Women of Influence Lunch at the House of Lords

The Right Honourable Baroness Byford DBE and Pro Vice-Chancellor Christine Fyfe were hosts at a special luncheon for women at the House of Lords on 16 June 2010. 

This memorable occasion brought together 26 graduates and women of influence from a broad range of sectors - from consultants, business and civic leaders to prominent figures in the law, medicine and the media. 

Among those present were successful Leicestershire businesswoman Hilary Devey, founder of the leading logistics company Pall-Ex; Dame Suzi Leather, Chair of the Charity Commission; best-selling author Adele Parks; and Vijay Sharma, Head of the BBC Asian Network.  The common link between all the women in this diverse group was their connection to the University or the local community.

During the lunch there was an opportunity to hear about the University’s future plans and the leading contribution that women have made to our work today.  Unanimous support and enthusiasm was shown for the £4m Appeal for the University’s new Cardiovascular Research Centre at Glenfield Hospital.  This state of the art Centre will deliver a step change in cardiovascular research capacity and improve the health and life expectations of patients and the public in Leicester and ultimately world wide.