Students from across Manchester attend Inspiring Women’s Conference at Alliance Manchester Business School

Almost 100 girls from three schools across Manchester spent a day at the University’s Alliance Manchester Business School (AMBS) learning about entrepreneurship and social enterprise.

The students from Levenshulme High School, Whalley Range High School and The East Manchester Academy School – all three of which are part of the Education Leadership Trust – heard direct from entrepreneurs who shared their experiences in setting up companies, as well as from MBA students who shared their own personal journeys in education and business.

Conference facilitator Patricia Perlman Dee, Senior Lecturer in Finance at Alliance Manchester Business School, said the purpose of the event was to inspire the students and stress that there are different opportunities in the working world and no one-size-fits-all.

“We wanted to get across that you don’t have to know at a young age exactly what you want to do and that there are many possibilities along the way. The purpose of the event was also to give the girls the chance to learn about sustainable goals and how community interest companies and businesses can work towards those goals.”

Zarka Bebbington from Levenshulme High School said the partnership with AMBS was important because it created opportunities for students to be in an environment where they can network with other students and also hear from inspiring women who have been on incredible journeys.

“I know from being involved in this event previously that students have been inspired by these stories and journeys, and it has encouraged them to apply for extra-curricular activities in the school and also for student leadership positions. I have also noticed during the time we have been involved over the last few years that students have developed relationships with other schools and they are talking to each other and coming up with some great ideas.”