The Laidlaw Trailblazers are currently at only one of our partner universities, Trinity College Dublin, but it is a programme that is very close to my heart. As I was reflecting on the lack of compassion being shown by some of the most powerful people in the world today, I remembered @Rose Flannery's wonderful speech to the newest cohort of Trailblazers. It gave me comfort and hope, so I thought I would share it with you. Here it is:

Our world needs ethical and compassionate leaders. This starts in the classroom. All of us here are striving to make a difference, an impact despite the challenges and hurdles we have had to jump. Trinity Access Programmes, The LaidLaw foundation, The HEAR scheme and DARE scheme have transformed our lives and broken undeserved cycles. 

My name is Rose Flannery, I am a LaidLaw trailblazer from the 2022 cohort.... The various Laidlaw scholars in this room have been underrepresented but are equipped with the determination to make a change in their community, their lives, their research and their work. Ms LaidLaw Trailblazer, I have been given the opportunity to have a fresh start and I, on behalf of my fellow LaidLaw Trailblazers would like to welcome the 2024 cohort of LaidLaw Trailblazers and congratulate them. You are embarking on a journey to a successful career and many opportunities, you, just like the other Trailblazers have overcome obstacles and hindrance from society and now have the resources to complement your determination and strength to make a difference in your communities, your families and take the work world by storm.

The mission of the LaidLaw Trailblazers is to support and empower extraordinary women to succeed by providing us financial support, mentorship, skill development, networking and leadership growth. 

We did not have opportunities like these growing up and most of us are the first in our families to go to college. We now have a community of like minded women who lift each other up. I feel both proud and honoured to be part of this growing, supportive community. 

For the new cohort, these are just some of the opportunities we've had over the past 2 years. We went to London Business School to a conference where we focused on striving to take action and create positive change and emphasising the importance of moving forward. In addition to the support we receive from TAP, The Trailblazers are directed towards fostering our leadership instincts. We have had activity sessions with businesses to understand the relevance of our studies to various jobs. We have had skills development workshops such as CV building and public speaking workshops and we have had 2 annual conferences, one in London Business School and other in Trinity Business school focusing on interactive workshops and networking. 

This program provides us with equal access to opportunities to education and opportunities that otherwise would not be available without TAP or The LaidLaw foundation 

Once again- Welcome to the 2024 Cohort of Trailblazers.