MBE is such an honour, says Simone
AN INSPIRATIONAL Southport woman is “honoured” to have been recognised with an MBE.
Simone Roche, the founder of Northern Power Women, was included in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List for her continuing fight for gender equality.
The 48-year-old, who worked her way up to officer during her eight years in the Royal Navy, set up the collaborative campaign to accelerate gender diversity in the North in 2015.
The former KGV College and Scarisbrick Hall pupil said she was passionate about giving platforms and opportunities to people of all genders and from all backgrounds.
Members of Northern Power Women aim to transform the culture of organisations to increase opportunities for women, showcase role models, improve gender pay equality and provide people with the knowledge and skills needed to drive careers forward.
The campaign engages with women and men from all industries to connect, collaborate and celebrate their achievements as campaign champions and advocates to drive gender balance.
Simone said: “I created Northern Power Women to accelerate gender equality from the North by celebrating and showcasing role models of all genders and backgrounds.
“I wanted to enable them to share their stories, to be visible and empower other women, as well as highlighting when brilliant men and women do great things.”
She said she was “honoured” and “thrilled” to be awarded the MBE as it reinforces the importance of the campaign she is leading.
She said: “It is a really big honour, it makes all the time and effort – and those 80-hour weeks – worthwhile!
“It really highlighted the importance of the work we’re doing and I’m really thrilled about that.”
Although the date has not yet been confirmed, Simone is hoping to be presented with her award in the autumn.
Despite being extremely proud of Northern Power Women, she hopes it will no longer be needed in 10 years’ time.
Simone, who was a manager at Southport Theatre for five years, said: “I would like it if we didn’t need to get to the 10th year of Northern Power Women because it is no longer needed.
“I’d like for people to be able to learn from the campaign and incorporate it into everyday lives themselves.”
For more information about Northern Power Women, or to get involved, visit www.northernpowerwomen.com.