What is the WiLN+ and what do you get up to?

Strathclyde Women+ in Leadership Network is a community of enthusiastic and ambitious women+ students studying within the University of Strathclyde, who focus on empowering each other and promoting women+ in leadership roles!

The society has members from all around the world, across all year groups and degree disciplines found here at Strathclyde, creating a diverse network with endless possibilities.

Our network involves everyone we interact with, from businesses to sponsors, alumni – so it is incredibly vast and grows at an insane rate every year.

What do students need to get involved with the WiLN+?

It’s so simple, membership is free via the Union website, you will then be notified of any upcoming events and opportunities via email and have access to our private groups where we post lots of member-only resources, opportunities and early access tickets.

We host events at least once a week during term time, and the majority of our events are also posted on our socials, like Instagram, and are open to anyone to attend – we love having people come along and just find out what we are about, or enjoy one of our class socials with us.

Why should students get involved with WiLN+?

Endless reasons – we have built an amazing network over the years, with employers from all sectors, and we often can help our members contact them directly and often run skills workshops with them to, so you then can find out exactly what they are looking for!

We also run our annual #NominateHER Campaign which feeds directly into our #CelebrateHER Awards Ball in the week of International Women’s Day – this is easily the biggest thing we are known for. Ball tickets are available until 27^th Feb, it’s really not a night you want to miss.

What is the most rewarding moment of being involved with WiLN+

100% when #NominateHER nominations are published. All nominees receive a digital certificate and are always so surprised. Many of the nominations come from members, so they get to feel like they have made a difference to that individual – it’s a moment that covers all our values of Inspire, Empower, Together.

As President, seeing the work of the committee come into fruition is so rewarding. From weekly events to everything falling into place for the Ball, its lovely to see the work from members to the external network and especially the committee all in place when you walk into the Ballroom. But, the most rewarding experience is seeing the connections and friendships that start with the society but become a huge part of peoples time at uni – it’s so incredible to watch happen in real time.

What plans does WiLN+ have that students can look forward to?

Have I mentioned our Ball? 100% is what is on all of our minds right now. The nominations for awards grew by 392% when compared to last year, and we are seeing the Ball plans go the same way. The Ball this year is being held in the Grand Ballroom of Grand Central Hotel in Glasgow, and we have so many exciting and wonderful things in the works for it. I can’t wait!

You can find out more about WiLN+ and their upcoming events on Instagram and make sure to grab your tickets for the Ball before Monday 27^th February here.

Written by Bethany Spain