'Sharing the Cake' is all about making connections, learning from others and building better communities

Stephanie Danquah interview (by Steph Vidal-Hall). Stephanie is Network Manager West Midlands, The Girls’ Network and has attended BVSC's recent Sharing the Cake sessions...
 
 

Tell me about your organisation and your role within it?

"The Girls Network is a charitable organisation that inspires young women and girls, aged between 14 and 19, including anyone who identifies in that way, by connecting them with positive female role models. It does this through mentoring schemes for young girls in schools, connecting them to professional women.

What brought you along to Sharing the Cake?

"I was new in role so I wanted to establish good connections within the community. I thought it was a great idea to come along and meet other people who are engaged in community work.

What did you get out of the event?

"Where do I start? For me, it has been the most edifying networking experience so far, as it combined learning and support with great people, wholesome conversations, and yes, the cakes were delicious! To hear everyone's story and the role they’re playing in making a better community, it was very inspiring. I left with a lot of knowledge about various services and the impact these services are making in our communities.  This really felt like a support network as everyone offered support to each other.  My faith in people truly caring about building a better community was re-established, re-affirmed.  I feel like everyone I met there was special: it takes a particular kind of person to do these jobs and the event re inspired me to improve on and add to my skills in order to remain highly effective in my role.  We’re making a difference in people’s lives!  I left thinking, ‘Oh my God, I can't wait for the next one.
"My faith in people truly caring about building a better community was re-established, re-affirmed..."
 
"The way you facilitated the session set a high bar. I gained knowledge on how to facilitate a meeting that is inclusive, open, and non-discriminatory and professional. You had everyone in mind and it turned out to be more than a networking event.  I volunteer in my local Church where I also facilitate meetings and I gained an added perspective – I facilitate them better.  Sometimes you know certain things, but when someone says it again, it's like a refresher. It results in more confidence in what you were already doing.  It gave me more confidence and added knowledge in creating a calm environment. 
"I gained knowledge on how to facilitate a meeting that is inclusive, open, and non-discriminatory and professional. You had everyone in mind and it turned out to be more than a networking event."

What would you say to somebody who was thinking of coming along?

"Absolutely come if you work in the community, it's almost a duty to come after experiencing it - meeting other people who go above and beyond to serve various individuals in the community.  Consequently, it is important to connect with each other to build a good support network.  It was great to experience other passionate individuals who represent various services."
Sharing the Cake is a series of quarterly face to face events with lunch followed by learning, and 90 minute monthly zoom groups. These BVSC Community Development Practice Hub events are an opportunity to share the good work that’s happening in the City, be aware of the skills and talents in the room, add to your tool kit, and work together for the benefit of our communities.