A trailblazer in helping women progress in their careers has received an Honorary Doctorate of Science from the University of Warwick.
Vanessa Vallely OBE, of Hockley in Essex, founded WeAreTheCity in 2008 as a vehicle to help women achieve their full potential in the workplace.
Now, the organisation she started at the height of a successful career in financial services, along with its sister organisation WeAreTechWomen, boasts a membership of 80,000 professional women globally, and helps more than 100 companies to retain and develop their female talent.
It is also behind the annual Rising Star awards, a scheme supported by Warwick Business School that focuses on the achievements of women below senior management and director level.
“I am truly delighted to receive an Honorary Degree from the University of Warwick,” said Vanessa, who upholds a family tradition as the Pearly Queen of The City of London and is set to receive the honorary degree tomorrow (Friday July 19).
“This recognition is not just a personal honour but a testament to the collective efforts of all who strive for greater equity and inclusion in our society.
“It underscores the importance of our shared mission to create opportunities, break down barriers, and uplift voices that have long been unheard.”
With a career spanning 25 years in banking and finance, Vanessa ‘gave up the day job’ to devote all of her time to empowering women worldwide.
In 2010, she founded Gender Networks, uniting diversity leaders from various sectors to exchange best practices, following this up five years later with WeAreTech Women to help women working in technology to increase their numbers and their chances to upskill.
Now running a number of award schemes such as Rising Stars and TechWomen100 plus conferences, Vanessa’s organisations have helped to upskill more than 50,000 women globally.
“Our initiatives are driven by a belief in the transformative power of diversity and the critical need for inclusive leadership,” said Vanessa. “We have witnessed the profound impact of our programmes – from networking events to educational workshops – in fostering a community where women can thrive.
“Our work is far from complete. The challenges that women face are complex and deeply rooted across society. However, every success story and every step forward fuels our resolve.
“We will continue to advocate for gender parity, develop resources that enhance career progression, and create platforms for women to share their stories and expertise.”
Vanessa’s own story started in East London where she grew up on a council estate and left school at 16 before later entering the C-suite. The story is told in a book – ‘Heels of Steel: Surviving and Thriving in the Corporate World’ – penned by Vanessa in 2013.
In 2018 she was awarded an OBE for services to women and the economy, and has served on several boards, including Prostate UK and Cancer Research UK. Currently, Vanessa holds the role of trustee at MS Together, a charity supporting young adults diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis.
Andy Lockett, Dean of WBS and Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship, said: “This is well deserved recognition for Vanessa, she has been a tireless campaigner for gender equality and is someone that encapsulates the business school’s Change Maker values.
“Vanessa has provided keynote speeches on career-related topics for more than 500 companies worldwide and is one of the most prominent figures in gender equality, regularly consulting with the UK Government and corporate organisations seeking to attract, develop and retain female talent.
“She has accumulated a host of industry awards, including Women in Banking & Finance’s Champion for Women, being named in GQ UK’s Top 100 Connected Women and the Evening Standard’s 1000 Most Influential Londoners.
“We are proud to work with Vanessa on gender equality and welcome her to the Warwick family with this honorary degree.”
