On the shortlist: Victoria White

Victoria has been shortlisted for the 2025 Volunteer of the Year Award in recognition of her exceptional dedication, professionalism, and impact across multiple areas of Women in Banking and Finance. Following her recognition as Volunteer of the Month in March 2025, she was nominated by her peers for consistently going above and beyond in her role as Secretary of the Future Leaders Shadow Board (FLSB), as well as for her contributions to the Governance Committee and Northern Ireland Regional Board.

Renowned for her meticulous attention to detail, reliability, and creativity, Victoria has strengthened WIBF’s governance and strategic delivery, bringing structure and innovation to every project she touches. Colleagues describe her as a role model who “exemplifies the very best of WIBF volunteering.” Alongside her volunteer work, she is an Actuarial Manager at Lloyds Banking Group, balancing precision with passion and embodying WIBF’s values of purpose, connection, and leadership.

Your colleagues describe you as “exemplifying the very best of WIBF volunteering.” What does that phrase mean to you in practice?

Firstly, it is an honour to be described in that way. To me, “exemplifying the very best of WIBF volunteering” means showing up with purpose, passion and a genuine commitment to making a difference. It is about embodying the values of WIBF through consistent action and thoughtful engagement. In practice, this means being reliable, proactive and always willing to go the extra mile.

I am fortunate to be involved across multiple areas within WIBF: I am secretary on the Future Leaders Shadow Board (FLSB), a member of the Governance Committee and part of the Northern Ireland regional board. These roles have connected me with extremely talented and committed women who show up every day to make a difference. This is incredibly inspiring and motivates me to bring energy and focus to every initiative I am part of at WIBF.

You’ve been praised for your meticulous attention to detail as Secretary of the Future Leaders Shadow Board. How do you balance precision with creativity when contributing new ideas?

Ultimately, precision and creativity go hand in hand. Attention to detail ensures clarity in my communications as part of the FLSB, while creativity brings energy and innovation to what we deliver. I enjoy exploring bold and more efficient ways of doing things. Precision gives creativity direction.

As secretary of the FLSB, I focus on bringing structure to our delivery: documenting processes, roles and responsibilities as well as simultaneously considering how secretariat processes can be streamlined for greater impact. This balance is something I also strive to bring to my day job. As an actuary, attention to detail is important, but working within a change division allows me to focus on creativity and experimentation. I love creating spaces to generate and bring together new ideas.

Many people say volunteering gives them energy rather than drains it. What part of your WIBF role do you find the most energising?

People. Always people.

WIBF is an amazing organisation that has allowed me to connect with and learn from others at a similar career stage. It is truly motivating to work alongside such inspiring individuals and gain different perspectives across a more diverse network.  There’s something incredibly uplifting about being surrounded by people who challenge, support and inspire each other.

Volunteering isn’t just about giving time – it’s about building community and fostering growth. Even a small contribution can have a big impact. The most energising part of my role is seeing how collective effort creates meaningful change. Find something you’re passionate about and get stuck in – you’ll be amazed at what you gain in return.

From your perspective, what difference do you think the Future Leaders Shadow Board is making for the next generation of women in financial services?

The FLSB provides strategic input and executive support to reflect member perspectives in earlier career stages. Personally, joining the FLSB has opened doors to getting involved with other initiatives at WIBF allowing me to connect wider, learn and grow in confidence.

From my perspective, the FLSB is making a meaningful and lasting impact by amplifying the voices of future leaders in Financial Services. It creates a platform where fresh perspectives are not only heard but actively shape the direction of WIBF and wider. The Board also fosters visibility and confidence among its members, empowering them to lead. From student communities to emerging leaders and beyond, we are driving initiatives and providing support to women at all stages of their careers. In doing so, we are contributing to a more inclusive, forward-thinking Financial Services industry.

Looking ahead, how would you like to see WIBF’s volunteer community grow and evolve – and what role do you see yourself playing in that journey?

Looking ahead, I’d love to see WIBF’s volunteer community grow into an even more diverse, dynamic and interconnected network. A space where volunteers feel empowered not just to contribute, but to lead, innovate and shape the future of the organisation. This means creating more opportunities for cross-regional collaboration, skill-sharing and mentoring, especially for those early in their careers or new to volunteering.

I see my role in continuing to connect initiatives across WIBF, bringing a focus to regional initiatives and sharing across communities and boards. I am passionate about bringing new ideas and advocating for even more volunteers to get involved at WIBF. By investing in our volunteer community, we are investing in the future of women within Financial Services, and I am excited to be part of that journey.