International Women's Day 2021
To mark International Women’s Day, we’re celebrating the women who work at Hadley Property Group - and raising awareness of Her Centre, a small women’s charity based in Greenwich whose mission is to engage, enable and empower women to move away from abuse and move forward with their lives.
Her Centre is a women-focused, women-led organisation working to help and support women facing domestic violence and sexual abuse. They are founded on the belief that they key to eradicating violence against women lies in empowering women and acknowledging the societal inequality that legitimises violence.
Working with over 1,000 women every year, Her Centre offers a whole host of services, advice and training in areas from relationship abuse, legal issues, health and wellbeing, and emergency housing.
Last Christmas, Hadley staff organised a Christmas fundraiser to support the charity’s incredible work in transforming the lives of the women and children they help. The donation has funded bedding, kettles and beds for families who have moved into new homes.
Her Centre are hosting various International Women’s Day activities of their own, including an online event on Tuesday 9th March focusing on girls and young women in social media. Click here to find out more and register for the event.
We at Her Centre appreciate the support Hadley staff gave through their Christmas fundraising. The funds raised are being used to meet the needs of families who have moved with little or no belongings and we are supplying bedding, kettles, and even beds to help them settle into new homes. Donations from Hadley and other firms really help the women we support.
To celebrate International Women's Day, we asked each of the women working at Hadley a little about themselves, their interests and their role.
I like the diversity of development management. You could be talking about options for a new development opportunity one day or be on-site with a live project the next.
What are some of your hobbies?
When the netball season was cancelled because of COVID restrictions, I took up open water swimming instead. I even went in the lake on Christmas day for a 4°C swim - but only for about five minutes...
What is your favourite part of your role?
I like the diversity of development management. You could be talking about options for a new development opportunity one day, or be on-site with a live project the next. There is always something new to learn.
What advice would you give to someone hoping to enter your field?
Try and get lots of work experience as early as possible so you know which area of property is right for you. It is a diverse field with lots of different job roles.
Being a parent has taught me so much. I’ve learned how resilient women can be managing family and work, and how validating it feels to be working for a company that values professionalism and inclusion.
What are some of your hobbies?
I love exercise. I enjoy long walks with my family, early morning runs and a visit to the gym when I can! Family life leaves me with little time for hobbies, so most of mine involve my family! I also love a nice beach and travelling when I can.
What is your favourite part of your role?
I really thrive from being around people, so to coordinate and undertake tasks to help the business flourish and keep people happy and moving is what I find really motivating.
What is the best part of being a woman?
Being a parent has taught me so much, so I would definitely say motherhood! I have learned how resilient women can be managing family and work, and how validating it feels to be working for a company that values professionalism and inclusion. So alongside motherhood, being at the forefront of seeing times change for women in the workplace is very exciting!
Be as fearless as your male colleagues. Never be afraid to speak up or share your ideas. Have open discussions about what inspires you and what you enjoy and make sure your voice is heard.
What is your favourite part of your role?
I love working with local communities and stakeholders to make sure we're making a big difference and creating real social value with our meanwhile and engagement activities. It's also very rewarding to ensure that our developments connect communities and brings benefits for everyone.
Who is your biggest female role model?
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. She has fought for everything that she has achieved, is unwavering in her convictions and uses her voice to represent those who need it most. All in a very male dominated environment.
What advice would you give to someone hoping to enter your field?
Be as fearless as your male colleagues. Never be afraid to speak up or share your ideas. Have open discussions about what inspires you and what you enjoy and make sure your voice is heard.
I enjoy working closely with people, organising events, planning travel abroad and getting involved with new and exciting opportunities. I love how varied my role can be and that my opinion matters.
What are some of your hobbies?
I’m a very social person and love spending time with friends and family, when I can. Travelling, exploring, walking and cycling are my favourite pastimes. I am also a keen snowboarder and happiest when I’m breathing in the fresh mountain air! As a side project, I run a small fashion brand which is a lot of fun and very rewarding.
What is your favourite part of your role?
I enjoy working closely with people and forming strong working relationships, organising events, planning travel abroad and getting involved with new and exciting opportunities. I love how varied my role can be, and that my opinion matters.
What is the best part of being a woman?
Is the prerogative to have a little fun…
I’m inspired by the women I work with, the women I’m friends with, the women in my family and so many more. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is my biggest role model - she’s young, successful and stands up for what she believes in.
What is your favourite part of your role?
My favourite part of my job at Hadley is that there’s always room to do something different and be proactive in your approach. Each project requires a lot of work and there’s always room for improvement, so you can suggest changes which will make a real difference for the future.
Who is your biggest female role model?
I’m inspired by the women I work with, the women I’m friends with, the women in my family and so many more. If I had to take it down to one who sums it all up, I’d say Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. She’s young, successful and stands up for what she believes in.
What is the best part of being a woman?
Challenging stereotypes.
What I find rewarding is working with a whole range of different partners and charities, learning about the work they do to help people in the areas where we’re developing, and getting involved in their events and activities.
What is your favourite part of your role?
The most rewarding part for me is working with a whole range of different partners and charities, learning about the work they do to help people in the areas where we’re developing and getting involved in the events, programmes and volunteering activities they host. It’s also a lot of fun running our social media channels, creating content and crafting it into a story. Every day is different.
What made you decide to go into this field?
I’ve always noticed houses and architecture when I go to new places, and my mum is an interior designer, so I’ve grown up in lots of different houses watching how she can transform something with colours and furniture. And I’m a real chatterbox, I like telling stories and being creative. So, working in communications in the real estate sector seemed like a great way to combine the two.
What is the best part of being a woman?
Easy... We get the bigger apartment in FRIENDS!
The best part of my role at Hadley is meeting new people, learning new things every week and the satisfaction of seeing projects through from start to finish.
What are some of your hobbies?
Live sport and music. It was tough not to have either during the lockdown last year. I particularly enjoy running, cycling and skiing - and exploring new places when I can!
What is your favourite part of your role?
Meeting new people, learning new things every week and the satisfaction of seeing projects through from start to finish.
Who is your biggest female role model?
Serena Williams – one of the greatest female athletes of all time. 23 grand slam wins & 4 Olympic gold medals!
