On March 6, 2025, we had the privilege of attending the Royal Navy’s International Women’s Day event at the magnificent HMS President, moored on the River Thames with the stunning backdrop of Tower Bridge. The event was an incredible opportunity to network, hear from inspiring women, and gain an insight into careers within the Royal Navy and beyond.
Our day began with an exceptionally early start, catching the 05:40 ferry from the Isle of Wight, followed by a train journey that seemed to tour the entire south coast of England before finally arriving at London Waterloo. For many of our students, this was their first experience of navigating the London Underground during rush hour, which in itself was an adventure! Emerging into the beautiful London sunshine—a stark contrast to the fog-bound Isle of Wight—we made our way to HMS President, where the grandeur of the location did not disappoint.
Upon arrival, we were welcomed warmly by the Royal Navy team and enjoyed a wonderful working breakfast on the terrace. This provided an excellent opportunity to engage with other attendees and for our students to acclimatise to their surroundings. The hospitality extended by the Royal Navy was exemplary, and the breakfast was thoroughly enjoyed by all.
The day’s programme began with an engaging talk from Chris Terrill, an anthropologist, adventurer, broadcaster, author, and filmmaker. Born in 1952, Chris Terrill is known for his immersive documentary work, particularly within the military sphere. He is the only civilian to have completed the Royal Marines Commando training, earning the coveted green beret at the age of 55. His work includes acclaimed documentaries such as HMS Brilliant, Commando: On the Front Line, and The Warship: Tour of Duty. His talk was both captivating and deeply personal, concluding with a touching story about his mother, one of the first women to serve in the Royal Navy, and how she met his father—both esteemed members of the Royal Navy.
Following Chris’s speech, we had the privilege of hearing from six inspirational women currently serving in the Royal Navy. These women, from various branches such as medical, engineering, and training, shared their experiences of balancing their careers, reserve commitments, and personal lives. Their stories highlighted the numerous pathways available within the Royal Navy, including opportunities for study and professional development.
After more networking opportunities, we were fortunate to listen to Sergeant Jason Muscarella from the US Air Force. His session on resilience was both powerful and motivational, providing invaluable insights into overcoming challenges and maintaining mental strength. Another standout speaker was Lucy-May Fox, a Learning and Development Practitioner at British Airways and a passionate advocate for apprenticeships. Lucy-May’s keynote was a masterclass in confidence and determination, leaving our students thoroughly inspired by her journey.
One of the most memorable moments of the day was when our own student, Maya Richardson, took the stage to deliver a heartfelt speech. At just 16 years old, Maya addressed an audience of over 100 professionals, sharing her aspirations to join either the Military Police or Hampshire Police. She spoke passionately about the importance of recognising the achievements of women in uniformed services and the vital role they play in shaping the future.
Her speech was met with overwhelming praise, with one Petty Officer remarking that it made her emotional and incredibly proud. Maya’s confidence, eloquence, and conviction were truly commendable. Her words resonated with the audience and reinforced the significance of representation and opportunity for women in uniformed services.
The day concluded with further networking and reflections on the invaluable insights gained. Our students left HMS President feeling inspired, empowered, and more determined than ever to pursue their chosen career paths. The event was a testament to the progress made in gender equality within the armed forces and a reminder of the work still to be done.
A huge thank you to Ryan Scott and the Royal Navy for inviting us to this exceptional event. It was an unforgettable experience, and we are incredibly proud of our students, particularly Maya, for representing the Isle of Wight College with such poise and passion. International Women’s Day at HMS President was not just a celebration—it was a call to action for the next generation of women to step forward and lead.
Maya's Speech
Good morning, everyone,
I’m Maya Richardson, and I’ve always wanted a career where I can make a real difference. A career where can make a positive impact on people’s lives. That’s why I aim to join either the Military Police or Hampshire Police—to protect, serve, and help people when they need it most. I have been part of the Police Cadets for over 2 years and I am currently studying Uniformed Public Services at The Isle of Wight College. Being part of this environment has given me a sense of belonging, built my confidence, my resilience and shown me that all possibilities are achievable.
I’m here today because I believe it’s important to recognise the achievements of women, their place in society and especially in the forces. Women have made significant strides and played a vital role in shaping the military, police, and the other uniformed services, by breaking barriers, showing leadership and proving that dedication and skill are what truly matter, without women our uniformed services would be nowhere near as strong as what they are today, the differences made by women alone is astounding.
A great example of this is Commander Sarah West, who became the first woman to command a Royal Navy warship, and Rear Admiral Jude Terry, the Navy’s first female admiral.
Their success shows that progress is happening, and there are more opportunities than ever for women to lead and make an impact. These improvements are beneficial as they promote equality, demonstrate the value of diverse experiences, and most importantly, ensure that the uniformed services are equipped with the best talent, regardless of gender.
Events like this remind us how far we’ve come and inspire us to push forward. I hope to follow in the footsteps of those who have made a difference and carve out my own path in a career that means something—not just for me, but for the people I will serve. It’s not just about personal success, but about making an impact that lasts, contributing to something greater than myself.
