Celebrating Volunteers’ Week: Stories from our WIBF volunteers

At WIBF, our volunteers are the heart of everything we do. As we celebrate Volunteers’ Week, we’re highlighting the stories of some of our incredible Future Leaders Shadow Board and mentoring volunteers. From designing impactful events to mentoring future leaders, these passionate individuals share how volunteering has helped them grow, connect with others, and contribute to a more inclusive financial services industry. Dive into their reflections below and be inspired by the power of giving back.

Siobhan Moran

My Journey as a Volunteer with WIBF has been one of the most rewarding parts of my professional journey. As the PEP (Personal Excellence Programme) Lead, I’ve had the privilege of curating and delivering sessions that bring together inspiring speakers and insightful conversations. Each event gives me the chance to meet people doing incredible work, and the learnings from those sessions are consistently powerful—not just for our attendees, but for me personally as well.

Over time, we’ve refined our approach to what makes a truly engaging and impactful event. There’s been a lot of learning along the way—how to structure sessions for maximum value, how to manage logistics to ensure a smooth experience on the day, and how to create an inclusive, welcoming space for all. That continuous improvement has been a real source of pride.

What I’m most proud of is the impact we’ve made—helping others grow, connecting them with role models, and creating space for reflection and personal development. Volunteering has also benefited me enormously. It’s strengthened my leadership and organisational skills, broadened my network, and allowed me to work alongside passionate, driven individuals who inspire me.

I started volunteering because I wanted to give something back—but it’s given me so much more in return. To me, volunteering means purpose, connection, and growth.

Grace Wong

They say the quickest way to truly get to know an organisation is to get involved – and I could not agree more.

Volunteering with WIBF at the very beginning of my journey in London was one of the best decisions I have made. What began as a simple intention to give back quickly turned into something far more meaningful. Volunteering is not just about offering your time – it is about becoming part of a dynamic and purpose-driven community.

As a member of the WIBF alumni community, I have had the pleasure of collaborating with talented, passionate women across the UK. Whether it is joining brainstorming sessions, planning events, or simply exchanging ideas, every interaction has offered valuable insight and connection. I still remember one particular morning when we all joined the into the Zoom for a collaborative session – each of us in different places, yet completely in sync, focused, and energised by our shared purpose.

Sam Carnley

Volunteering with WIBF has been an impactful journey for me. It’s an area I’m incredibly passionate about, and through this experience, I’ve had the privilege of working with some amazing people and meeting and mentoring some incredible leaders of the future.  In a competitive industry, it’s vital to create spaces where women feel supported and diversity is appreciated and celebrated.  I work most closely with the mentoring team and it’s incredible to read some of the feedback from our mentoring program participants on how WIBF has directly benefited them in their career journey.  That gives you a great sense of pride being part of that and giving back to a community and an industry that I’ve spent over 20 years in.

Professionally, I’ve been involved in initiatives I would never get to experience in my day job; tech and platform changes, communications.  In a supportive and safe space, it’s helped me hone my strategic thinking, project planning, problem-solving and thinking fast on my feet because volunteering is in addition to everything else in your life but you still want to make it as successful as possible so you have to make quick decisions and communicate effectively.

And it’s reciprocal.  Personally, my network is continuously expanding, supported by close allies in WIBF and women who are more than willing to give advice, advocate for you, and come together to solve gender industry issues. It’s given me another sense of purpose and fulfillment that extends beyond my daily professional role and allowed me to live my values in a tangible way.

These moments have not only helped me grow professionally, but also led to lasting friendships. The experience has given me fresh perspectives, confidence, and a deeper sense of belonging. The values and spirit of WIBF have become embedded in my daily life – shaping how I collaborate , connect, and support others.

To anyone thinking of getting involved: take the step. You will gain far more than you give – and you will become part of something truly special!

Ras Gohil 

Volunteering with Women in Banking and Finance (WIBF) as a Mentor but also as Co-Head of Mentoring London and Head of Mentor Curriculum has been a transformative experience, both personally and professionally. WIBF’s mission to support women at every stage of their careers in the financial sector aligns closely with my own values, and my roles have allowed me to contribute meaningfully to this vision.

Taking on the co-leadership of the mentoring programme in London has deepened my understanding of the challenges and opportunities women face in banking and finance. It has allowed me to gain invaluable insights into the power of mentorship-not only as a tool for career advancement but also as a means of fostering confidence, resilience, and a sense of belonging within a traditionally male-dominated industry. The process has further sharpened my leadership and communication skills and reinforced the importance of empathy and active listening.

As Head of Mentor Curriculum, with the support of the mentoring team, we have been able to design and refine learning pathways, that support both mentors and mentees. Drawing on my own experience in the sector, I have shared practical advice, industry insights, and personal stories to help mentees navigate their careers. It has been especially rewarding to see mentees grow in confidence, overcome challenges, and achieve their professional goals. The reciprocal nature of mentoring has also allowed me to learn from mentees’ fresh perspectives and diverse experiences.

One of the key initiatives has been establishing structured learning sessions for both mentors and mentees. These sessions are designed to foster open dialogue, peer support, and practical skill-building. Topics range from technical banking knowledge to softer skills such as leadership, networking, and managing work-life balance through the varying behavioural styles. These learning sessions not only support individual development but also strengthen the sense of community within WIBF.

In addition to one-to-one mentoring, we deliver group mentoring sessions that address broader challenges faced by women in banking and finance and the wider professional community. These sessions cover issues such as “How to be Heard Effectively; How to Manage Upwards; Blowing your own Trumpet; Leading with Intent; Future Forward “and other similar topics that help to navigate career transitions. By bringing together mentors and mentees we create a collaborative environment for sharing experiences and developing solutions to complex challenges.

So, to conclude, through my volunteering with WIBF, I have witnessed first-hand the positive impact that a robust mentoring programme can have-empowering women, building networks, and driving cultural change within the industry. The relationships I have built and the knowledge I have exchanged continue to inspire me, and I am proud to play a part in advancing WIBF’s mission of equality and opportunity for all in banking and finance.