WOMEN SOCIETIES ALLIANCE

The Full Story

“I had the initial idea of the Women Societies Alliance (“WSA”) when I was first exposed to the financial services industry and the inspiring senior women in finance during my first year at university.

Driven to pursue a career in this male-dominated industry, I sought out organisations and communities to help me build my network, skills and knowledge. I found the support I needed at the London School of Economics' Women in Business Society, where I had the most rewarding opportunities to serve in the committee as Head of Events and subsequently President. It was also during that time and through speaking with other female students at other universities that I became more aware of the gender gap in the industry. 

I have been very fortunate to find a supportive community at the London School of Economics. However, many of my friends faced challenges in finding a similar support network.

It occurred to me that if we could unite all the Women in Finance and Business societies, we would build a much stronger community. Thus, we have founded the WSA – aiming to create the largest network of female students and connecting them with female professionals in the industry.”

— Kyra, Founder

OUR PURPOSE

KYRA CHENG JIAYING

Experiences: President of LSE Women in Business Society

Co-CEO

Experiences: Director at the LSE SU Alternative Investments Conference

KRISTEN TAY

Head of External Partnership 
(Firms) & WSABounce

Experiences: Head Of Corporate Affairs at Asia Investment & Banking Conference (AIBC)

NATASHA FINCH

Finance Officer

Experience: Human Resources and Accounts Assistant

MARLENE LEISS

Head of External Partnership (Societies & Schools)

Experiences: Intern at Ashoka

NIKOLET MARINAU

Head of Online Learning Hub

Experiences: Global Banking Summer Intern at UBS

DAIRA POVEZ

Co-Head of Newsletter & Research

Experiences: Fresher Representative of the Warwick Trading Society

FLO BLAKE

Head of Mentorship

Experiences: Head of Women in Finance at Warwick Finance Societies

Head of Marketing

Mentorship Officer

DINAH MATHEWS

Online Learning Hub Officer

TOLU ODEJIDE

Newsletter Officer

JODY MA

Societies Outreach Officer

MEKHLA MADAAN

Societies Outreach Officer

Online Learning Hub Officer

EMILIE WEST

Emilie is a Coach and Branding Consultant empowering individuals and businesses to achieve their goals through developing authentic brands. Prior to setting up her own consultancy Emilie spent 14 years in Investment Banking holding several senior roles including Head of Leadership for RBS Corporate and Institutional Banking where she transformed leadership and wellbeing for 1000+ staff.  Emilie has a degree in Economics from Warwick University and a degree in Nutritional Therapy from the Institute for Optimum Nutrition.

DEBORAH GILSHAN

TERRI LOSKA

Terri is a Managing Director at one of London’s leading recruitment consultancies where she leads the team that is solely dedicated to helping students to take their first crucial steps into the world of work. While assisting graduates to understand and achieve their full potential, right now and for the long term, Terri also consults with Dartmouth’s wider client base. Through partnering with the world’s business elite, Terri is able to impact global talent strategies in order to promote the creation of a more diverse workforce. Terri graduated from The Queen’s College, Oxford University with a 2.1 degree in Literae Humaniores.

Deborah provides strategic advice to institutional investors on investment stewardship and the integration of environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors. She is an Ambassador for the 30% Club, the global market initiative to improve diversity, having been instrumental in leading the work of the 30% Club’s UK Investor Group. In October 2011, Deborah founded The 100% Club, a multi-sector alliance dedicated to the advancement of women. Deborah chairs the International Corporate Governance Network’s Ethics & Systemic Risk Committee, is a Fellow of ICSA: The Governance Institute and holds the CFA’s Investment Management Certificate. Deborah has been recognised for her work on empowering the female talent pipeline and promoting gender diversity.

NINA KRAUS