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She Leads mentor programme

We’re proud to be collaborating with in-Cumbria to deliver a women’s mentor programme across the region.

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What is She Leads?

NRL, in partnership with in-Cumbria, is excited to create the She Leads mentor programme, an initiative supporting women in Cumbria with career and personal development.

This free 12-month programme pairs participants with experienced female mentors from leading local businesses, offering invaluable 1-2-1 guidance. Open to women aged 18+ living in Cumbria, She Leads welcomes applicants at any career stage - whether starting out, returning to work, or aspiring to move into leadership roles.

Mentors commit to at least 2 hours per month with their mentee, tailoring sessions to suit individual goals. There is no set structure, as participants will collaborate with their mentors to define objectives and maximise their experience.

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Supporting future leaders

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Through the mentor programme 6 local business leaders will share their experiences and insight to help the chosen mentees progress their own goals. What those goals are and what that support looks like will be specific to each mentor partnership, with the programme designed to allow participants to shape their working relationships the best way they feel it will lead to success.

What mentees can expect though is open and honest conversations, and a genuine interest from mentors to help programme participants, as NRL’s Egremont Director Rebecca Graves explains.

"She Leads is about creating a platform where female leaders can share their knowledge and experience, helping other women in the community to grow and develop their careers. I’m incredibly passionate about this, and in speaking with other business leaders, I know they feel the same way. By connecting ambitious women with mentors who have already forged successful careers, we hope to foster meaningful, mutually beneficial relationships that support individuals and the wider business community."

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Image 2025 04 22 T12 49 34
Image 2025 04 22 T12 49 34

2025 applications are now open

If you are female, live in Cumbria and over the age of 18, then you are welcome to apply to be a mentee. Registrations are now open and will close on Friday 23rd May.

Over the 12-month programme they’ll be plenty of opportunity to work with your mentor and share your experience, as programme leaders NRL and in-Cumbria follow the journeys of participants.

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Women supporting women

Each of our mentors works within Cumbria and are looking forward to getting involved in the programme.

  • Gill Haigh, Managing Director of Cumbria Tourism

  • Rachel Seal, Recovery Solutions Director at David Allen

  • Joy Yates, Regional Group Editor of in-Cumbria/Newsquest

  • Kelly Ashbridge, Communication, PR and Partnerships Lead at Cumberland Building Society

  • Sharon Brook, Head of Sales, North Lakes Hotel & Spa and Langdale Chase Hotel

  • Rebecca Graves, Director at NRL

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News and Insights

The latest She Leads mentor programme news and insight from NRL

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