Carnival queen wants leading ladies to shine
A FORMER Coventry carnival queen will be celebrating the achievements of women across the region with a special awards ceremony later this year.
Tracey McAtamney, one of the leading lights behind networking organisation Ladies First Professional Development, was crowned the city’s carnival queen in 1985 – and went on to support a string of charities and good causes.
But now Tracey is set to celebrate other successful women in the region – and give other ladies a taste of the spotlight.
As Carnival Queen 1985 Tracey, then known as Tracey Anne Lynch, opened more than 20 Scout events, took part in a parachute jump for the Mayor’s Charities and helped launch the Coventry Telegraph’s Snowball Appeal – atop a giant snowball.
”I worked tirelessly for local charities and I think I was the most photographed carnival queen ever,” Tracey recalls.
“On the evening of the carnival I was also voted Miss Coventry City FC and a few months later Miss Motoring Godiva.
“I have many Telegraph clippings and photographs but most of all many happy memories of the lovely people of Coventry.”
After a career in practice management and legal accounts, Tracey now runs events company Event Plus.
She and business partner Julie Richards run Ladies First professional development network, which holds its business awards – sponsored by Alsters Kelley Solicitors – at Nailcote Hall on October 19.
The event aims to recognise the achievements of women within Warwickshire and the West Midlands, with categories such as Businesswoman of the Year, New Business of the Year, Excellence in Left, Tracey McAtamney now and right, posing for the Coventry Telegraph in 1985 Science and Technology and Creative Career from Home.
“The organisation is run by local businesswomen for local businesswomen,” Tracey explains.
“It is a membership organisation designed to help women and their businesses reach their true potential. This is done in a practical way that adds value for any woman – either running her own business or wanting to enhance her career.
“Our ethos is to offer a strong, supportive network inclusive of all women – regardless of background and culture.”
If you would like to know more about Ladies First or the awards ceremony, or nominate your own or someone else’s busiess, visit ladiesfirstnetwork.co.uk.