The Association of Women in Property

Alumini and Top 25 Lunch 2012

Alumni Lunch and Launch of Top 25 Women in Property and Construction

Thursday 7 June 2012 

"I like employing women; they do as they're told"- inebriated industry male circa 1987

This was one of the jaw-dropping anecdotes shared, to much amusement, by Michelle Foster, co-founder of the Association of Women in Property, when she spoke at the Alumni lunch on 7th June, hosted by National Chairman Lesley-Anne Avis at her office, Berwin Leighton Paisner. 

Michelle Foster and her co-founder Elspeth Clements were among National and Branch Chairmen representing WiP over the past 25 years, who attended the event.  As well as celebrating our 25th Anniversary this was an opportunity to announce WiP's Top 25 most influential women in property and construction.  These women have an excellent track record in their given field, a pubic and professional reputation to match, have secured Awards for their work and, of particular importance for the Association, are great role models for other women.  We were delighted that five of our Top 25 joined us, namely Lorraine Baldry , Chairman of London & Continental Railways, Fiona Hamilton, Director of Retail at Jones Lang LaSalle, Alison Newton Partner and Head of Glasgow office, HBJ Gateley, Sandi Rhys Jones, Founder of Rhys Jones Consultants and Anna Stewart, Group Director of Finance & Commerce, Laing O'Rourke.

The list can be found at /our-25th-anniversary/top-25-women-in-property--construction-ambassadors.aspx

Lesley-Anne Avis gave an overview of the work of WiP over the past 25 years and it was clear to all that we have come a long way.  Looking ahead, Lesley-Anne introduced her Vice Chairman, Julie Fawcett a former Chairman of the Yorkshire & North East branch who, next year becomes National Chairman and will lead the way as we start our next 25 years. 

Against a display featuring newsletters, flyers, press coverage and literature spanning the decades, guests caught up with each other, reminisced and asked "What will the next 25 years bring?"

 

 

Elspeth Clements + Lesley Anne Avis

5 of Top 25 Ambassadors

Co Founder Michelle Foster speaking