The Leasing Foundation celebrates the industry’s female trailblazers

Helena Thernstrom (pictured), Leasing Foundation board member and inclusion lead commented “This year’s IWD theme ‘Inspire Inclusion’ is incredibly close to my heart. In an increasingly polarised world, it is also a poignant call to action. Inclusion should be both the vision and mission of our efforts. Women make up half of the world’s population and yet, are universally underrepresented in positions of power and in spaces where key decisions are taken. If we can ensure that women are better included, we will have come a long way on behalf of all underrepresented groups! I love what is set out on the IWD webpage: ‘IWD belongs to everyone, everywhere. Inclusion means all IWD action is valid’.

“I am hopeful that the month of March will see both women and allies step up to provide advocacy and recognition, role modelling how the journey towards inclusion does indeed belong to everyone, everywhere. It does bear repeating: much more needs to done. As the Treasury Committee’s Sexism in the City report (published this morning) concludes, ‘not much’ has changed.

“The Leasing Foundation is this year contributing by shining a light on some outstanding women from the industry. I was delighted to chair an IWD panel session yesterday, organised in collaboration with the Finance & Leasing Association, and to hear about the experiences and thoughts of some trailblazing individuals. Also, throughout the month of March, each day, the Leasing Foundation will publish a spotlight on an exceptional woman from the industry. I have been incredibly inspired, moved and energised by reading these spotlights and would encourage others to stay tuned throughout the month. I hope that this will create a strong platform for us to build from.”

Nathan Mollett, chair of The Leasing Foundation, added: “As we celebrate International Women’s Day, we recognise the invaluable contributions of women in the asset finance industry. Their resilience, expertise, and leadership have propelled our sector forward, shaping a more inclusive and dynamic landscape.

Today, as we honour their achievements, we also embrace the promising future ahead, where the next generation of leaders embodies greater gender balance and diversity. Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of working with countless brilliant women whose dedication and innovation have inspired me beyond measure. Let us continue championing gender equality and empowering all individuals to thrive, for a brighter, more equitable tomorrow.”

See here for the Leasing Foundation spotlight on inspirational women in the industry, which will be updated throughout the month of March.