A CAMPAIGNER who quit her banking career to embark on a mission to empower women around the globe has been awarded an honorary doctorate.

Vanessa Vallely OBE, from Hockley, began WeAreTheCity in 2008 to pave the way for women in their professional growth and push for equal rights for women in the workplace.

Today the network, in unison with its sister organisation WeAreTechWomen, includes 80,000 international members.

It also supports more than 100 companies in nurturing and holding onto their female workforce.

This week she has been presented with an Honorary Doctorate of Science by the University of Warwick.

Elated with the honorary doctorate, Ms Vallely said: “I am truly delighted to receive an Honorary Degree from the University of Warwick.

“This recognition is not just a personal honour but a testament to the collective efforts of all who strive for greater equity and inclusion in our society.

“It underscores the importance of our shared mission to create opportunities, break down barriers, and uplift voices that have long been unheard.”

Warwick Business School is backing Ms Vallely in her initiative, the Rising Star Awards. The awards highlight achievements of women below the level of senior management and director.

Ms Vallely quit her flourishing 25-year-long career in banking and finance to focus on empowering women globally. Five years later, WeAreTechWomen was launched to encourage women in the tech industry to increase their skills and numbers.

Ms Vallely’s organisations have provided training to more than 50,000 women worldwide.

Ms Vallely: “Our initiatives are driven by a belief in the transformative power of diversity and the critical need for inclusive leadership.

“The challenges that women face are complex and deeply rooted across society.

“However, every success story and every step forward fuels our resolve.”

Andy Lockett, dean of WBS and professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship, said: “This is well-deserved recognition for Vanessa, she has been a tireless campaigner for gender equality and encapsulates the business school’s Change Maker values.”