Former Students' Union President claims regional business prize
A University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) student and former Students’ Union (SU) President has been named as the region’s rising star at a prestigious award ceremony.
Josie Linsel, who was the SU President last year, beat off stiff competition to be crowned the winner at the Forward Ladies Women in Business Awards 2016.
The former SU Activities and Participation Officer said: “It was a huge shock to win. I was up against some women who had achieved massive amounts with their businesses so I was over the moon to be presented with the Rising Star award.
“It’s due to the opportunities I had been given by UCLan Students’ Union and the University in partnership that I was able to take advantage of my time as a Company Director. I’m proud of myself and of the Union, and really grateful to everyone who’s helped me grow over the past two years.”
"It was a huge shock to win. I was up against some women who had achieved massive amounts with their businesses so I was over the moon to be presented with the Rising Star award."
Josie, from Huddersfield, was up against strong competition from women from across the North West, Wales and the Isle of Man. Her success with the SU also saw her shortlisted in the not-for-profit category.
During her time as an elected representative of the 26,000 students at UCLan, Josie was a Company Director, a Trustee and Chair of the Trustee Board of the Union, and a Non-Executive Director of the University. After a wide range of successes and several big changes to help improve the University experience of UCLan students, Josie has now returned to life as a student, completing her degree in marketing management.
Due to her success the SU will receive tailored business support from HSBC, as well as ICT support from Microsoft, including a review of how the organisation can utilise technology across a range of business functions to drive business results.
As a winner of one of the regional finals, Josie has been invited to appear before a live judging interview panel in November, followed by the national final in Leeds on 1 December.
Forward Ladies was founded in 1999 and supports women in their professional lives and celebrates and champions the role of women in the workplace.