Empowering our future, “if you see it, you can be it”, young females from schools in the local area visited RAF Benson on 24 April 2025 to meet with inspirational women.
Role models from a variety of backgrounds including elite athletes, civilian pilots, academia and military engineering professions volunteered their time to take part in interactive sessions and give inspirational speeches to Year 8 and 9 students.
Sqn Ldr Grantham said: “The message I shared today is that if I can, you can. I want them to be aware that we all have the same opportunities”.
Speakers shared their personal stories, physical and mental challenges and experiences to encourage young females to pursue their dreams. Emphasis was placed on resilience and determination to achieve personal goals and overcome mental challenges.
Charlotte Cotterell, British Airways Pilot said: “Even though I am in the uniform, I have been surprised at the number of girls who don’t think I am a pilot but assume I’m cabin crew. When I was young, I never thought I could be a pilot, and I am here to show that any job is possible, even if they think it is not – it’s about breaking down barriers”.
The event closed with a presentation from Eilidh Bryers, Operations Director JFD. Through storytelling Eilidh highlighted four key messages for the students:
- If you feel out of place it means you are doing something right. Other people see something in you, even if you don’t (yet) see it yourself.
- A seed grows where it is planted. Surround yourself with people and situations that nurture and develop you.
- Feel the fear and do it anyway.
- Don’t give up when it matters and accept and know that the plan is going to change.
Flt Lt Lucy Froome, Weapons Systems Officer summarised the event by saying; “This is about allowing them (the students) to believe in themselves. Personally, I didn’t apply for an aircrew role initially and only discovered my passion for flying later down the line. The key message is there is not a single job you can’t do – believe you can.”
