Loughborough College Group – Making Herstory this International Women’s Day
Friday 6th March 2026
International Women’s Day takes place this Sunday 8th March, shining a much-deserved spotlight on women and their achievements across the world.
To celebrate this year’s theme of Give to Gain – a worldwide call to contribute to the advancement of women and girls – we’re highlighting some of the inspirational staff, students, and alumnae from across Loughborough College Group who are taking immense strides in their industries and inspiring women and girls internationally to strive for a world free from bias, stereotypes, and division.
Amelia Coltman – Team GB Winter Olympian
Skeleton racer, Melton Mowbray local, and Loughborough College graduate Amelia Coltman put the East Midlands on the map as she made her Winter Olympic debut in 2026 in Milan. Amelia completed her Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport at Loughborough College in 2014, before going on to enjoy fantastic success around the world. As part of Team GB, Amelia earnt ninth place in the Women’s Skeleton, just 2.30 seconds behind the gold medal position.
Ruby Thomas – Future Veterinary Nurse
Level 3 Animal Management alumna Ruby Thomas studied at our Brooksby College campus, earning two Distinctions and a Merit before heading to Pershore College in Warwickshire to study Veterinary Nursing. Having persevered through health challenges throughout her adolescence, Ruby showed her inspirational endurance, earning a place on her dream course in September 2025. She said: “The Animal Management team at Brooksby College have been an incredible help throughout my time here, and I can’t thank them enough.”
Patty Thebe – BBC Make A Difference Awards
Stephenson College based English Lecturer, Patty Thebe has been inspiring students and the local community for many years, and was celebrated for her dedication to education both in the UK and abroad last year at the BBC’s Make a Difference Awards. With a teaching career spanning over forty years, Patty was recognised with a Highly Commended certificate in the Great Neighbour category. Reflecting on Patty’s success, Siobhan Howard, Curriculum Head for Maths and English said: “Everyone who knows Patty knows how deserving she is. She is an inspirational colleague and friend and we are all so proud of her.”
Shaka McFarlane – Reaching for the Stars
Singer, songwriter, and performer Shekinah “Shaka” McFarlane has been making a huge impact in the world of music and theatre since she attained her Level 3 Musical Theatre qualification at our IGNITE campus in Melton Mowbray. With an impressive history of roles in musicals including the UK tour of SIX, the Lion King, and Hercules, Shekinah wowed audiences by earning a semi-final position on ITV’s The Voice in 2022. Coming up, Shekinah is set to take to the stage again in the Northern Stage and Derby Theatre production of Little Shop of Horrors.
Olivia Swinbourne – BHS Young Volunteer of the Year
Brooksby College Equine Lecturer and alumna Olivia Swinbourne was recognised her for volunteering work with the British Horse Society in December, presented with the award for BHS Young Volunteer of the Year by actor Martin Clunes. Olivia studied both Level 3 Equine Management and BSc (Hons) Equine Performance with Business at Brooksby College, before starting her full-time lecturing role at the College alongside her extensive volunteering work, inspiring and guiding the next generation of equine professionals.
Zamzam Ali – Lecturer of the Year Silver Award
GCSE English Lecturer, Zamzam Ali was named a Silver Award winner in the FE Lecturer of the Year category at last year’s Pearson National Teaching Awards, highlighting her dedication and support of Loughborough College’s students. As a deaf educator, Zamzam has been an outstanding example of inspiration, consistently helping students achieve high above the national average, and fostering a sense of confidence and ambition within her learners.
Across our four campuses, thousands of female-identifying staff, students, and alumnae, there is no shortage of inspirational stories and ground-breaking journeys that represent Loughborough College Group. We are proud to celebrate the pioneers that make our College Group so special, and look forward to continue shining a light on the women and girls past, present, and future.
