A Reading woman was among those celebrated at the sixth Ladies First Professional Development Network Business Awards. Julia Von Klonowski won the new Inclusivity in Leadership Award for her role as Director of Digital Skills and Consulting at Birmingham Metropolitan College. She dedicates her time and expertise to coaching and developing students in crucial areas such as employability, personal development, and problem-solving skills.
Through her initiatives, students have had the opportunity to enhance their digital skills and tackle real-world issues. Her projects address challenges related to the cost of living, breaking down barriers to learning, and this year’s focus on addiction. One of Julia’s notable achievements is the culmination of the digital skills project, where students from various colleges compete in London before esteemed employers such as Amazon, City of London Police, Wavemaker, Mastercard, and HAYS Recruitment.
Oliver Stokes, who nominated Julia for the award, praised her: “Julia Von Klonowski embodies the spirit of mentorship and innovation, and her contributions have left an indelible mark on the lives of countless young individuals across the UK. Her dedication to empowering the next generation of digital leaders is truly commendable.” He added, “What sets Julia apart is her compassion and genuine care for the young people she mentors. Her commitment extends beyond the confines of our institution, as she tirelessly works with students from various colleges across the UK. Julia’s dedication to nurturing talent knows no bounds, and she goes above and beyond to ensure that each student she encounters receives the guidance and support they need to thrive.”
Four hundred people assembled at Dallas Burston Polo Club in Southam for the glittering ceremony on Thursday (June 13), hosted by Kirsty Leahy, Karen Jones, and ‘Roberto.’ The evening’s entertainment included performances by Birmingham’s Elmhurst Ballet School and singer Ruth Kelly from Coventry.
The Awards, unveiled at The House of Commons in January, are led by Ladies First directors Tracey McAtamney and Karen Massey from Warwickshire. Tracey and Karen said, “It was a phenomenal evening celebrating the achievements of women, men, and future young influencers in business. We couldn’t be more proud of this inspiring event. Huge congratulations to all of our 2024 winners. We also want to express our gratitude to all our sponsors, without whom this event wouldn’t have been possible. Thank you to the IXL Centre for creating a wonderful experience for our guests. We can’t wait to see what 2025 will bring.”
The evening, which included an auction, raffle, and a £5k ring prize draw courtesy of Shipton & Co in Stratford, also raised £8,000 for The Giles Trust Brain Tumour Fund. The charity, established in 2015 by former England cricketer Ashley Giles MBE and his wife Stine, who was diagnosed with three brain tumours over 12 years, raises funds for research, pioneering equipment, and patient support.
Read More : Click Here
