BCI Women in Resilience (WiR) announcing new leadership
We are pleased to introduce the new Leader and Vice Leader of the BCI Women in Resilience (WiR) Special Interest Group (SIG), Ratna Pawan and Krysta Broughton-Munford. Here, the Leader and Vice Leader have taken reflected on the impact of the SIG as well as their vision for its future.
What impact has the WiR SIG had on you?
Ratna Pawan (RP): I have been associated with the BCI WiR SIG since September 2020, so almost 4 years now. It is not a job that I am forced to do, nor is it a task that I do so that it looks good on my LinkedIn profile or resume. For me, WiR is a passion, a cause, and an effort to contribute and uplift other women in whatever way possible.
Every spotlight piece, article, webinar, or networking opportunity that the SIG has completed with the contribution of other accomplished women in the business continuity, resilience, and risk sector has been refreshing, enlightening, helpful, and telling for all of us involved. I have gained as much from every connection and interaction as I hope that I have contributed.
Krysta Broughton-Munford (KBM): A significant and lasting impact that’s really quite difficult to quantify, but let me tell you where it all began. Before joining the BCI WiR SIG, I had been a relatively inactive follower of the LinkedIn community. I was new to the resilience industry at the time and didn’t feel a sense of connectedness or belonging after switching career path. However, after reading the WiR spotlight articles and joining a webinar, I was transfixed with the energy and enthusiasm of the group. The positive and uplifting impact of the community caused my confidence to soar and, in March 2023, I was delighted to be a speaker at a WiR hybrid event. Due to the support I felt and seeing the amazing work of the WiR in action, I applied to become a committee member and took up my post in July 2023.
Since then I have made it my mission to perpetuate and proliferate the amazing things that WiR does; inspiring women in resilience, and those who are working parents, to find their sense of connectedness and belonging. I have certainly found where I belong and love it!
What is your vision for the future of WiR? What will it offer for members?
RP: The WiR SIG has had a great journey under the able leadership of Rina Singh and Margaret Millett. We all love doing what we do here and we have a common cause binding us. Krysta Broughton-Munford and I intend to continue the good work. We will continue to make the difference that I am confident we make today. Even if we are able to positively impact, give courage to, mentor or motivate just one person from our target audience at every interaction, we will know we have done our bit.
Our members can continue to keep their high expectations from us and I am confident that we will deliver.
KBM: Before I share some thoughts on the future I would like to acknowledge and celebrate the past. Our SIG’s leadership under Rina Singh and Margaret Millet has been authentic, inclusive, and fun! The WiR SIG has attracted the most incredible female resilience professionals from across the globe, and that would not have been possible without the esteemed leadership of Rina and Margaret, so thank you, thank you, and thank you again.
Now to the future. I am buzzing with excitement to become Vice Leader of the WiR and work alongside our newly appointed Leader, Ratna Pawan. For me the vision for the future of the WiR aligns harmoniously with our already well-established mission. We will have a keen focus on ensuring the group, and all our work, meets our very high standards of diversity, equity, and inclusion. For current members this means they will see a step change in the variety and type of content and events we produce – watch this space! For those considering joining, we offer a place to learn and grow, networking opportunities, and importantly a safe and uplifting space to be the best possible version of you. Join us, you won’t regret it!
Do you see any immediate challenges in the WiR space that you wish to address through your leadership?
RP: No challenges at all. For now, we are really looking forward to carrying on the great work and making every interaction count.
KBM: I am a firm believer that everything can be constantly improved and there is no such thing as a final destination in resilience – this also applies to our SIG. We must continue to evolve. Whilst I share Ratna’s view that we do not currently see any obvious and immediate challenges, we should not be complacent. It is within our offering to keep making things better for women in the resilience industry and I know that this is achievable with the hearts and minds of our fabulous WiR committee members and our new Leader, Ratna.
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