April 2023 – Ras Gohil and Stephanie Ogunjimi

Every month the  WIBF Management Board members vote on nominations put forward for a volunteer that they feel has been particularly dedicated, inspiring or just plain hard-working! This month, Ras Gohil and Stephanie Ogunjimi were chosen, having being nominated by Sam Carnley, Victoria Pringle and Gwen Faure.

It is because of our volunteers and their fantastic commitment to improving gender diversity in financial services that WIBF exists and continues to deliver our mission.

Nomination by Sam Carnley, Co-Head of Mentoring

About a year ago, Ras and Steph joined the WIBF mentoring team to be London and Birmingham mentoring programme leads. They have brought so much passion and inspiration to the mentoring team. They have organised regional events to support and elevate the importance of mentoring for development and progression. A recent mentoring event for mentees had an incredible attendance.

They have initiated future programme developments for members and mentors. All this as well as making sure our mentoring matches are as beneficial and successful as possible. Thank you both!

Nomination from Victoria Pringle, Co-Head of mentoring

“I would like to nominate Ras for her unwavering support on the WIBF mentoring programme. Ras regularly engages with all her London based mentors and mentees (not an easy job!), whilst also arranging invaluable face-to-face mentoring events. She is also developing a mentoring framework with another WIBF colleague. I cannot thank Ras enough, she is a super star!

Stephanie is a critical member of the WIBF Mentoring team, providing support across the region. She has recently been responsible for delivering a fantastic mentoring event in conjunction with LBG, which was a huge success. I can’t thank her enough for her dedication to WIBF.”

Nomination from Gwen Faure, Director of Talent Retention (Mentoring & ACT lead)

“I also want to add that Ras and Stephanie have been such great team members, supporting both London and Birmingham events with huge commitment and enthusiasm. Also, Ras has been providing so much more content for our mentoring community – from chairing the two  panel events in London, as well as developing a curriculum for our mentors (for the whole mentoring programme). We really couldn’t do everything we’re getting involved in without them!”

Jennie Koo, Head of Branches and Co-head of Birmingham Board added, “Ras and Stephanie have both added so much vibrancy to the mentoring programme – well deserved nominations.”

Ras responded, “I am very very grateful for this honour, but would like to say that this is only possible because of the enthusiasm and commitment from the whole team. We are all passionate about WIBF and about changing the mindset so that everyone gets the opportunity to be the best at whatever they want to achieve.”

Stephanie echoed Ras’s response, “We have a lovely little team and working together is a joy. I’m passionate about WIBF and the opportunities it provides for so many in our networks and communities. I look forward to the positive changes we can continue to make in 2023 and beyond.”

Thank you and congratulations both of you!