On Wednesday, 12 June, President Kathleen Tuddenham’s guest speaker was the truly inspirational Irene Lucas CBE. Originally from Ashington in Northumberland, Irene rose from a career in the public sector in Sunderland, breaking new ground in sports and leisure management at a national level, to Chief Executive roles, senior positions in Whitehall, as well as chairing the Hays Travel board. Threaded through her story is a determination to make a difference at a community level to people who struggle against disadvantages, but who are willing to work hard. An outstanding example of a woman who embodies the Soroptimist mission to Educate, Empower and Enable others.