Founder and managing director of WeAreTheCity, Vanessa Vallely has been recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List for 2018.
Vallely was awarded an OBE for services to women and the economy.
Vallely launched WeAreTheCity in April 2008. WeAreTheCity currently has branches in both the UK & India. Vanessa’s corporate experience stems from a 25 year career in Banking, holding roles such as Head of Governance, Business Management & COO.
Vallely is also the co-founder the diversity network, Gender Networks, formerly, The Network of Networks (TNON), which is a best practice & networking forum for corporate network leaders. Gender Networks currently has 95 member firms and 300 individual members.
She is also author of “Heels of Steel, surviving and thriving in the corporate world”. Alongside, all this, she is a motivational speaker who has provided keynotes to over 300 firms across the globe. She has also won numerous awards for her work in finance & gender.
Vallely has been a contributor on the board of CR-UK Women of Influence and most recently the Government Digital Services advisory board.
Speaking about her OBE, Vallely said, “I am extremely humbled to receive such a prestigious honour.”
“As many people know my passion for women, their progression and their equal standing in society knows no bounds.”
“It is a truly amazing feeling to receive this OBE as recognition for my work.”
“I’d also like to take this opportunity to share this moment and thank my family, my team, my clients and all the individuals who have supported both me and WeAreTheCity over the years.”
“I have been lucky enough to stand on the shoulders of giants and to be inspired by so many individuals who tirelessly champion change and equality for women.”
“It is their strength and determination that continues to inspire me every day.”
“I would also like to thank every member of WeAreTheCity, my Rising Stars, Gender Networks and Careers Club members.”
“My work to support you all alongside building a robust pipeline of senior female leaders will continue with passion and vigour.”
“There is still so much more work to be done in terms of achieving gender parity.”
“I am hopeful that this honour will also provide me with an opportunity to contribute more widely towards a world where women are treated as equals.”
“Once again, my sincere thanks to everyone and to those who championed my nomination, I am eternally grateful.”
In the 100th anniversary year of women’s suffrage, 41 per cent of CBE awards and above went to women – an increase from 39 per cent from the New Year’s Honours List.
Of these women, the Queen also honoured Dr Frances Carolyn Saunders, a distinguished engineer who has been instrumental in improving diversity within STEM and attracting young people from all backgrounds into engineering, who will receive a damehood; Kanya King, the founder of the MOBO awards, who will receive a CBE; Professor Mary Beard, Professor of Classics, University of Cambridge, who will receive a damehood; journalist Kate Adie, who will receive a CBE; Brenda Trenowden, Head of Financial Institutions Group, ANZ Bank and Global Chair, 30% Club, will receive a CBE; and Simone Roche, Founder, Northern Power Women, who will receive an MBE.
The Queen’s Birthday Honours List recognises people who have made achievements in public life or committed themselves to serving and helping Britain. Honours have been awarded on the sovereign’s birthday since at least 1860.
