WISH Scotland Event: Shaping Our Futures: Bold Ambition, Lasting Impact

Dear network,

We are delighted to invite you to celebrate our fourth birthday with us, and our second annual full-day event in Glasgow this September!

Following last year's success, this event promises to be an inspiring and empowering day, bringing together women from across the sector to network and exchange ideas.

You will hear from an exciting line-up of speakers, including our keynote speakers Sunita Poddar and Lesley Robertson, who will share their experiences, insights, and advice on navigating careers, harnessing ambition, and making a lasting impact.

Throughout the day, there will be plenty of opportunities to connect with others, through networking sessions. Whether you are looking to be inspired, learn something new, or expand your network, this event is for you.

Our Speakers: 

Sunita Poddar - Sunita is one of our keynote speakers, CEO of Oakminster Healthcare Ltd and an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and lifelong advocate for community, care, and holistic wellbeing. her journey began in 1977 when she arrived in the UK as a young bride, unable to speak English and with no formal education beyond the basics. From those humble beginnings, she's built a life dedicated to service, resilience, and empowering others to thrive - especially those often left behind.

Sunita also serves as a health and social care advisor to the Scottish Labour Party, working with policymakers to tackle challenges in the care system.

Lesley Robertson - Lesley is one of our keynote speakers and is the Founder and CEO of Juniors Charity, an award-winning organisation supporting hundreds of families every week across Lanarkshire. Over the past decade, Lesley has built Juniors into one of Scotland’s most recognised grassroots family support organisations, delivering practical and emotional support to families facing poverty, crisis and isolation.

Today, Lesley speaks openly and honestly about the realities of rebuilding confidence after life knocks you down - from lone parenthood and exclusion to leadership, resilience and self-worth.

Barbara Henderson - Barbara is the Inverness-based author of award-winning historical fiction for children, and of adult non-fiction about real people's lives. Her work is widely studied in schools. As a drama teacher, she loves nothing more than talking to readers about the power of stories, and her interactive events regularly take her across the country and beyond.

Raeann Rankine - Young housing professional, Mental Health First Aider and aspiring housing leader, Raeann is passionate about personal development, wellbeing and creating opportunities for growth. Having experienced social housing first-hand, she was inspired to build a career in the sector and is committed to making a positive difference to the lives of others. In 2026, she won the Rising Star – One to Watch Award at the SHARE Awards. Balancing her career with motherhood, Raeann will share her journey into housing, the challenges she has overcome, the lessons she has learned and her future ambitions.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Warmly,

The WISH Scotland Team

This event is kindly being sponsored by McTaggart Group