Sonia Baker - International Women's Day Feature

This IWD we're celebrating some of the female leaders, founders and entrepreneurs in our Chamber. In this feature we talked to Sonia Baker from Sight Support Worthing.

1. How did you get to where you are today? (max 100 words)

I grew up in Brighton and after being very artistic at school, randomly ended up working for the Crown Prosecution Service for 11 years presenting criminal cases in the Magistrates court. I developed some invaluable skills there and having always been a creative, it taught me to be evidenced based in my thinking. However, after having young children I needed more flexible work, so I left and spent several years trying to find my ‘purpose’! I’ve always been an all-rounder who likes variety and luckily I found leadership in the nonprofit sector – which pretty much encompasses everything!

 

2. What would you tell your younger self? (max 100 words)

Vocation, vocation, vocation! Some young people are academic and know very early they want to be, say, a doctor, but others aren’t or don’t. I would tell any young person starting out to seize any opportunity for work placements, volunteering, or apprenticeships to build your professional experience. You’ll not only build knowledge but valuable soft skills as well. That’s how you’ll find what you love to do. And what you don’t!

3. What advice would you give to the next generation of women in business? (max 100 words)

To remain curious about everything and never stop learning. Also, being able to give back to your local community through your work whether through sharing your knowledge or volunteering or even occasional fundraising. Not only is it incredibly personally rewarding, it boosts your ESG profile and makes business sense!

www.sswcharity.org.uk

You can find out more here about this year's International Women's Day agenda - Rights. Justice, Action. For ALL Women and Girls.