CEO The Kids Network. Board member of Dollywood Foundation UK, Brixton House Theatre, Oscar's Book Prize.
On #IWD25 I want to talk about networks. In the last year The Kids Network has benefitted from so much generosity and amazing networks - they are the engine of our work. But I want to tell a story about one network that has been transformative - and is in existence because of the way one woman decided to celebrate International Women's Day last year. In 2024 I saw a post (thank you Simon Lucey) from a woman who was launching her own business and was doing so by offering pro-bono work to women-led charities. Never ones to shy away from a freebie ( 😁 ) Natalie Worms and I got in touch! We met the amazing Ruth Faulkner who was launching Toucan Content and we were the recipients of a brilliant piece of work that helped us to refine our volunteer recruitment and is still influencing our work. That wasn't the end of the story though. Ruth introduced us to a whole new network of amazing women and that network is now embedded in the very fabric of The Kids Network. We met Jessica Cooper, PhD whose generous donation of time and skill has changed our entire team for the better, we have benefited from the talents of Heather DeLand, the knowledge of @KellyMorshead and, because of Ruth, we now have the shiningly wonderful Amaria-Rae B. as part of our TKN team. Independently and collectively they have all added to our work, to our voice and supported above and beyond. All because one woman made a choice to surround herself with smart, strong women and to run her business with purpose and with their voices at the heart. So my #IWD25 message is to say - raise the women around you up all year not just on one day - and to say 'Thank You' to Ruth Faulkner who lives that message.
My writing for The Kids Network is some of my favourite work that I do! When I was a kid, someone was there for me and I love to know that little Londoners can have someone on their side at such an important time in their lives. Wonderful to think that women getting together can make great things happen.❤️
Thank you so so much for this recognition Louise Johns-Shepherd, it’s so kind. I’ve been so uplifted by all the work I’ve been able to do with you and The Kids Network. I absolutely agree in the power of networks, especially networks of women. I’m looking forward to see what we can achieve together, and through our networks, this year!
I completely share your sentiments and gratitude to Ruth Faulkner. It’s been a pleasure supporting you to craft your culture at TKN, you’re a great organisation with a really important purpose.
Thank you for all you’ve done to support our work The Kids Network 🧡🩵♥️