2 February

We Can Be: Inspiring the next generation of young women to explore careers in the City

On 12 February, We Can Be will unite 23 leading City businesses with over 300 students from 22 schools for an action-packed day hosted across company offices and the historic Guildhall.  

The programme brings together leading businesses in the City of London and secondary schools to open doors, raise aspirations and inspire the next generation of young women. 

Supported by City professionals, students will gain a unique opportunity to explore career pathways in the Square Mile, build essential skills and connect with inspiring role models from a wide range of industries.  

Throughout the day, students will participate in interactive workshops, panel discussions and hands-on activities, gaining insight into careers in finance, insurance, law, technology, investment management and more. They will discover the breadth of opportunities available in the City while developing confidence, ambition and aspiration. Alderwoman Dame Susan Langley DBE, the Rt Hon The Lady Mayor of the City of London, will also visit in the afternoon to address this year’s cohort, reinforcing the importance of aspiration and access to opportunity. 

The programme benefits students, schools and businesses alike. Students gain a meaningful careers experience, exposure to new industries, and the chance to build skills and confidence. Schools enhance their careers curriculum, provide better support for students who may face barriers due to limited exposure or misconceptions about certain sectors, and strengthen connections with employers and professional networks. Businesses can showcase their organisation and sector to a diverse pipeline of future talent, build early engagement with potential recruits, and gain insight into the perspectives and expectations of the next generation. 

We Can Be continues to grow in scale and ambition, expanding business participation, strengthening long-term partnerships, and reaching more students across London and beyond.  Over the last few years, participation has grown significantly, with partner schools increasing from 12 to over 20, and participating businesses more than doubling. 

The programme also focuses on engaging young people from social mobility cold spots, ensuring equitable access to high-quality, meaningful career experiences in the City. 

Last year’s event was a resounding success. “Showing young people that these opportunities exist – and how to access them – is invaluable,” said Daniel Beresford, a teacher from Harris Girls’ Academy. 

“Even our quietest students were confident and proud to share their aspirations – it was incredible to see,” noted Alec Reed Academy’s teacher Rhoan Hepburn. “It’s rewarding to see students enjoy the day while taking something meaningful back to school,” added Besa Zymberi, a teacher from Kingsbury High School. 

City professionals also highlighted the impact of role models, with Neena Patel from Liberty Specialty Markets observing, “Seeing people like yourself share their journey has a real impact on young people.” Read more about last year’s event in the latest Impact Report. 

We Can Be is designed to inspire young women to see the City of London as an accessible, welcoming and exciting place to build their careers. The programme helps participants develop essential skills and confidence, while providing exposure to women working across a wide range of industries. It also aligns with the wider vision of the Appeal, which focuses on breaking down barriers, unlocking potential and aspiration, and creating career opportunities for Londoners. Read more about the Appeal’s mission here. 

This year’s programme is proudly supported by City of London Community Infrastructure Levy Neighbourhood Fund, Eastern City BID, Culture Mile BID and Roc Technologies, alongside 23 businesses based in the City and 22 schools in London.  

Businesses taking part this year, include: 

1. Brightwell Pensions 
2. BRIT Insurance 
3. Brown Brothers Harriman 
4. EdenTree Investment Management 
5. Fidelity International 
6. Freshfields 
7. Janus Henderson Investors 
8. LGT Wealth Management  
9. Liberty Specialty Markets 
10. Linklaters LLP 
11. Payden & Rygel Global Ltd 
12. Rabobank 
13. Roc Technologies 
14. Schroders Investment Management 
15. Standard Chartered Bank 
16. Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank 
17. Assured Guaranty UK Limited 
18. ACCA UK 
19. Addleshaw Goddard LLP 
20. American International Group (AIG) 
21. Latham & Watkins 
22. Ark Syndicate Management Limited 
23. Fragomen LLP 

Schools participating this year include: 

1. Westbourne Academy 
2. Tolworth Girls School & Sixth Form 
3. Greenford High School 
4. Hatch End High School 
5. Newstead Wood School 
6. The Hurlingham Academy 
7. Bishops Hatfield Girls School 
8. Kingsbury High School  
9. St Ursula's Convent School 
10. Newlands Girl's School 
11. Harris Girls Academy East Dulwich 
12. The City Academy Hackney 
13. Mulberry Academy 
14. The Trinity School 
15. Onslow St Audrey 
16. Kingsmead School & Sixth Form 
17. Canterbury Academy 
18. Totteridge Academy 
19. Alperton Community School 
20. Bow School  
21. Barking Abbey School 
22. Conisborough College 

These partnerships make it possible to inspire hundreds of young women, build confidence and open doors to careers that once might have seemed out of reach. If you or your organisation would like to take part in next year’s event, please contact: wecanbe@thelordmayorsappeal.org