Find out more about our facilitators who will support you on your Thrive™ Personal Development Programme journey.
Rhinannon Martyn
I came late to recognising that my experience as a female employee might be different to that of a male colleague. I was lucky to have some really good female leaders and role models to learn from and be supported by. I’m now in a position where I want to help support women to fulfil (and exceed) their professional and personal ambitions so that luck doesn’t have to be a factor. I feel privileged to be part of the Thrive team and I’m looking forward to meeting you 😊
Anne Wilson
I’m an experienced careers professional, strengths practitioner, coach, leader and writer. I’ve long been an advocate of gender equity. I motivate women to believe in their brilliance, helping them achieve their goals more quickly that they would alone.
I recently won an award for delivering ‘Springboard’ the award-winning 'Springboard' personal and professional development programme for female staff at Warwick.
Marion Patel
I’m a Placement Officer (and mum, friend, partner, baker, gardener, cat-owner, etc). Engaging with personal/professional development programmes has played an important part in my professional journey. I am so pleased that through initiatives like Thrive I get to bring together the skills of my ‘day job’ (working with, and developing people) with the ability to pass on and pay forward the benefits of personal and professional growth opportunities.
Donna Walker
My name is Donna and I work as a Careers Coach with FTMBA Students in Warwick Business School. I love my role as I support students to gain their dream job! This involves careers coaching and workshops on crafting your CV, interview technique and networking skills. However, we also support students with building resilience and confidence to help them succeed in the workplace. I am looking forward to contributing to the Thrive Programme and meeting you all. In my spare time I love reading (and go to a monthly book club), running (short distances) and visiting National Trust properties (especially the tea room!).
Giorgia McDonald
I am a dedicated woman with a passion for nurturing the career paths of undergraduate students. Over the past five years, I have served as a Careers Coach at WBS, providing guidance and coaching to empower young minds as they navigate the early stages of their professional journeys. Beyond my professional role, I am a proud mother to a vibrant 3 year old daughter.
My commitment to women's personal development is deeply rooted in my own experiences as a mother. Witnessing the potential and possibilities that lie ahead for my daughter, I am driven to contribute to a world where women are empowered to reach their fullest potential. Through my work, I aim to inspire and support young women in their pursuit of meaningful and fulfilling careers, fostering a future where they can confidently navigate the professional landscape. This personal connection fuels my dedication to championing women's personal and professional growth, creating a positive impact that extends beyond the workplace and into the broader fabric of society.
Amanda Bishop
I am Amanda, and I am really excited to be involved in the years Thrive Programme. My role at Warwick is working within the Widening Participation Team and also the Faculty of Science, Engineering and Medicine, to help create an inclusive community.
I strongly believe in the development of students and in particular supporting the empowerment of women at Warwick.
I help run the WP Student Network, which acts as a peer network for WP Students at Warwick and also am lucky to be one of the leads for the Inspiring Women at Warwick Staff Programme.
Out of work I like travelling and crafting (although I don’t have a favourite!) and I also am the proud owner of a black and white cavapoochon doggie 😊
Sarah Bennett
I am passionate about women’s personal development and am proud of what we have achieved so far with the Thrive programme.I have worked in different roles - as a Training Consultant, as a Careers Advisor and now developing this exciting new programme – the common link across my career has been helping others to fulfil their potential and finding purpose and happiness in their lives!I am inspired everyday through learning about other women’s lives and challenges, and love connecting women so we can learn from each other. Buildingmentoring into Thrive was important to me, as I know from personal experience how valuable it can be.Outside of work, I love travelling. I have two daughters, two cats, and love meeting friends for long walks in the countryside.
Nita Lad
Nita is a Careers Coach at Warwick Business School. She believes career confidence can be built, and that everyone has unique strengths and skills. She’s worked with such diverse professionals - from Business Leaders, students and apprentices - and lived and worked in North America. Nita’s had multiple careers in marketing and recruitment in the commercial sector and higher education.
Nita has a passion for social inclusion and was recently award the WBS Core Award for Outstanding Contribution to Social Inclusion. She’s coached women leaders and has run sessions on Impact and influence; Finding your own voice; Building your reputation; Communication and Presentation Skills; Networking; and Managing your Wellbeing. She has Postgraduate Certificate in Career Development and Coaching Studies from the University of Warwick.
In her spare time Nita’s quite creative and crafty and sews and designs clothes and jewellery.
Emma Glanvill
Hello, my name is Emma and I work in the Central Careers Team at Warwick as a Job Search Assistant. I am very mission driven and passionate about supporting students to realise their full potential.
Having graduated in 2018, it doesn’t feel that long ago that I was in your shoes! I remember feeling somewhat lost and lacking in confidence during my time at University, trying to work out who I was and the person I wanted to be. I would have loved the opportunity to join an empowering personal development programme like ‘Thrive’ and I feel very fortunate to be involved now in such an exciting initiative.
I look forward to meeting you soon and hope to share some insightful tips and authentic personal stories to help you on your journey of self-discovery.
Claire Dixon
As a career’s professional, former RAF Officer, and seasoned recruiter, I've actively contributed to the career development and advancement of hundreds of individuals in various stages of their careers over the last 20 years. I am delighted to contribute my insight and expertise to Thrive at the University of Warwick, where I can share my passion for empowering women in their professional journeys. I am deeply passionate about providing women with the tools and resources to achieve their professional aspirations, especially those in typically male dominated environments. My experience also extends beyond just the workplace; I have devoted time to voluntary work, supporting women in STEM enter the workforce, or re-enter the workforce after parental leave or other extended periods away from their specialism, in roles appropriate for their level of education and experience. This multifaceted background has equipped me with valuable insights and a genuine commitment to fostering positive change in the lives of women in the professional sphere.