Millburn Academy Celebrates International Women’s Day with Inspiring Panel Event

To mark International Women’s Day 2025, Millburn Academy hosted an inspiring panel event, bringing together remarkable Highland women to share their career journeys, life lessons, and advice with pupils. Organised by DYW School Coordinator Jody Cataneo in partnership with Millburn Academy Headteacher Kerry Sinclair, the event showcased a diverse group of local role models who demonstrated that there is no single path to success.

The event featured two panel discussions: one for S4 pupils and another for S1 and S2 girls. Each panellist shared their personal and professional experiences, reinforcing the importance of self-belief, resilience, and supporting one another. From adventure athletes to entrepreneurs, public servants to creatives, the panels reflected the wide range of opportunities available to young people and encouraged them to pursue their passions with confidence.

Key Takeaways

The discussions were filled with invaluable insights, but some of the standout messages included:

• Belief in yourself – Having the courage to make changes when you are not fulfilled is key to shaping a career you love.
• No single path to success – Many of the panellists are in careers they never planned for when they left school, showing that opportunities evolve over time.
• Following your passion – Doing what you love doesn’t feel like work, and taking risks in pursuit of your goals can be transformative.
• Confidence takes many forms – Finding where you feel most confident and leaning into that can be a powerful tool.
• Women supporting women – Encouraging and uplifting one another makes a real impact on closing the gender equality gap.
• Overcoming prejudice – While challenges exist, focusing on what you can achieve silences the doubters and proves them wrong.

Voices of Inspiration

Reflecting on the event, Jody Cataneo, DYW School Coordinator, shared, “All the amazing women that took time out of their day to be part of the IWD panel were nominated by Millburn Academy staff as local inspirational women. Their stories, passion, opinions, and advice just further confirmed how inspirational and successful these women are.

“A number of classes held discussions on IWD that led to the creation of fantastic questions for the panel. The key messages for our young girls (and boys!) were to get comfortable with being uncomfortable, be active with the ‘let them’ theory, believe in yourself, and treat everyone with kindness. I was really impressed with the number of S1 and S2 girls who stayed behind to speak to the panel and ask further questions.

“A standout moment of women boosting women was when each panel member was presented with a sketch of themselves, drawn by one of our talented and kind S2 girls.”

Headteacher Kerry Sinclair highlighted the event’s importance in creating lasting impact, “This is the first time we have formally marked International Women’s Day in our school. I wanted pupils to have the opportunity to hear about and recognise the incredible contributions of women in our community and across the Highlands.

“It is a day that will hopefully inspire pupils to appreciate diversity, promote equality, and empower one another. By celebrating International Women’s Day, we encourage everyone to reflect on the importance of inclusion and the positive impact women have in shaping our world. Listening to our panellists, it is clear we all have a role in building a future where everyone has the opportunity to succeed, regardless of gender.”

A Remarkable Line-Up

The panels featured an impressive array of women, each bringing a unique perspective and experience:

Panel 1 (S4 Pupils)

• Anne Macpherson – Strategic Lead in Resources for Highland Council
• Anna Wells – First woman to complete the Munros in winter (83 days) and adventure enthusiast
• Nicole McLennan – Entrepreneur behind Perk on Church Street
• Sandra Murray – Renowned artist and couturier who has designed for royalty
• Fiona Dalgety – CEO of Fèis Rois, named an Outstanding Woman in Scotland
• Chrissie Merrick – Founding nurse at Highland Hospice and dedicated volunteer
• Kate Maclean – SNP Councillor
• Karen Simpson – Founder of My Primary and Secondary Tutor business, advocate for building confidence in education
• Jeni Iannetta – Owner of Bad Girl Bakery, entrepreneur, and cookbook author
• Emma Roddick – MSP for Highlands and Islands, elected at just 23

Panel 2 (S1/S2 Girls)

• Chelsie Allison – Former Miss Scotland and dedicated fundraiser
• Sandra Murray – (Returning from Panel 1) Artist and designer
• Alison McRitchie – Salon director and Highland Hospice fundraiser
• Iona Nicol MBE – Founder of Munlochy Animal Aid
• Karla Stephenson – Group Commander for Inverness Fire & Rescue
• Aimi Kenyan – 19-year-old downhill mountain biking champion
• Kerry Sinclair – Millburn Academy Headteacher with a passion for sports and education

The Legacy of the Event

By bringing these accomplished women into the school, Millburn Academy and DYWICH provided young people with real-life role models and reinforced the message that success comes in many forms. The event not only celebrated the achievements of women in the Highlands but also encouraged the next generation to break barriers and pursue their ambitions without fear.

International Women’s Day 2025 at Millburn Academy was more than just an event - it was a movement toward empowerment, equality, and limitless potential. With conversations sparked, minds opened, and confidence boosted, the impact of this gathering will resonate far beyond the day itself.

If you'd like to get involved with events like this at Millburn Academy or any of our 14 secondary schools across Inverness & Central Highland, please get in touch today at info@dywich.co.uk