Stone Federation GB launches Women In Natural Stone mentoring programme

On International Women’s Day, Stone Federation welcomed 60 women from natural stone companies, architects, main contractors and clients to London to celebrate the launch of the Women In Natural Stone Mentoring Programme.

The initiative aims to connect those in the earlier years of their career with those more experienced in their field.

“The event was a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the launch as well as giving those present a chance to connect with other female professionals and celebrate International Women’s Day,” says the organisation. “As part of the launch, we welcomed Tamsin Napier-Munn as our guest speaker who inspired, challenged and enthused all those present.”

Also present at the event were a host of natural stone companies, alongside several names in the architectural, design and construction sector, including the Ardmore Group, Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios, FMDC and Foster + Partners.

The Federation would like to thank WINS co-chairs, Becca Cranfield of Athena Stonecare and Tamsin Pickeral of Szerelmey and all the women who joined to celebrate the launch.

Following this launch event in London on International Women’s Day, the WINS Mentoring Programme is now open to the industry. The scheme has been developed to help connect those more experienced in their career with those in the earlier years of their professional journey.

To sign up, email [email protected] to request the registration form and someone will be in touch to connect you with a mentor. Once your application is received, you will be matched with a mentor and an introductory email connecting the two of you will be sent.

From there, it will be between the two of you to arrange a first catch up. Stone Federation will provide some “ice-breaker” questions to ease the flow of conversation, but if you’d prefer not to use them, that’s up to you.

The Women In Natural Stone Mentoring Programme is open to any woman working in the natural stone sector. The organisation has put together a group of mentors from across the natural stone, architectural and construction sectors, all of whom are well-experienced within their professions and well-placed to support and encourage their mentees.

“We recognise that mentoring is first and foremost a relational dynamic,” Stone Federation says, “so your mentor may be from a different specialism but with transferable experiences that can support you in your career.”

The organisation continues: “We are still accepting applications for mentors. If this is something that you would be interested in, please email [email protected].”
www.stonefed.org.uk