Congratulations to The Giftware Association CEO Sarah Ward and the Greeting Card Association CEO Amanda Fergusson, who are both included in the inaugural Women in Trade Associations [WiTA] Powerlist 2023.
The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) and the Trade Association Forum (TAF) unveiled the Powerlist of women in trade associations on Wednesday (March 8) to coincide with International Women’s Day.
The list was compiled from more than 200 nominations from the sector and a panel from the TAF, CBI and FSB had the unenviable task of selecting the 100 women that make up the inaugural list.
Nicola Bates, chair of the selection panel, explained that the three bodies joined forces to champion the role of women in trade associations, celebrate their achievements, and encourage the next generation of women into the association sector.
Sarah said: “I’m so honoured to have made this list and be celebrated in this way. There are so many other powerful women here too, so I’m privileged to share this achievement with them and for the power of our industry.”
Amanda told Gifts Today’s sister title Greetings Today: “I’m very honoured, and hopefully this will also help to further raise the GCA/card industry profile.”
FSB CEO Julie Lilley added: “At FSB, I’m proud to lead a diverse organisation with strong representation of women at every level. This is true for our staff team but also our volunteers, who are small business owners/self-employed right across the UK. I want to take this moment to reiterate my pride for FSB’s women. Well done to everyone on the list.”
TAF Chair Gaynor Pates commented: “We are incredibly lucky to have so many brilliant women in trade associations: all are experts in their sectors, and many have smashed glass ceilings and succeeded in traditionally male-dominated sectors. Since I became Chair of TAF, it has been a personal mission of mine to make sure that these brilliant women receive the recognition they deserve.”