Becoming Chair by Amelia Ladbrook

So this is definitely a bit overdue- but I thought it was about time I shared my thoughts on becoming Chairperson of BPS Birmingham Aspire. Yes, it took me a while to believe too.
BPS Birmingham Aspire is a networking and development group for people in education and training, which launched in January this year. I have been a member of the leadership team since April, loving every minute of it, and now I have been given the opportunity to be Chair. A thought that is still exciting and scary!
This year BPS Aspire is looking ahead, working on the solid foundations that last year’s inaugural leadership team have built. We’re very exciting to be putting together a calendar of events, to include networking, personal development and professional development alongside exposure to the Birmingham professional and financial services.
I am very lucky to be working alongside a great new team for this year too. My deputy, Awo Guhad, is currently studying at Birmingham Metropolitan College Professional Services Academy and is the epitome of an Aspire member. Someone with drive and ambition, looking to make herself stand out amongst the competition. Alongside myself and Awo are our hardworking leadership team, Christina Clarke- Events & Marketing Assistant at BPS Birmingham, Kimberly Grant- A Level student, Julie Ledesma- Major Gifts and Fundraising Intern at Birmingham Children’s Hospital and Charlotte Watkivs- Schools and Colleges Event Assistant at Birmingham City University. Girl power or what!
It is an absolute honour to be named Chair of Aspire and though this is going to be a huge challenge (I thought just working in recruitment was busy enough!) it is also an amazing opportunity to help others develop and discover the BPS sector, just as I did. There are some great plans in the pipeline and I can’t wait for what the rest of this year holds.
I would never have had the confidence to put myself forward for this role had it not been for the support and guidance I have had from SimkissGuy and BPS. Birmingham is full of amazing professionals who are really passionate about passing on what they know, ensuring that Birmingham is becoming bigger and better every day. My adventure is just starting and I can’t wait to be able to pass on what I learn this year to future Aspire members.