Photos of women in business networking at women in leadership eventsBlack Country Women in Leadership

Black Country Women in Leadership was established by Black Country Chamber of Commerce in May 2019 to support and celebrate women in senior leadership roles and to help inspire the next generation.

Our Aims

The network provides a welcoming environment for Black Country women in business to:

  • Raise the profile of, inspire and promote the achievements of regional women leaders and support the next generation.
  • Meet, share, and discuss views, experiences, or concerns.
  • Provide opportunities for peer networking and information sharing.
  • Address inequalities and strive for parity within the region's business community.

Our Work

We aim to deliver high-quality events each year that support the network's objectives and aims. We have engaged with a range of delegates since the launch of this project and continue to explore more ways of supporting and inspiring the region's current and future women leaders.

Women in Leadership Steering Group Steering Group

The network is operated and developed by a voluntary steering group with administrative and operational support provided by the Black Country Chamber of Commerce.

The Steering Group oversees the running of the network and forms a governing body from within its membership. The Chair of the steering group is Lucy Rook from BlackRook Academy Limited. Her role is to ensure that the network acts in accordance with its aims and objectives and will direct the activities of the network.

Events

Me, Myself & I - Thursday 4th July 2024

Held at Tecman, St Marks Church in Wolverhampton, our first event discussed breaking the stigma associated with imposter syndrome by changing the narrative from ‘suffering from imposter syndrome’ to ‘having an imposter experience’. Well- known ITV News presenter Pip Tomson shared her experience of imposter syndrome, and how she has overcome this throughout her career sparking positive discussion amongst female leaders who shared similar experiences.

In addition, Women in Leadership Chair Lucy Rook and City of Wolverhampton College Deputy Principal Louise Fall officially announced the launch of the Guiding Stars initiative which is a mentoring programme specifically designed to provide young women with positive female role models.


Socially Savvy Me - Tuesday 22nd October 2024

Held at University of Wolverhampton, our guest speakers of the day, Hannah Louise Moore from BlackRook Academy shared her knowledge on social/digital media and Laura Tatton from ConsuLT PR & Marketing Limited spoke about the use of AI in social media.

Guests learned some practical tips, statistics and strategies on:

  • How women are leveraging LinkedIn and other platforms
  • How to build your personal brand and connections online
  • Demystifying AI and how it can be used to enhance social content
  • Mastering the art of creating live posts and engaging in real-time

Celebrating International Women's Day - Friday 7th March 2025

Held at Molineux Stadium, men and women from across the region joined us to highlight the incredible contributions of women in football, photography, leadership and mentoring.

From the unveiling of the 'Wolves Women Exhibition' as the team celebrates it's 50th season, to hearing from inspiring speakers sharing their ambitions of breaking down barriers and the importance of female role models the event was the best way to celebrate International Women's Day.

Lucy Rook, Chair of our Women in Leadership steering group also provided an update on the network’s progress including the Guiding Stars mentoring scheme for young women.

Keep an eye out for future Women in Leadership events here.

Our Partners


Women in Leadership Partner - University of Wolverhampton


Click here for more information about partnering with us on our WiL initiative.

For the network's full terms of reference and additional information, please contact website@blackcountrychamber.co.uk