We closed this year’s Power of Women Schools Programme with an unforgettable Inspiration Day hosted by our fantastic headline partners at Thirteen, at their Middlehaven HQ.
True to the spirit of Power of Women, it wasn’t about simply showing children what’s out there, it was about sparking their own sense of agency, leadership and possibility.
Rather than a tour, Cheryl and the Thirteen team created a day that challenged students to think deeply about their role in their own communities, just as Thirteen plays theirs as a social housing provider. Through hands-on activities and conversations, children met people from across the organisation: different roles, different stories, but one shared mission: making life better for local people.
The focus then turned to the students. They worked with their local Thirteen ‘connectors’ to identify issues in their own communities, with a particular spotlight on tackling anti-social behaviour. Each group created an action plan and pitched their ideas directly to Thirteen’s CEO, standing tall in his boardroom and presenting with passion, confidence, and professionalism.
And they were phenomenal.
Some of these children began the programme unable to make eye contact or step outside their friendship groups. But across the year, we’ve watched them grow, gain confidence, and find their voice. On this day, they weren’t just participants they were leaders, change-makers, ambassadors.
It was one of the proudest moments of our POW journey. And clearly, the impact was felt in the room: Matt, Thirteen’s CEO, was so impressed he awarded £2,000 to every single school who took part, to bring their ideas to life alongside Thirteen’s teams.
That’s what legacy looks like. Children who leave our programme not just inspired, but empowered to act.
A huge thank you to Thirteen for creating such an impactful day and to our ambassadors, who remind us every time why this work matters.
You are the future, and you are brilliant.
Power of Women is a community interest company dedicated to building confidence, creating opportunities and unlocking potential for young people across the Tees Valley.
Spearheaded by the Late Professor Jane Turner OBE DL, this campaign embodies Jane’s determination and commitment to improving life chances of girls in the Tees Valley region. We want to give girls and young women of the region the inspiration, tools and support that they need to take control over the direction of their own lives, and to not just survive, but thrive.
Power Of Women CIC
17 Falcon Court,
Preston Farm Industrial Estate,
Stockton-On-Tees,
TS18 3TU
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