Celebrating International Women’s Day
Staff and students came together on Wednesday 11 March to celebrate International Women’s Day 2026 and this year’s ‘Give To Gain’ Campaign.
In keeping with this year’s theme of generosity and collaboration, Capel Manor College’s Enfield Campus hosted an inspiring event featuring women from sectors including agriculture, horticulture and viticulture sharing their experiences in industries that were historically male dominated.
Fusun Can, Central Administration Services Manager at Capel Manor College, opened the event with an emotive message about the importance of support, collaboration and contribution; skills that women demonstrate not just in their careers but in their personal lives too. Fusun highlighted that women in the past contributed quietly in the background of the land-based industries, however, today they are at the forefront, championing the message that green skills education and careers are open to all.
Jenna Schillaci, English (former) Professional Footballer was also in attendance as keynote speaker and shared her experiences in women’s football. Jenna spoke about the importance of resilience and how much the landscape of women’s football has changed in recent years. Her message was one of inspiration and wanting her legacy to be one of positive change for the next generation of young girls entering football.
Jenna was joined on a Q&A panel by Lotta Philip, Founder of the London Mycology Project, Emma Lundie, Head of Operations at Forty Hall Farm and Meg Wilson, Animal Collections Manager at Capel Manor College.
The women had interesting discussions about their respective career trajectories. It was noted that they all shared a common agreement that the power of community was vital to their respective journeys with both women and men encouraging and supporting them along the way.
It was encouraging to see everyone come together at such a positive and collaborative event. As London’s environmental college, we provide an inclusive environment to all as we understand the vital role we play in training the next generation of green skills workers.
