Evolving LGBTQ+ rights: intergenerational experiences

After a career spent working within the data industry, including 18 years as the Managing Director of an internationally based corporate, Lisa decided to change focus and pursue a business opportunity based upon her lifelong interest in sport, nutrition, health, and well-being. Following the completion of a Masters’ degree in Exercise and Nutrition Science at University of Chester, , Lisa founded MtWW. Lisa’s interest in the subject was triggered by her dissertation research project examing the impact of Vitamin D on menopausal symptoms experienced by female endurance athletes. She has undertaken menopause specific training with the International Menopause Society, Newson Health Menopause Society and continues to update her knowledge around all aspects of female hormonal health.

MtWW helps organisations and individuals to manage the impact of this life transition that women will experience. Support and guidance are available for diverse groups including:

• senior leaders, enabling them to understand the business impact.
• managers, who may have menopausal team members and need to have difficult conversations.
• female employees, providing evidence-based information and support around all aspects of the perimenopause and menopause.
• male employees wishing to support their partners.

Following twelve years spent working abroad across Europe and Latin America, Richard moved to Manchester in 2022 to take up his role as Business Engagement Manager in the Business Innovation Services team at the University of Salford. His team is responsible for linking industry into the knowledge, expertise and funding at the University to provide innovative solutions to business challenges. Thanks to his time spent abroad, Richard speaks Spanish and Portuguese fluently, as well as Catalan, Dutch and French at varying levels. He has a keen interest in sustainability, and has worked on numerous projects which support businesses on their decarbonisation journey following the completion of his Masters degree in Sustainable Business Leadership. Finally, Richard forms part of ‘Salford Proud’, the University’s network which advocates for diversity, organises social events, brings together LGBTQIA+ colleagues and creates a safe space for those who may be at risk.

Following his graduation at MMU, Philip worked for a variety of companies before joining The Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce where he worked in Business Development for 19 years.

He now works at The Bridgewater Hall as Sponsorship, Corporate & Premium Experience Sales Manager and has been there for the past 18 months.

In his current role, Philip is responsible for recruiting businesses or individuals and subsequently onboarding them as Members. He also manages a small team of casual staff whose responsibility it is to provide a VIP experience to members and guests when attending concert events.

In his spare time Philip enjoys running, going to the gym, and chilling out with his friends.

My name is Alisha and I am 26. I work for Together Finance as a Procurement Graduate. I wanted to speak at this event to share my own experience in and out of the work place being now openly part of the LGBTQ+ community. Having grown up without a prominent  figure to help me navigate, I make it my mission to be a support for others

Nicola is a partner in the Insurance department at Forbes Solicitors specialising in dealing with claims for occupational and industrial diseases. These include claims for Asbestos related conditions, Noise Induced Hearing Loss, Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome, Dermatitis, Asthma, Legionnaires Disease, Claims relating to Covid & Work related stress

She advises insurance companies, local authorities and corporate clients on all aspects of disease claims including corporate histories, insurance positions and claim merits while considering economic and commercial factors.

Nicola is the Branch Managing Partner of the Manchester office of Forbes Solicitors, sits as one of the firm’s Graduate Recruitment partners and is co chair of the firm’s EDIB committee. She also leads a LGBTQ+ special interest group and cohosts a podcast ,Natterbox, discussing mental health.

In her spare time Nicola enjoys spending time with her partner, friends and family, watching as much sport as she can, also playing a bit and most importantly being the human of Dolly Dawn, her beloved sausage dog.