International Womens Day 2022: Break the Bias

Grace Andrews General

To mark International Women’s Day and this year’s theme of breaking bias, we’re sharing stories of female veterans who’ve broken through barriers to achieve their goals. They include our own Employment Consultant Gina Spacey, who recently took up a new role helping to support our diverse ex-Forces community through the new London Veterans Partnership.

Getting to know Gina

What is your role at The Poppy Factory?

As an Employment Consultant I have been helping veterans with health conditions to move into employment. I now work as Portfolio and Partnerships Lead for the London Veterans Partnership, which seeks to build a strong, supportive and inclusive network for London’s ex-Forces community.

What’s a good day at work?

A good day at work for me is the comments from veterans after that first face to face meeting.  Such as “I can now see a way ahead”   “I feel alive again”  I think I am then confirming that its why I do what I do.   It is all about the Client/Veteran.

What advice would you give your younger self?

Listen to the advice of those more experienced and learn everything you can from them.

If you could meet three women, dead or alive, who would they be?

If I could meet 3 women they would be:  Emmeline Pankhurst, The Queen, Cameron Diaz

 This year’s theme for Womens International Day is breaking bias, do you have any thoughts on that? Do you feel you’ve ever broken bias?

I think breaking bias is so important. I would love a world that is equal and very inclusive. Bias has to be broken with facts and not feelings. I have broken bias by having a blended team and that gives an all round perspective. This video explains it much better than I ever could.  

Gina leads the London Veterans Partnership which seeks to build a strong, supportive and inclusive network with London’s ex-Forces community at its centre. In doing so it will help veterans gain access to services, overcome barriers and explore new opportunities to support positive mental health and reduce social isolation. 

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