture, Courage, and Confidence

Life doesn’t slow down when you are a mum of five – neither do the challenges or the opportunities to grow. Supporting a child with special educational needs whilst navigating has taught me resilience and reminds me that life’s obstacles don’t always have to stand in the way of the things that give us purpose.

I rediscovered my passion of Indian dance after having my youngest at the age of 43 to bring together my cultural roots, wellbeing, and movement as a way of inspiring other women prioritise their health and confidence. I felt lost after being mum for so long and wanted to find a way I could be ‘me’ again and dance fitness did that for me. My confidence grew, I felt energised and felt I finally had some purpose to make a difference. It also helped me to navigate me through my menopause journey too.

I am grateful I had the opportunity to become an Active Together Community Champion back in 2020 (before COVID) and since have continued to encourage women to find their joy with dance and movement.

Most recently, I got the opportunity to work in Corporate Resources as well as an Adult Wellbeing Tutor within the County so I can support women (and children) to engage with movement and fitness in a fun and engaging way.

My message to you is simple. It’s never too late to follow what brings you joy. Age or your circumstances should never stop you from chasing your dreams or making a positive impact in the lives of others.

By Reema

💜 A Single Step Forward: How Learning Transformed My Future

At the age of 27 I had worked as a chef for 10 years but was then made redundant with only two days’ notice, and as a single parent to a 2-year-old I didn’t know what I was going to do. It was never a place I wanted to see myself, but I went to the benefits office and signed on, but not being someone to sit around I decided to use the time to try and improve myself and look towards a better future for my son and me.

I enrolled at a local college to do a teaching qualification, during the course I needed some teaching hours and approached the local adult learning service and started volunteer teaching working with adults with learning and/or physical disabilities. With hard work, and support from my family I passed the course and was offered teaching hours where I had done my volunteer hours.

Since then, I have continued with my professional development, doing further adult learning courses, college courses and a university course. By further developing my professional development it has enabled me to develop my career. I still work for the Leicestershire Adult Learning Service almost 24 years later and although I have always worked with adults with learning disabilities, I have held various roles within the service.

Being someone who didn’t enjoy school, someone who doesn’t find academic courses easy and leaving school with not the greatest of GCSE grades I would never have imagined working within education.
It hasn’t always been an easy road but with determination and resilience it has been achievable.

“She was unstoppable, not because she did not have failures or doubts, but because she continued on despite them.” ―Beau Taplin

By Mel