Leza Lafferty, learning development officer at Scotland’s Housing Network, has a career in housing spanning more than 30 years. She has held roles at Glasgow City Council, Easthall Park Housing Co-operative, and TPAS Scotland and holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Housing Studies.

Commenting on her appointment, Leza said: “I am delighted to be joining the WISH Scotland Board. I have followed WISH since they first started in Scotland and have enjoyed attending some of their events. I look forward to working with the rest of the Board and meeting some more inspiring women in housing!”

Gillian Duddy, membership & funding manager at the SFHA, is currently studying for a degree in Business Management at the University of Strathclyde and has been working in the housing sector for six years. Gillian joined SFHA from the financial sector and is passionate about promoting housing as a career of choice.

She said: “I am delighted to have been accepted onto the WISH Scotland board. It is a privilege to be part of an inspiring network of individuals who empower women across Scotland to progress their careers in social housing and make meaningful strides towards equality.”

Fiona Pask, dispute resolution partner at Shakespear Martineau, heads up the Scottish disputes team at the legal firm. She has a 16-year career in law and was previously a Partner at Harper Macleod LLP.

She said: “WISH Scotland offers so much opportunity for the development and empowerment of women across the housing sector. I feel privileged to have been appointed alongside such inspirational women and look forward to helping the Board achieve our objectives over the coming months and beyond”.

Fiona Koroma is a corporate services administrator at Elderpark Housing, a CIH champion member, and sits on the board of Glen Oaks Housing Association.

She said: “I am thrilled to be joining the WISH Scotland Board, and to be part of a network that champions women in the sector, is very refreshing and exciting. I’m looking forward to working alongside the rest of the Board.”

WISH Scotland chair, Kirsty Wells, added: “At WISH Scotland we’re proud to empower women across housing to thrive in their careers by providing networking opportunities and events that help build confidence and make their voices heard.

“It’s fantastic to have Leza, Fiona, Gillian, and Fiona join us as board members. The wealth of experience they bring strengthens the WISH Scotland board as we work towards our vision of a housing sector where everyone can flourish.”

WISH Scotland has some inspiring in-person events lined up in the coming months.

Save the date for WISH Scotland’s next networking event on 29 May at Scottish Borders Housing Association in Selkirk with their CEO Julia Mulloy for an afternoon focused on female empowerment in the workforce and investment in people and place. Booking will open soon here.

And later in the year save the date for:

• WISH Scotland’s second-anniversary celebration on 19 September at Wheatley Group in Glasgow with Alison Watson, director at Shelter Scotland, and Naomi Morris, head of strategic enabling at Birmingham City Council.
• WISH Scotland’s Christmas networking event in Edinburgh at Hanover Housing Association on 5 December.