International Women's Day 2026: Honouring women who inspire, support, and lead

This International Women’s Day (IWD), we’re celebrating some of the amazing women in our university community, collaborating with Carlisle United Football Club as part of our ongoing partnership plan and spotlighting Teresa Mulholland, Carlisle United Football Club’s EDI and Mental Health Officer and Director of Safeguarding, Governance and EDI at Carlisle United Community Sports Trust.

The theme for IWD 2026 is #GiveToGain, a campaign that encourages a mindset of generosity and collaboration, emphasising the power of reciprocity and support. This can be through donations, knowledge, visibility, advocacy or education that contributes to women’s advancement, helping to create a more supportive and interconnected world.

Read on to discover the incredible successes and achievements of women from across both of our communities.

Teresa Mulholland

Teresa, Carlisle United Football Club’s EDI and Mental Health Officer, embodies this year’s #GiveToGain theme through decades of dedicated service to inclusion and community wellbeing. Their remarkable contribution has recently been recognised with the Cumbria Woman of the Year title and a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Diverse Cumbria Awards. Praised for their “leadership, empathy, courage and determination to help others” and for “tirelessly championing inclusion, equality and community wellbeing, often quietly, but always powerfully,” Teresa continues to make a profound impact.

They play a central role in the university and football club’s partnership plan, co‑leading the EDI strand alongside University of Cumbria EDI Officer, Lee McDermott. This collaborative work has included a review of the club’s EDI strategy; joint representation at Cumbria Pride, leading to a banner being proudly displayed at Brunton Park in support of LGBTQ+ equality; and engagement with Stand by Her – Tackling Misogyny and Sexism Training, delivered as part of White Ribbon UK Accreditation.

We undertook a Q&A session with Teresa as part of our recognition of IWD.

Why do you think it’s important to celebrate IWD and women within our community?

I think it is important to celebrate International Women’s Day as it’s an opportunity to highlight the achievements of women within our community and inspire future female generations to thrive. When girls and young women see strong female role models being celebrated, it helps to expand what they believe is possible for themselves.

Representation builds confidence and ambition. We have many inspirational women across our community, within many roles in business, education, health, politics, community leadership etc. International Women’s Day shines a light on those contributions and ensures they are seen and valued.

What does “Give To Gain” mean to you?

#GiveToGain for me means highlighting the achievements of women in our community and helping to mentor the next generation to achieve and thrive. I believe women’s achievements can often go unnoticed or celebrated, and IWD can be used as a platform to challenge this inequality. When we recognise and respect the achievements of women, we help create greater equality. By offering equal opportunities, we support progress and empower women and girls to succeed and reach their full potential.

Who is your female role model?

My female role model is Christine Kania, who was the school business manager at Pennine Way Primary School. She encouraged me to believe in myself and helped me achieve my full potential, demonstrating the importance of empowering others within your own role.

What are you most proud of within your role, and as part of the university’s and Carlisle United Football Club’s partnership plan?

I am incredibly proud and honoured to have been named Cumbria Woman of the Year and to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Diverse Cumbria Awards. These recognitions mean so much to me and reflect the passion, hard work, and commitment to supporting diversity and our communities within the 20 years of my community development in the city, helping to inspire others and create change.

I share this achievement with everyone who has supported and inspired me along the journey. As part of our partnership with the University of Cumbria, it is a privilege to be working alongside Lee McDermott within our roles in EDI and share the same principles that we can create change with partnership working and community cohesion and advocacy.

What are Carlisle United Football Club and the Community Sports Trust doing to advance gender equality?

1. Expanding opportunities for women and girls in football
As a Community Sports Trust, we deliver free women’s and girls’ football sessions and talent development pathways led by qualified female coaches. These programmes create safe, inclusive spaces where females of all ages can participate, build confidence, and develop skills in sport.

2. Challenging sexism in football culture
Carlisle United Football Club and The Community Sports Trust work with the Her Game Too campaign, and we have a dedicated ambassador to raise awareness of sexism and help ensure women and girls feel welcome and safe attending matches and participating in football.

3. Supporting women’s health and wellbeing
Recently, the Community Sports Trust hosted a community wellbeing event focused on women’s wellbeing, including sessions addressing menopause, mental health, fitness, and social connection, helping reduce barriers that women may face in accessing sport and support networks.

4. Leadership, representation and visibility
International Women’s Day events, talks, and matchday campaigns celebrate female role models across sport and the wider community, encouraging more women to pursue leadership and careers within football and beyond.

5. Embedding equality through policy and governance
As the EDI lead at Carlisle United we are delighted to have recently achieved Silver status in the EFL Equality Code of Practice, recognising progress in equality, diversity and inclusion across recruitment, governance, community engagement, and matchday experiences.

Overall, Carlisle United Football Club and Community Sports Trust are helping advance gender equality by increasing participation, improving representation, tackling discrimination, and supporting women’s wellbeing within football and the wider community.

What next steps are you looking forward to?

I believe when we give women opportunities, encouragement, visibility and equal opportunity, we gain stronger communities, better leadership, and a more inclusive future for everyone, inspiring future female generations to believe in their aspirations.

Amy Middlemiss

Amy is a valued member of the university’s Data Insights Team, developing and maintaining webpages, tools, and user support systems with precision and care. Collaborating closely with our academic teams, her technical skill, proactive problem‑solving, and commitment to high‑quality service make her a trusted partner across departments. Amy’s impact is felt widely – enhancing digital tools, improving understanding of data, and strengthening recruitment strategies.

Beth Dicken-Jones

Third‑year BA (Hons) Wildlife Media student Beth has won the Saving the Planet category at the 2026 RTS Student Awards for her 10‑minute film, Vanishing Vipers. The film shines a vital spotlight on the Adder, whose small, fragmented populations are predicted to disappear entirely by 2032 without intervention. Beth’s work presents the Adder with honesty and empathy, challenging misconceptions and revealing its quiet importance within the countryside.

Charlotte Young

PCSM Communications and Engagement Officer Charlotte spent years trying to manage severe hearing loss through hearing aids, lip reading and coping strategies, often feeling exhausted and excluded from everyday life. In 2022, cochlear implant surgery transformed her confidence, inclusion, and identity.

A former professional performer, teacher and business owner, she joined the Pears Cumbria School of Medicine in 2024, bringing creativity and lived experience to her role. Her impact was recognised when she became a finalist in the 'I fell into Comms' category at the CommsHERO Awards 2025, celebrating her successful transition into the profession. Charlotte is passionate about creating inclusive communications and supporting others to feel heard, seen, and valued, and her journey is a powerful reminder that resilience and self-belief can turn adversity into opportunity. You can read more about her cochlear implant journey here.

Farhat Ibrahim

For two decades, Farhat has co‑led Initial Teacher Education at the University of Cumbria in London, uplifting communities across Tower Hamlets. With over 90% of trainees coming from BAME backgrounds, she has played a vital role in shaping a teaching workforce that reflects the borough’s rich diversity. Her dedication to widening opportunity, transforming lives, and preparing outstanding educators embodies the heart of our university’s mission.

Jane Robinson

For 20 years, Library and Learning Spaces Manager Jane has been at the heart of the university’s library transformation. A chartered member of CILIP, she has led major projects including designing new library spaces and revitalising existing ones. Throughout her career at Cumbria, Jane has been encouraged, supported and mentored by her managers – a supportive culture that has shaped her own people‑centred leadership style. She now generously mentors early‑career librarians, and her commitment, leadership, and passion continue to elevate our learning spaces and the wider library profession.

Jen Ager

Senior Lecturer Jen is a leading advocate for outdoor learning, inspiring hundreds of trainee teachers to bring their curriculum to life beyond the classroom. She has established a thriving regional network, helping to strengthen school‑community links and encourage the use of local natural spaces. Jen also played a central role in launching the landmark 2024 Schools Outdoor Learning Conference, working in partnership with two external colleagues to bring together educators from across the region. Her work continues to transform teaching and empower colleagues to embrace the outdoors.

Leah Penn

2025 BA (Hons) Photography graduate Leah is playing a key role in nurturing student creativity and confidence. In her role as Artist in Residence for Photography at our Brampton Road campus, she has founded the Photo Lounge, a welcoming, assessment‑free space where students from all years share work, exchange ideas, and gain insight into the progression of photographic practice.

Alongside her contribution to our student community, Leah has collaborated with Carlisle United Football Club, producing official player headshots for the 2025/26 season. Her images now feature across matchday programmes, social media, and the club’s website, showcasing her growing professional profile.

Phoebe Grace

Phoebe, a 2025 paramedic degree apprenticeship graduate, was diagnosed with scoliosis at 15 and later underwent major surgery to stabilise her spine. Refusing to let her condition define her future, she adapted her lifestyle and rebuilt her strength and confidence, documenting her recovery on YouTube to support others facing similar challenges.

Inspired by ambulance crews while working in an emergency department, she joined the East of England Ambulance Service four years ago as an apprentice emergency technician. She was later accepted onto the paramedic degree apprenticeship programme that the Trust runs with the University of Cumbria. Today, she is a first-class graduate and frontline paramedic, with ambitions of pursuing a master’s degree in critical care. Phoebe’s journey shows that resilience, courage and determination can turn adversity into purpose. You can read more about Phoebe’s story here.

Dr Ruth Harrison-Palmer

Having worked in education for over 30 years, Ruth has shaped learning at every level – from primary classrooms to national policy forums. After roles as Deputy and Acting Headteacher, she became a literacy adviser and National Strategies consultant before moving into higher education.

Today, she leads the university’s Institute of Education, Arts and Society, representing the region nationally and championing access to the arts as a member of the BarrowFull Arts Organisation Consortium. Ruth collaborates with school leaders to remove barriers to opportunity, driving positive change for children, communities, and the education workforce.

Professor Sally Elton-Chalcroft

A former primary teacher and head of department, Sally has spent two decades inspiring future educators. Her academic career spans Oxford Brookes, Derby University, and now Cumbria, where she became Professor of Social Justice in Education in 2020. Her research and teaching tackle key issues including anti‑racism, religious education, British values, and school leadership.

A sought‑after international speaker, Sally champions accessible education and a fairer world for all. Her work continues to empower learners from undergraduate to doctoral, influencing educational practice locally, nationally, and globally.

Siân Owen

CPD Development Coordinator Siân champions equity, creativity, and opportunity. In her previous role as Student Recruitment and Outreach Officer, she strengthened connections with schools and colleges across the North East and West Cumbria, balancing single parenthood with exceptional professional commitment.

Her standout achievement, Cumbrian Cut, has grown into a celebrated initiative introducing pre-16 learners to the breadth of creative career pathways available. Siân’s warm communication style builds trust, and her advocacy for mentorship and inclusive practice creates spaces where people feel valued, inspired, and able to succeed.

Victoria Ward

Third‑year BA (Hons) Wildlife Media student Victoria has won the Factual Long Form category at the 2026 RTS Student Awards, alongside her co‑creators Jack, Lloyd and Toby. The 20‑minute film, titled 'Mull Man', offers an emotive exploration of healing, place, and the powerful bond between people and the landscapes they depend on.

Wylie Hui

Accommodation Officer and System Administrator Wylie exemplifies excellence through her technical expertise, reliability, and compassion. As System Administrator, she has transformed the efficiency and stability of our StarRez accommodation systems, proactively resolving issues and guiding improvements.

In her role as Accommodation Officer, Wylie provides empathetic, discreet support to students, earning their trust and respect. Her collaborative approach, willingness to share knowledge, and continuous drive to improve processes make her an invaluable asset to the university.