Why TSYT?
I’ve always had a passion for helping people achieve their potential – whether in the workplace or in any of the activities I do.
Through my work as a volunteer and trustee of Challenge Wales, I’ve been inspired by the young people I’ve met whose lives have been changed by the Sail Training experience. Far beyond a typical holiday, it offers an immersive, hands-on experience in a dynamic environment – safely pushing young people out of their comfort zones to build invaluable skills for the workplace and beyond. With more than one million young people currently not in education, employment or training, the work of TSYT is more important than ever.
It’s a privilege for me to continue the legacy of Challenge Wales by becoming a trustee of TSYT, and to help them grow their presence in Wales.
Background
I started sailing when I finished university, following the RYA pathway to Coastal Skipper, chartering yachts and logging over 2000 miles as skipper before becoming hooked on dinghy sailing. I’m a competitive dinghy sailor, sailing an RS2000 on the circuit with my husband, and have several years’ experience as a racing coach and teaching adults to sail. Since my husband retired, we’re spending more time in our campervan, sightseeing, cycling and hiking.
I have an electrical engineering degree from Imperial College, London – I was the first female engineer employed in the steel industry in South Wales – and have more than 40 years of business experience, covering every aspect of running a business from Customer Service to Operations and Logistics. I worked as the Operations Director of a manufacturing business for five years, responsible for around 40 people, before becoming a self-employed business adviser. My work now involves advising SME business owners on business growth and exit planning
