WACL100 Patrons

Introducing our WACL 100 patrons

Extraordinary women to help us celebrate an extraordinary 100 years

Women in leadership make a huge difference for everyone, not just other women. Companies perform better, employees are more engaged and the organisations they lead are more representative of the diverse British population.

Our WACL 100 patrons represent the very best in modern leadership. They are brilliant women, all of whom have enjoyed outstanding success in their fields. They are trail blazers and role models and we are delighted they are supporting us in our Centenary year.

Meet our patrons

Baroness Helena Kennedy KC

Scottish barrister, broadcaster, and Labour member of the House of Lords

Kate Mosse OBE FRSL

International award-winning bestselling selling Novelist, Non-Fiction writer and playwright & Founder of the Women’s Prize for Fiction

WACL100 patron Harriet Harman MP, 'Mother' of the House of Commons

The Right Honourable Harriet Harman KC MP

Former deputy leader of the Labour Party and the country’s first ever Minister for women; Harriet Harman has been politics’ most prominent champion for women’s rights and as a minister in the Labour Government, introduced the National Childcare Strategy and the Equality Act

Oti Mabuse

Television Presenter and Professional Dancer. Eight-time South African Latin American Champion, much-loved professional dancer on BBC’s Strictly and judge on ITV’s The Masked Dancer and Dancing on Ice

Dame Sharon White

Chair of the John Lewis Partnership; Sharon became the John Lewis Partnership’s sixth Chairman in February 2020, moving from Ofcom, where she served as Chief Executive

Maisie Summers-Newton, Athelete and Paralympic champion holding 2 gold medals

Maisie Summers-Newton MBE

Athlete and Paralympic champion; Maisie is an Athlete and Paralympic Champion who was born with achondroplasia and cemented herself in history at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games winning gold in both the 200m medley and the 100m breaststroke.

WACL100 patron Maggie Alphonsi, England Rugby player and media commentator

Maggie Alphonsi MBE

Former England rugby player and World Cup winner; Maggie is one of the best-known names in women’s team sport, having represented England 74 times. She is a regular media commentator and a champion of D&I in sport