Inspiring the Next Generation: Empowering Girls Through Maths and Mentoring
In November to celebrate Maths Week England, F4S was proud to host an inspiring in-person event at Lloyd’s of London for 80 girls from London Multi-Academy Trusts (MATs). Designed to motivate and empower young women, the event showcased the real-world applications of mathematics in careers across technology, the environment, life sciences, and sustainability—both at Lloyd’s and within leading tech companies.
An Unforgettable Day at Lloyd’s
The day was packed with engaging talks, interactive mentoring sessions, and an exclusive guided tour of the iconic Lloyd’s building. This unique experience gave students the chance to connect directly with accomplished women working in industries where maths plays a crucial role. These meaningful conversations sparked curiosity, inspiration, and a newfound enthusiasm for mathematics and its diverse applications.
Powerful Stories From Female Leaders
Two powerful stories resonated deeply with attendees:
Steph Budenberg from Baringa shared her inspiring journey. At 12, Steph didn’t have a set career plan but felt passionate about the plane and astronomy. This passion led her to study Engineering, where she discovered her love for problem-solving and teamwork—skills she also honed through sports. Today, Steph is an energy consultant working on impactful and diverse projects that help shape a sustainable future.
Elise Stempfer from Lloyd’s offered another perspective. Elise started her journey studying Law, not expecting to end up in insurance. However, a chance meeting with a broker inspired her to explore marine insurance. Elise highlighted how mathematics plays a central role in her day-to-day work, alongside key skills like communication, curiosity, debate, and initiative.
Both speakers emphasised an important message: while mathematics is a powerful tool, success in these careers relies on a mix of technical skills and essential qualities like adaptability, teamwork, and curiosity.
Key Takeaways for Students
The event offered valuable insights and advice for the students:
- Embrace AI: AI should be seen as a tool that enhances, not replaces, human capabilities.
- You don’t need to be a maths expert: Success in STEM-related careers is about a willingness to learn, adapt, and grow.
- Career journeys are rarely linear: It’s okay not to have all the answers early on. Stay open to change, explore new opportunities, and follow your passions.
Looking Ahead: Connecting Schools with Mentors
The success of this event highlights the importance of mentorship and real-world role models in helping students discover their potential and explore career pathways they may never have considered.
If you’d like your school to connect students with mentors who can share insights into AI, problem-solving, and diverse career opportunities, click here.
Let’s inspire the next generation to embrace mathematics, explore new possibilities, and create a future full of innovation and opportunity!
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