15th March 2023
South Devon College celebrated International Women’s Day and the start of National Careers Week by inviting inspiring women on to campus to share their stories.
Kayleigh Savva from Sky, Mala Neelesh and Chalani Abeywardena from Lumentum Photonics, Emily Gilbert and Ellen Andreassen from Kier Group and Elizabeth Larner, Sophia Goodall and Catherine Pinnegar from Wollens Solicitors moved around the college talking to young people studying a variety of subjects and courses.
Front Row, Left to Right: Elizabeth Larner- Wollens Solicitors (Women in Law), Catherine Pinnegar- Wollens Solicitors (Women in Law), Mala Neelesh- Lumentum Photonics (Women in Hi-Tech) and Chalani Abeywardena- Lumentum Photonics (Women in Hi-Tech).
16 year old Lani Halsey from Brixham, who is studying art, engineering and games development said;” I want to pursue art, and maybe do a tattoo apprenticeship. Kayleigh explained how she got her job at Sky and how its hard work to progress but it’s worth it because you get the reward. I found it inspiring. Gender shouldn’t hold you back. At the moment, I’m focused on deciding what I want to do, I haven’t considered the limitations. Gender shouldn’t be a barrier.”
Chalani Abeywardena, a senior optical engineer at Lumentum Photonics said to the students, “Whatever you do be passionate about it. Think of every day as a new day to learn things.”
International Women’s Day celebrates women’s achievements as well as raising awareness about discrimination.