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A group of Westminster City School’s Year 12 Business and Economics students had the exciting opportunity to attend the Changemaker Challenge: Young Women in Tech event, held at Verizon’s Head Office in Holborn. Organised in partnership with Burberry, the event was designed to challenge gender stereotypes and inspire young women to explore innovative, sustainable careers in the fast-evolving world of technology and retail.

The day consisted of engaging workshops, interactive tech demonstrations, and a practical group challenge aimed at developing students' enterprise, collaboration, and presentation skills, enabling them to see what it is like to pursue potential career pathways at leading companies like Burberry.

During the event, students heard from an inspiring panel of guest speakers who shared their career stories and discussed the challenges and opportunities for young women entering the tech and retail industries. This was followed by a Q&A session where students were encouraged to ask questions about the realities of working in these sectors.

Additionally, students were asked to work in teams to create their own innovative, tech-powered retail brand focusing on the product they would like to sell, customers, technology and sustainability and branding.

Year 12 student at Westminster City School, Tasneem, shared her experience saying:  

“The experience was incredibly insightful, interactive, and enjoyable. We explored different tech facilities, and one of the most memorable was designing our own brand centred around sustainability and innovation, which we later presented to leading figures from the tech department. For example, we encountered a smart mirror equipped with a built-in camera and motion sensors that allowed us to digitally try on clothes from the brand Burberry.

“I mostly enjoyed listening to the speakers' personal experiences. It reminded me that your goals and direction can change, and that’s okay. Sometimes the unexpected path leads you exactly where you need to be.”

Tasneem also spoke about how the experience has impacted her:

“I’ve gained a deeper understanding of the complexity and evolving nature of technology and AI. This experience has heightened my awareness of how these advancements will shape everyday life while also making me more conscious of other impacts. It’s also boosted my confidence in public speaking, especially when it comes to presenting and sharing my ideas.”

Alexandra Knowles, Lead Facilitator of the event, said:

“I was extremely impressed by the students' maturity, how engaged they were, and their excellent presentation skills. They went above and beyond in their delivery and were an absolute credit to Westminster City School.”

A huge thank you to Burberry and Verizon for hosting such an inspiring and empowering event.