Fast Forward 15 (FF15) has launched a new ambassador board to help expand its mentoring programme and strengthen engagement across the meetings and events industry.
The board will work alongside founder and director Fay Sharpe to increase the programme's reach, develop new partnerships and sponsorship opportunities, and support the long-term growth of the initiative, which champions emerging female talent.
The new board will be chaired by Sammy Connell, head of events at NASUWT – The Teachers' Union, with Joy Thomas, global events leader at IQVIA, serving as vice chair.
Members have been appointed to oversee specialist areas including equality, diversity and inclusion, mentor recruitment, alumni development, sponsorship, data management and representation at major industry events including IMEX Frankfurt, The Meetings Show, CHS and Cvent CONNECT Europe.
Sharpe said the creation of the board marked "an exciting new chapter" for the programme.
She said: "The formation of the Ambassador Board represents an exciting new chapter for FF15. It brings together passionate advocates who believe in the value of mentoring and are committed to helping the programme evolve, reach new audiences and create even greater impact.
"Their support will help share the workload, strengthen our community and ensure FF15 continues to thrive for years to come."
The board will meet every eight weeks and members will serve an initial three-year term, with the option to extend for a fourth year by mutual agreement.
Among its priorities are widening participation across the industry, strengthening relationships with membership associations, building an FF15 alumni community and increasing the programme's visibility at major industry events.
The Ambassador Board comprises:
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Sammy Connell - Chair
- Joy Thomas - Vice Chair & Data Management Lead
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Gabrielle Austen-Browne - Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Lead
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Victoria Owens - Mentor Recruitment and Mentee Promotion
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Kathryn Williams - Mentor Recruitment and Mentee Promotion
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Richard Bridge - Sponsorship and Partnership Development
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Annie Smith - Alumni Lead
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Felicia Asiedu - Cvent CONNECT Europe Lead
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Shonali Devereaux - IMEX Frankfurt Lead
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Debra Nightingale - Media Liaison
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Lucy Nicholls - CHS Lead
Founded by Fay Sharpe, Fast Forward 15 provides mentoring and professional development opportunities for women working in the events industry, alongside initiatives including the University Challenge and the Fast Forward 15 Mentoring Awards.
