Every year on 8 March, International Women’s Day offers a powerful moment to honour the achievements of women past and present. At Spaces at The Spine, we are taking this opportunity to celebrate the incredible women who help make our venue a success, making world-class events possible and inspiring innovation, collaboration, and creativity.
To mark this special occasion, we're shining the spotlight on four remarkable women who play key roles in our team. We caught up with General Manager Katie Roberts, our BDM, Leah Harris, Head of Commercial Events Natacha Allen and Events Marketing Manager Giulia Barazza to learn more about their journeys, what International Women's Day means to them, and some helpful advice for other women hoping to start their career in the industry.
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
Katie: International Women’s Day is a chance for me to appreciate all the amazing women in my life and around the world, while also reflecting on how far we’ve come but how much more needs to be done to ensure women everywhere have the same opportunities, respect, and rights. It’s about honouring their strength and pushing for a future where everyone can thrive, no matter their gender.
Leah: It is a great day to recognise and celebrate the achievements and resilience of women around the world. It’s also a reminder of the ongoing journey for gender equality and the need to continue pushing for a world where women have equal rights and opportunities.
Natacha: Having started my career in an era when women, including myself, weren’t always given equal opportunities, I’ve witnessed a seismic shift over the years. International Women’s Day is a moment to reflect on how far we’ve come, to acknowledge my own journey, and to celebrate the strength and determination of women from all walks of life. It’s a day that motivates and inspires me to continue pushing boundaries and supporting others on their own paths.
Giulia: International Women’s Day has always been an important day for me – one of those days to reflect on the rights and freedoms we often take for granted and to pay homage to the women who came before us and fought to give us a more equal life.
The women in my family embody strength and resilience, and did everything in their power to allow me to follow my passions and grow into a woman with her own ideas, ambitions and values. They lived societal shifts and ensured that both my brother and I were raised with equal opportunities. When I think of IWD, I always think about my grandmothers’ and mum’s experiences, and I’m grateful for what they taught and keep on teaching me.
Ultimately, for me, International Women’s Day is about recognising the progress that has been made by the women who came before me whilst acknowledging that a lot more work remains. I always try to remind myself that women and girls around the world face unique challenges depending on her backgrounds, cultures and identities.
