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Meet two incredible women

For International Women’s Day 2022, we spoke with some of the inspiring women across British Land neighbourhoods to talk equality, proud moments and what advice they’d give to their younger selves.

Meet Regent’s Place’s security officer Lavern Fowler and senior property manager Melissa Osman-Clarke.

 

Lavern Fowler

Lavern Fowler:

Tell us about yourself…

My name is Lavern Fowler. I work at Regent’s Place Campus in security, my role within the company is Security Officer (based in our Estate Permit Office BS). I have been in my current role for over two years now and in the security industry for 12 years, 10 of which have been here at Regent’s Place.

 

What is your proudest moment?

In my role within Security, I have been asked to give a talk about women in security at a local Primary school a couple of years ago. Although I was nervous and out of my comfort zone it was lovely to be asked and the interaction with the children was great, some of which I saw after who recognised me which was nice. 

 

What advice would you give your younger self?

Grab what you can when you can out of life, education and not friends are key and make everyday count, as tomorrow is not promised.  

 

Tell me something that not many people know about you?

I love music and if I was more outgoing, I would have done DJing in my spare time, instead I just entertain myself and those around me.

 

Is there a woman now or in history, that has inspired you?

My mum. Who came here from Jamaica when she was in her 20s with relatively nothing to her name. Found work and somewhere to live in times which were very very hard. 

 

What has the global pandemic taught you about yourself?

That I was among the lucky ones who were not highly impacted by the pandemic. In a time where people lost their jobs, homes and in some cases their lives, I count my blessings and take nothing for granted.

 

What is your view on equality of the sexes?

Although we women here in the UK have it better than women in other countries, I feel for women who do not have or are not allowed to access certain things simply because of their sex. That being said, we still have a long way to go both here and worldwide.

 

How do you celebrate IWD?

By remembering and paying homage to the women who paved and continue to pave the way for us females to raise and shine.

 

What does IWD mean to you?

The well-deserved recognition of women and the contributions we make be it in the home and or workplace.

 

Melissa Osman-Clarke

Melissa Osman-Clarke:

Tell us about yourself…

Melissa Osman-Clarke, I am the Senior Property Manager at Regents Place.

 

What is your proudest moment?

Proudest moment is probably the day we completed on our flat. Such a big milestone!

 

What advice would you give your younger self?

Don’t put up your own barriers, you are going to be too busy knocking down those made by others. Keep reaching, think bigger.

 

Tell me something that not many people know about you?

Growing up in North London, I was fortunate enough to be surrounded by a number of different cultures and people with varied outlooks on life. It was one of the reasons that inspired me to study psychology at university where I completed a dissertation on prejudice in children and how friendships with those from different backgrounds to their own can challenge these ideologies. I am always wanting to learn more, and would love to speak multiple languages!

 

Is there a woman now or in history, that has inspired you?

I wouldn’t say there is any one woman. Over the years I have learnt from many women in my life, whether it is in my work or personal life. Watching their successes and how they keep building on them, seeing them go through heartbreaks and watching them bounce back, constantly challenging themselves and demanding the room. 

 

What has the global pandemic taught you about yourself?

The pandemic has thrown a lot of curveballs our way. We will go down in the history books for experiencing a horrific, scary and unknown period, but during this time, we still went to work and did the utmost to keep ourselves, our colleagues and our customers safe. We found new ways to connect and appreciate the down times a lot more. We reached out to people that we haven’t spoken to for so long for no other reason than just to check in. We found ways to stay sane, and live and whilst not always easy, we mastered the “life, work, balance” and came through the other end. 

What the pandemic taught me, is if I can not only survive but succeed after what the last couple years have thrown at us, then I am much more capable of things than I thought I was. It is all a matter of adjusting the mindset and shutting down the self saboteur. 

 

What is your view on equality of the sexes?

I think it is changing, for the better. But there is still a way to go, especially with certain fields of work. Assumptions are still made. Certain language is still said. But the younger generations are listening and taking on board what needs to be heard, paving the way for a progressive future.

 

How do you celebrate IWD?

In truth, I don’t celebrate women in any one day. I celebrate, admire and praise women throughout the year as it is needed. But I am thankful for the day as it spreads the word and shows that so many of us have great accomplishments that need to be shared, spoken about and learned from. 

 

What does IWD mean to you?

IWD is a step in the right direction. It’s a start of great things to come and of so many possibilities. It is the needed reminder to everyone, that women are amazing every day of the year. Not just because we are women, but because we are individuals who exemplify excellence with our work whilst maintaining the important balance for our personal lives. Multitasking is a wonderful thing!

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