Today marks International Women's Day, and we are celebrating at Middlesex Cricket by highlighting individuals across the Club on our various channels.
As part of this, we have asked members of our board to speak a little bit about their lives, careers and the women who have inspired them on their journeys to the present day.
This year's theme of International Women's Day is 'Give to Gain', which emphasises the power of reciprocity and support. When people, organisations, and communities give generously, opportunities and support for women increase.
Find below profiles of each member below:
What is one thing you'd tell your younger self?
You don’t need to have it all figured out. Back yourself, take the risks, and trust that you are more capable than you realise.
Who is your favourite role model and why?
The character Harvey Specter from Suits; not for the drama, but for the mindset. He understands that success in law isn’t just about knowing the rules, but about judgement, strategy and reading the room. As both a lawyer and board director, that balance of sharp thinking and emotional intelligence really resonates with me.
Who has been the biggest influence/support/inspiration on your career or cricket journey so far and why?
Without question, the founders and leaders I’ve worked alongside. My career hasn’t followed a traditional legal path and stepping into roles at the intersection of law, leadership and sport - including my journey at Middlesex - was shaped by people who trusted me before I looked like the obvious choice. Founders, CEOs and Chairs who were willing to bring me into decision-making spaces early didn’t just give me opportunities, they gave me confidence. They showed me that leadership isn’t about fitting a mould, but about adding value in your own way. That trust has been the biggest catalyst in my journey so far.
What does International Women's Day mean to you?
International Women’s Day is a reminder that progress is something we have to build, often deliberately. Early in my career, I didn’t always experience the sponsorship, openness or support that the theme 'Give to Gain' speaks to. And that’s shaped how I show up now whether in law, in leadership, or on the board at Middlesex. For me, it’s about actively giving what I didn’t always receive: time, advocacy, access and trust. When we create the conditions for others to step forward, we don’t lose ground, we strengthen the whole system.
What are you most proud of?
I’m proud of the spaces I’ve created for others, and of helping to pave the way - creating environments where people feel able to step forward, contribute and grow has always mattered more to me than personal recognition. Leadership, to me, is about making it easier for others to belong, influence and succeed. If the path feels a little clearer for those coming next, that’s something I’m truly proud of.
How do you empower yourself and the women around you?
I empower myself and the women around me by creating access, sharing insight and being intentional about sponsorship. That means backing women in rooms they’re not yet in, amplifying their contributions when they are, and sharing the knowledge that isn’t always written down but makes a real difference. For myself, it’s about staying grounded in my values and not waiting for permission to lead. For others, it’s about ensuring they don’t have to navigate the path alone.
What is one goal you have for the next year?
One goal I have for the next year is to create even more pathways for others to step forward with confidence. Whether that’s through mentorship, sponsorship or opening up opportunities, I want to be intentional about making the journey feel more accessible than it sometimes was for me.
What is one thing you'd tell your younger self?
You don’t need to have it all figured out. Back yourself, take the risks and trust that you are more capable than you realise.
Who is your favourite role model and why?
Indra Nooyi (former PepsiCo CEO)
She broke barriers in global business while remaining grounded, values-driven and deeply human in her leadership style.
Who has been the biggest influence/support/inspiration on your career or cricket journey so far and why?
Middlesex's Director of Cricket Alan Coleman has been hugely influential in my journey - his belief in me, trust and consistent support have given me confidence during some of the most challenging moments.
Mike O’Farrell also had a significant impact through his empathy, kindness and leadership. Having senior leaders who show humanity as well as strength makes an enormous difference. I’ve been fortunate to have leaders who combined high expectations with genuine kindness. That belief from others often comes at the moments you need it most, and it stays with you.
What does International Women's Day mean to you?
International Women’s Day is a reminder that progress doesn’t happen by accident - it happens when women support, advocate and open doors for one another. 'Give to Gain' reflects the idea that when we lift others, we all rise.
It’s about using whatever platform or influence you have, big or small, to create space for others.
What are you most proud of?
I’m most proud of the resilience I’ve developed over the past few years and the opportunity to hold a senior leadership role within one of the most prestigious institutions in cricket. Doing so as a young woman from an ethnic minority background in what has traditionally been a very male-dominated environment is something I don’t take for granted.
How do you empower yourself and the women around you?
I try to lead with encouragement and honesty - celebrating women’s successes, supporting them through challenges and being their cheerleader when they doubt themselves. There are enough barriers in the world; we don’t need to create them for each other.
What is one goal you have for the next year?
To continue growing as a leader and to keep pushing boundaries - professionally and personally - and take opportunities that challenge me rather than staying comfortable.
To use my position to open doors for others and create lasting positive change within the organisations I’m part of.
What is one thing you'd tell your younger self?
Always be true to yourself, have no regrets. And if it doesn't give you joy, don't do it!
Who is your favourite role model and why?
In sport, Martina Navratilova stands out as a powerful inspiration for me. Beyond being an extraordinarily talented and dedicated athlete who relentlessly pushed the physical boundaries of women’s sport and redefined what women could achieve, she also demonstrated remarkable mental strength. She made the courageous decision to leave an oppressive, male-dominated regime, adapt to life in a new country, and live openly and proudly in her sexuality. Throughout it all, she has served as a role model for women everywhere, proving they can be confident, authentic, and unapologetically themselves
In life, I draw inspiration from the 187 women at Ford Motor Company’s Dagenham plant who courageously walked out on strike in 1968. Their determination and unity became a defining moment in the fight for workplace equality and played a pivotal role in the introduction of the Equal Pay Act 1970.
Their bravery demonstrated that when women stand together, remain resolute, and refuse to accept injustice, real and lasting change is possible.
Who has been the biggest influence/support/inspiration on your career or cricket journey so far and why?
Enid Bakewell MBE - one of England’s finest all-rounders and among the greatest female cricketers of all time. In 12 Test matches between 1968 and 1979, she achieved an outstanding batting average of 59.88 and claimed 50 wickets. She was also a key member of the England side that won the inaugural Women's Cricket World Cup in 1973. Amazing player
As well as being an exceptional cricketer, she has always remained humble and continues to be a passionate advocate for the game. When I first met her, she was 50 and still playing to a high standard. I played against her many times at club level and alongside her in numerous matches for MCC. Last year, I toured Sri Lanka with her - still playing cricket at the age of 83!
Her joy, enthusiasm, and commitment to supporting women players and sharing the happiness cricket brings are truly infectious. I can only hope to remain fit and healthy enough to still be playing - and loving the game - in my 80s.
What does International Women's Day mean to you?
For me, International Women's Day is a time to recognise and celebrate the generations of women who have fought tirelessly for equal opportunities. It is also a reminder that we must continue to stand together and push forward until true gender equality is achieved.
This year’s theme, Give to Gain, resonates strongly in cricketing terms. To me, it represents women supporting women - through mentoring, sharing experiences, collaborating, and working collectively towards common goals.
In Middlesex, we are proud of a rich history in women’s cricket. The county has won multiple championships and produced numerous England representatives, including members of World Cup-winning squads. We have also been fortunate to have some of the game’s most respected officials and administrators contribute to the women’s game.
There is an incredible depth of knowledge and experience within our community - wisdom that can and should be shared for the benefit of the entire cricketing landscape. These women have so much to offer as we shape and strengthen the future of the game.
What are you most proud of?
I am most proud of having balanced a demanding career with the responsibilities of being a single parent, and of raising my child to become one of the most grounded, kind, generous, and compassionate people I know. I couldn’t be prouder of the young man he has become.
For those of you who know him, you’ll understand the surge of pride I feel each time he takes a wicket. In those moments, I’m reminded of the countless hours we spent playing cricket together when he was growing up - nurturing not only his talent, but also a lifelong love for the game.
How do you empower yourself and the women around you?
I empower the women around me by leading by example. I strive to show that with hard work, resilience, and dedication, success is achievable. Women are just as capable - if not more so - than the men around them, and we should have the confidence to recognise that.
By supporting one another, sharing our experiences, and learning from each other, we grow stronger together. There is real power in unity, and when women stand side by side, we create lasting change.
What is one goal you have for the next year?
I would like to develop cricketing opportunities for older women - whether that’s hardball, softball, or walking cricket, officiating or in governance of the game. For many women, the chance to play cricket at school or clubs as young girls simply didn’t exist.
Cricketing authorities understandably invest significant resources in youth pathways to develop future England players. However, there are thousands of women who were previously excluded from the game through discrimination or lack of opportunity. There is absolutely no reason why they should not be able to begin - or return to - cricket later in life. Just as importantly, women already playing the game should be encouraged and supported to remain involved for the long term.
A movement to establish senior women’s cricket leagues - similar to the highly successful senior men’s leagues - is now gaining momentum. My goal is to secure the support of Middlesex and MiTC so that women’s senior cricket is backed and valued in the same way as the men’s senior game.
What is one thing you'd tell your younger self?
Keep calm, always listen and learn and focus on the things where you can make a real difference in working with others to achieve the very best both personally and professionally.
Who is your favourite role model and why?
Michelle Obama - how she brings her life experiences into the here and now shaping what she says and does - showing humility, authenticity and the confidence to be and say it as it is.
Who has been the biggest influence/support/inspiration on your career or cricket journey so far and why?
It's not necessarily one person - it's more about the experience of working in public health and community development on HIV and Aids education where there was a strong focus on challenging prejudice and creating a sense of inclusivity and belonging, which I now translate into working in professional sport.
What does International Women's Day mean to you?
International Women's Day is an opportunity to reflect on collaborative leadership and how, as a group of women together, we can achieve so much more both individually and collectively, creating safer and more secure environments where women can thrive and do their very best.
What are you most proud of?
How I have grown teams - valuing others and finding a way of leading together.
How do you empower yourself and the women around you?
By listening and learning, being positive, showing creativity and finding solutions but above all having fun together.
What is one goal you have for the next year?
To give myself more space to relax and enjoy time with my family and friends.
What is one thing you'd tell your younger self?
Work hard enough so you have options. Never let yourself get into a position where life dictates your path to you.
Who is your favourite role model and why?
My dad. He was an absolute gentleman who had a huge work ethic, was very successful and extraordinarily kind and loving, with a great sense of humour. I only regret that he isn't around to see how far I've come in the world of cricket, and how amazing his grandchildren are.
Who has been the biggest influence/support/inspiration on your career or cricket journey so far and why?
Without a doubt the cricketing friends I've made along the way, and my husband and children. My friends made my whole playing career an absolute delight, full of fun and laughter. And my husband and children have been enormously supportive as I made the transition into cricketing administration.
What does International Women's Day mean to you?
On one hand, it's great that we have the opportunity to celebrate it. On the other, it's indicative of how hard women still have to fight to be recognised as academic, commercial and emotional equals. This year's theme of 'Give to Gain' resonates with me in as much as I believe I have gained experience and knowledge while giving my time and energy towards helping to steer MCCC through some quite stormy waters.
What are you most proud of?
My playing time with Middlesex, my appointment to the Middlesex board, and my husband and children.
How do you empower yourself and the women around you?
I'd like to think I've encouraged other women on the Middlesex Cricket board who were experiencing a similar journey and facing similar challenges to me. I certainly try to bolster my two daughters in their every day life at every opportunity (though they might raise an eyebrow sometimes!).
I empower myself by continuing even when I'm not certain of the outcome. I've learned to trust my voice, set boundaries, and choose growth over comfort - this last one was a particular success for me.
What is one goal you have for the next year?
Since I'm now fully retired, I intend to travel as much as possible!
