For International Women’s Day 2026, some of our female colleagues have shared their experiences of working at Yorkshire Housing and the women who have inspired them. This year’s theme is “Give to Gain.”
Ebony Stocks
Aftercare Expert
What has working in housing helped you gain personally or professionally?
I started my career in housing six years ago, and the number of skills and knowledge I’ve gained and developed in that time has been invaluable. Professionally, it’s strengthened my communication skills by helping me adapt and use different approaches to suit individual customers’ and colleagues’ needs. It’s definitely developed my resilience, time management and prioritisation skills, as well as my ability to work under pressure. On a personal level, I’ve gained so much confidence and believe in myself far more than I did before joining Yorkshire Housing. That’s come from dealing with difficult situations and working hard to deliver the best service I can, but also from having the support of an amazing team and managers around me, which I’m incredibly grateful for.
Tell us about a moment where helping a customer or colleague really stuck with you. Why did it matter?
A customer at one of our sites in Knaresborough contacted us about some defects and concerns about her home. Rather than continuing over email, I gave her a call to talk things through and fully understand what was happening. It became clear she’d struggle to send photos, so I arranged a home visit to look at the issues in person and make the process easier for her. While I was there, we also discussed her plans to build a shed in her garden. I helped her complete the relevant form and sent it to the team, and permission was granted. What stood out to me was being able to support her from start to finish - resolving the defects and helping her move forward with her plans. It was a good reminder that taking the time to listen and adapt to someone’s needs can make a real difference.
Ebony Stocks
Aftercare Expert
What’s something you’ve learned from another woman at Yorkshire Housing that’s stayed with you?
I’m surrounded by incredibly strong and talented women in my team and across the organisation. I’ve learned not to shy away from challenges and to push myself outside my comfort zone. One person who really stands out is Caroline Walton. She’s enthusiastic, willing and always eager to learn and develop. She’s also one of the kindest, most down-to-earth people you could meet - funny, caring and always supportive of others! She’s a real inspiration to me. I can’t wait to see her continue to grow in her role as Defects Coordinator, and I feel genuinely honoured to be on that journey with her.
Who is your female inspiration and why?
My mum is my inspiration every single day. She’s the strongest person I know, always putting others first and facing whatever life throws at her head on. She’s taught me the importance of kindness, hard work and never giving up when things get tough. I’m so grateful to have such a strong woman in my life - and even more grateful that I get to call her my mum.
Victoria Cordingley
Homeownership Manager
What has working in housing helped you gain personally or professionally?
Working in housing has helped me build real confidence in who I am and how I work. I trust my knowledge and experience, and I’m comfortable offering support and guidance in a way that feels natural to me. It’s allowed me to be myself. I haven’t felt pressure to fit a particular mould. Instead, I’ve been able to lean into empathy, emotional intelligence and lived experience, and use those strengths every day. Most importantly, it’s reinforced my values. I try to do the right thing, not just the easy thing, and staying true to who I am helps me make decisions I feel confident about. Being open about my journey has become one of my strengths.
Tell us about a moment where helping a customer or colleague really stuck with you. Why did it matter?
A moment that has stayed with me was a conversation with a colleague after they’d handled a challenging situation. They were passionate and had good intentions, but it was important to reflect on how things had been received. Instead of focusing on what had gone wrong, we took the time to talk it through openly, looking at intent, impact and what could be learned. What really stood out to me was the difference that space made. Recognising someone’s passion as a strength, while helping them think about how it comes across, felt important. It reinforced how powerful it can be to support people to grow, without asking them to be someone they’re not.
Victoria Cordingley
Homeownership Manager
What’s something you’ve learned from another woman at Yorkshire Housing that’s stayed with you?
Something that’s stayed with me was watching Cath, a former member of the exec team, lead through a difficult moment. She was sharing challenging news with a large group in person, and what struck me most was her calmness. You could see that she genuinely cared about the people in the room, while still being clear and steady in how she communicated. She listened, took her time and wasn’t afraid of silence. That moment has stayed with me. In challenging situations, I still find myself thinking, how would Cath handle this? It reminds me to stay calm when things feel uncertain and to create space for others when they need it most.
Who is your female inspiration and why?
My female inspiration is a woman I knew growing up called Francess, who was like an auntie to me. She took the time to really listen and understand me, and she encouraged me to learn more about myself and my story. She helped me see that my experiences weren’t something to minimise, but something I could recognise as part of my strength. What stood out most was how comfortable she was in herself. She was strong and feminine, proud of who she was and shaped by her own journey rather than other people’s expectations. She showed me that warmth and strength can sit side by side. The belief that your story matters and has value is something I still carry with me today, and something I try to pass on to others.
Liz Jones
Sustainability Liason Officer
What has working in housing helped you gain personally or professionally?
Coming from a telecoms background, moving into social housing has been both refreshing and eye-opening. It’s given me a new perspective and helped me better understand the challenges some of our customers face. It’s also made me reflect on my own circumstances and appreciate the stability of my home and the support network around me.
Tell us about a moment where helping a customer or colleague really stuck with you. Why did it matter?
I visited a customer after there had been significant water issues in her home following a roof repair. The impact had been upsetting, particularly as some personal belongings with sentimental value had been affected. I spent time with her, listening as she talked about her son and shared memories that were clearly very important to her. It was an emotional conversation, and I focused on being present and supportive. What mattered most was showing up in person rather than trying to resolve everything from behind a desk. In that moment, she needed empathy and reassurance as much as a practical solution. She’s since stayed in touch with small updates, which has meant a lot. It was a reminder that sometimes simply being there and listening can make a real difference.
Liz Jones
Sustainability Liason Officer
What’s something you’ve learned from another woman at Yorkshire Housing that’s stayed with you?
To be tenacious and do the right thing, to speak up when necessary, to listen when needed. To see the positives when sometimes it’s hard.
Alison Strogen
Sustainability Liason Officer
What has working in housing helped you gain personally or professionally?
Working in housing has helped me grow in ways I didn’t expect. Supporting customers who are navigating everyday pressures - whether that’s rising energy costs, concerns about their home, or the general stress of making ends meet - really puts things into perspective. It’s taught me to listen more carefully and think about how I can provide the right support to achieve a positive outcome. Professionally, it’s encouraged me to be braver and more solutions-focused. Sustainability can feel technical at times, but working in housing has helped me translate long-term environmental goals into something practical and meaningful for customers. I’ve grown in confidence when it comes to influencing change, and I’ve developed a real appreciation for the difference good housing can make to someone’s wellbeing. Everyone deserves a warm, safe and comfortable home.
Tell us about a moment where helping a customer or colleague really stuck with you. Why did it matter?
One moment that’s stayed with me was supporting a customer who was anxious about rising energy bills. They’d been avoiding using their heating because they felt overwhelmed and didn’t know where to start. We spent time going through their bill, checking their tariff and talking about simple steps to manage energy use without sacrificing comfort. I also helped them access support they were eligible for, including guidance from National Energy Action. Alongside this, I arranged further checks with the contractor and followed up to make sure the right action was taken. Ongoing contact was important to provide reassurance and make sure the customer felt supported. That experience stayed with me because it wasn’t just about energy efficiency - it was about confidence and feeling heard. It reminded me that sustainability work isn’t just about carbon; it’s about people, homes and helping customers feel more in control of their everyday lives.
Alison Strogen
Sustainability Liason Officer
What’s something you’ve learned from another woman at Yorkshire Housing that’s stayed with you?
One piece of feedback that really stayed with me came from a colleague who said, “Don't be so hard on yourself - you're doing a great job.” She helped me understand that I was doing my best and at the end of the day, it's all we can do in life.
Who is your female inspiration and why?
My sister is my biggest inspiration. She faced one of life’s hardest battles, cancer, with a strength I’ll always admire. Even on the days when things felt uncertain, she showed a quiet courage that had a real impact on everyone around her. She kept going, kept believing and stayed true to herself throughout. Watching her come through that experience has reshaped how I see resilience. She showed me that bravery isn’t always loud, sometimes it’s steady, patient and determined. She reminded me of the importance of hope, gratitude and finding moments of light, even during difficult times. She didn’t just get through it; she grew through it. And that inspires me every day to be stronger, kinder and more grateful for the people around me.
Dawn Fawcett-Bruce
Health and Safety Compliance Administrator
What has working in housing helped you gain personally or professionally?
This is my first role in housing after careers in hospitality, education and recruitment/HR, and it’s fair to say it’s given me a real sense of purpose. It’s allowed me to be myself at work and really appreciate how varied, people-centred and full of character this industry, and Yorkshire Housing, truly is. One of the biggest things I’ve gained is a deeper understanding of how important Health and Safety really is. Not as a barrier, but as a foundation. It can sometimes be seen as paperwork or process, but at its heart it’s about making sure everyone goes home, or is at home, safe and well. When you see it as a shared responsibility to look after one another, it becomes something we all take ownership of. For me, it’s about creating an environment where colleagues feel informed, supported and able to focus on doing their best work without worry. Professionally, I’ve grown a huge amount and have become closely involved in the Wellbeing Group, championing initiatives that help colleagues feel supported, safe and valued. It’s also strengthened my role as an LGBTQIA+ ally. If discrimination arises, I’ll address it respectfully but clearly, because everyone deserves to feel welcome and able to be themselves. Working in housing, and especially at Yorkshire Housing, has reinforced for me that kindness and doing the right thing for people will always matter.
Tell us about a moment where helping a customer or colleague really stuck with you. Why did it matter?
Being what I’ll call a natural chatterbox, I can happily talk to anyone about almost anything. Recently, I got chatting to a colleague who was struggling with a health condition. It was something I could relate to, as I experience the same issue from time to time. I’m no medical professional, but after a good conversation I shared a few things that have helped me manage it, in the hope they might make day-to-day life a little more comfortable. It mattered because I could see how much discomfort they were in. If I can make someone’s day even slightly easier just by listening and sharing what’s worked for me, then that feels worthwhile.
Dawn Fawcett-Bruce
Health and Safety Compliance Administrator
What’s something you’ve learned from another woman at Yorkshire Housing that’s stayed with you?
The women at YH have taught me that lifting each other up really is a strength. Whether it’s a pep talk, an honest reality check or a simple “you’ve got this”, the women I work with lead with warmth and sincerity. In my very first month at YH, a female colleague approached me, even though we’d only ever spoken on Teams, just to say she’d been impressed with my attitude and the way I’d supported her. She told me the world needed more of that kindness. It was a humbling moment and one I’ll always remember! From the brilliant women in the Wellbeing Group, I’ve learned how important it is to create spaces where people can be themselves without judgement, just genuine support. It’s also reinforced something I’ve always believed: you never really know what someone is carrying behind the scenes, so kindness should always come first. All of this has made me a prouder ally, a more thoughtful colleague and, at times, someone who’s always ready with a bit of well-meant encouragement.
Who is your female inspiration and why?
My female inspiration is Catherine, the Princess of Wales. She carries herself with such calm and elegance, even in the most public moments. When she was about to give birth to her first child, my husband and I happened to be in London. He knew without asking that if the baby arrived while we were there, I’d have happily joined the crowds outside the hospital for a glimpse of the new family. I’m not embarrassed to say I really admire her and what she represents. What stands out to me is the balance she strikes between grace and hard work. She champions important causes with commitment and care, while remaining approachable and genuine. Time and again, she shows that you can be both down to earth and highly capable at the same time. Her openness about her health journey has also been inspiring. She’s faced personal challenges with honesty and courage, and in doing so has helped others feel less alone. For me, she’s a reminder that strength doesn’t have to be loud. You can lead with compassion, stay true to your values and still make a real impact. Whether you’re working in a palace or in a housing association in Yorkshire, there’s something powerful about that kind of steady, thoughtful leadership.
Molly Gaunt
What has working in housing helped you gain personally or professionally?
Coming from the private sector, where budgets and structure ruled everything, I sometimes felt boxed in. Moving into housing felt like stepping into a space where I could finally be genuinely creative, trying new ideas, rethinking approaches, and doing things differently. What surprised me most was how openly that creativity was welcomed. I've brought fresh thinking into a completely different sector, pushed myself in ways I never would have in corporate services, and seen those ideas actually land well. Honestly, that's all I've ever wanted from a role.
Tell us about a moment where helping a customer or colleague really stuck with you. Why did it matter?
When I first joined YH, I had a great career chat with a colleague who was ready for their next challenge. We talked about where they wanted to end up, which sounds simple, but it's the kind of conversation that can really change things. By the second session we were already looking at internal roles and shadowing colleagues across YH to build their confidence and profile. Nothing gets me more fired up than helping someone grow, whether they end up a Chief Exec or a Plumber extraordinaire. I just love seeing someone find their thing. In this case they didn't quite make Chief Exec, and I'm definitely not taking credit for Nick, who was here long before me! It just still makes me smile seeing people find their stride.
Molly Gaunt
What's something you've learned from another woman at Yorkshire Housing that's stayed with you?
I've learned to trust leaders, and I have my current manager to thank for that. She leads by doing, not just saying, and brings honesty, integrity, and a genuinely down-to-earth sense of fun to everything she does. She's not shy about challenging things when they need challenging, but she's just as quick to celebrate people when they've done something great, which makes a real difference day to day. Working with her has shown me what good leadership actually looks like in practice. She creates an environment where you feel comfortable speaking up, trying new things, and being yourself. It's hard not to feel motivated around someone like that. And she gets extra points for the adorable pup, obviously.
Who is your female inspirtation and why?
My mum, without a doubt. One of eight children, raised in a proper working-class family, she became a steady, dependable presence for everyone around her from a young age. Not the loudest or the one demanding attention, just the one people leaned on. She still is. She's shown me what hard work, resilience, and determination really look like, not in a dramatic way, but in the quiet, everyday things she did without ever making a fuss. I like to think I've inherited some of that. She's always been a reminder of the quiet strength people don't shout about but absolutely rely on. I couldn't admire her more. She's shaped so much of who I am, and I'm proud to carry even a fraction of her grit and warmth.
Jodie Stericker
Senior Resource Coordinator
What has working in housing helped you gain personally or professionally?
Working in housing has helped me grow in so many ways. My confidence has come on a lot, particularly when it comes to staying calm under pressure and making quick decisions. I've also built strong, in-depth repairs knowledge, which has become one of my key strengths.
Tell us about a moment where helping a customer or colleague really stuck with you. Why did it matter?
A colleague on my team was feeling really overwhelmed. They were new to the role and weren't sure what to prioritise or whether they were cut out for it. I listened, helped them put a plan together, and we worked through it side by side. A bit of patience and empathy goes a long way, and seeing them get back on their feet was a great reminder of why being a supportive manager matters. They even sent me a little thank you message afterwards, which meant a lot.
Jodie Stericker
Senior Resource Coordinator
What's something you've learned from another woman at Yorkshire Housing that's stayed with you?
When I joined the Repairs team, my manager and the next three people up the chain were all women. Seeing women leading confidently in a role that's traditionally seen as a man's world really stuck with me. It showed me that women can absolutely thrive and lead here, and that was something I needed to see.
Who is your female inspiration and why?
This one's a little different because my inspiration is actually a man, or more specifically, something a man once said to me. When I was 20, I opened my own clothes shop. When I took my business plan to the bank, the manager actually laughed and told me there was "no place for young girls in business" and that it would never work. From that moment on, my mindset shifted to: who says I can't? Watch me. That attitude has shaped the way I approach every challenge since.
Becky Shardlow
Customer Experience Manager
What has working in housing helped you gain personally or professionally?
I fell into housing by accident through an apprenticeship. Personally, it's given me the confidence and drive to be the best I can be. Professionally, it's given me a real sense of purpose. I've worked across all the front-facing teams, which has built up a wide range of experience I couldn't have got anywhere else. The ability to move between teams is one of the biggest selling points of working in housing, there's always something new to try.
Tell us about a moment where helping a customer or colleague really stuck with you. Why did it matter?
I had a breakthrough moment with a customer who was in serious debt and at risk of losing her home. Once she felt safe enough to open up, we were able to work together and save it. It's stayed with me because it made a real difference to her and her family. She told me it completely changed her mindset, and that's exactly why this job matters.
Becky Shardlow
Customer Experience Manager
What’s something you’ve learned from another woman at Yorkshire Housing that’s stayed with you?
To have confidence in myself from two fantastic women in Yorkshire Housing, Angela Havens and Sarah Lee.
Who is your female inspiration and why?
Always my mum, probably the strongest person I know who has always encouraged me to be myself.