Celebrating the NUBS Women’s Network

From its launch in October 2025 to community projects, industry events and national partnerships, we look back at the NUBS Women’s Network’s first year.

16 September 2026

Over the past year, the NUBS Women’s Network has gone from a shared vision to a thriving community, bringing together staff, students, alumni and professionals to connect, learn and support one another.

Founded by Joanne Parker, Degree Programme Director for Accounting and Finance, and Jo Craggs, Careers Consultant at Newcastle University Business School, the network was established to create an inclusive and supportive community for women in industry.

While important work has already taken place to address gender disparity within Accounting and Finance programmes, Joanne and Jo recognised a wider need across the Business School. The network provides a welcoming space for women from all disciplines who may experience the challenges and impact of gender imbalance throughout their studies and careers.

Jo Craggs and Joanne Parker smiling at a Women's Network event

NUBS Women's network founders Jo Craggs (L) and Joanne Parker (R)

A successful first year

The NUBS Women’s Network officially launched with a social event in October 2025, welcoming around 50 staff and students. The event immediately demonstrated the appetite for a dedicated community where women could meet, share experiences and network.

Feedback from attendees highlighted the impact of the launch:

"It was one of the most beautifully organised events I have ever seen."

"I had a lovely time yesterday, so happy to meet and connect with new people. Thank you to the wonderful team for organising it."

Since then, the network has hosted a varied programme of events designed to inspire discussion, encourage networking and celebrate the achievements of women across the region.

Five investment professionals take part in a panel discussion at a NUBS Women’s Network event, speaking to an audience of students.

Industry professionals have shared their experiences and insights with members through the network’s programme of panel discussions and events.

Speaker addresses a large audience at a NUBS Women’s Network event focused on building confidence.

The network’s first year has seen strong demand for events, bringing together women from across the Business School community and beyond.

Highlights have included an engaging talk from Dr Emily Yarrow, exploring the stories of notable women from the North East, alongside roundtable discussions featuring staff, alumni and professional women working across a range of industries.

These events have consistently received positive feedback, reinforcing the value of creating spaces where women can learn from one another and build supportive relationships.

One network member shared: “As a new international student, joining this network has been such a gift and the December meet-up felt incredibly wholesome and enriching, especially getting the chance to meet alumni and engage with powerful, inspiring women from industry.”

Strengthening networks beyond the School

To celebrate the end of its first year, the NUBS Women’s Network went beyond the Business School for a special visit to the West End Women and Girls Centre Farm in Northumberland.

The day provided an opportunity for members to step away from campus, strengthen connections and support a remarkable local charity making a real difference within communities across the region.

Members then spent the day contributing to a variety of activities, including weeding, harvesting, gardening and caring for the farm’s animals. The experience offered a chance to learn new skills, spend time outdoors and contribute to a meaningful community project.

Members of the NUBS Women’s Network pose together with goats during a visit to a farm in Northumberland.

Activities beyond the Business School have given members opportunities to connect, support local communities and contribute to projects across the region.

The visit reflected many of the values at the heart of the network: collaboration, wellbeing, community engagement and giving back. It also provided a fitting conclusion to an incredibly successful first year.

Recognition and looking ahead

The impact of the NUBS Women’s Network has not gone unnoticed, with the initiative receiving recognition through the NUBS Awards. Joanne and Jo were acknowledged by the School’s Dean, highlighting the positive difference it has made across the Business School community.

From creating new friendships and mentoring opportunities to connecting students with alumni and industry professionals, the network has become an important platform for empowerment, inspiration and support.

As it enters its second year, the NUBS Women’s Network remains committed to building on this momentum and creating even more opportunities for meaningful connection and personal growth.

The NUBS Women’s Network is an ongoing initiative and welcomes staff, students, alumni and members of the local community who would like to get involved, contribute to future events and help continue building a supportive network for women across the region.

Visit our dedicated Women’s Network page to learn more, connect with the network and discover upcoming opportunities to get involved.

Visit the Women's Network page