International Women’s Month Employee Spotlight: Sally Briggs
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As International Women’s Month comes to an end, we want to take the time to share the contribution of some of our incredible female staff members. Today, we are shining a light on Sally Briggs, Learner Recruitment & Progression Coordinator, who has been with Central YMCA for 17 years. We chatted with Sally about her experience as a woman working for Central YMCA and how this role has impacted her.
What inspired you to join Central YMCA, and what has kept you here for so many years?
I previously worked as a retail manager and within my store in Doncaster, I supported YMCA with offering work placements for their students. I loved supporting these students and giving them the opportunity to learn new skills, feel valued and raise their aspirations. This made me look at my career and whether I felt fulfilled – which I didn’t. Luckily, an opportunity came up to work at YMCA, as a Training Advisor. I decided to take the chance and apply for the role, which I was offered. My role at YMCA has changed over the 17 years I have been here, but in each role, I have felt a sense of achievement – not necessarily my own achievement but the joy of seeing the young people I work with achieve. I stay in the company because I don’t feel that it is a job – this is who I am now. YMCA is in my blood I just love to help young people and raise their hopes, dreams, and aspirations.
Can you share a defining moment in your career that shaped who you are today?
There have been a lot of moments within my career at YMCA that have shaped who I am today. I remember the first time one of my learners gained an apprenticeship – I felt so proud and realised that this was such a rewarding role to have. This learner had been brought up in the care sector and had seen things that a young person should never see. When I first met them, they had a drug problem and had no self-esteem or aspirations – they felt useless. The joy and sense of achievement they felt when they were offered this apprenticeship was amazing, and that feeling has stayed with me from then. From this moment I realised that I can make a difference to young people – not all of them but some of them.
Have you had any female mentors or role models who influenced your journey?
I have worked in a female heavy work force since joining YMCA and along the way I have had several strong mentors that have influenced my journey – some are no longer at YMCA, but they did make a difference. Of the people still here, I would say Michelle Smith [Education Manager] and Karen Ogden [Head of Education] have been my role models and mentors and have supported me, especially over the past 10 years.
What advice would you give to young women aspiring to step into leadership positions?
I would say follow your beliefs and stay true to your self – there will be walls to knock down and hurdles to cross along your way but keep telling yourself that you can do this, and you can make a difference. Treat people how you would expect to be treated and always keep an open door to everyone.
Thank you so much to Sally for sharing her experience!
If you’re feeling inspired by Sally’s experience working for Central YMCA and would like to work in a field where you can positively impact the lives of others, we regularly hire for new roles in different areas of the business. Keep an eye on our job postings if you would be interested in joining the Central YMCA family!
