Julia Turner, Vicki Hughes and Erica Malkin have all been recognised for being among the best female leaders and sector champions in the UK.
The Powerlist was launched on March 7 by the Trade Association Forum (TAF), Confederation of British Industry (CBI) and Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) to champion the role of women in trade bodies and encourage the next generation of women into the sector.
The list of 100 women was selected by an expert panel from over 200 public nominations.
“It was an honour to judge this year’s WITA list and to discover more about the outstanding women leaders within our industry,” said Julia Garvey, vice-chair of TAF. “I hope this list shines a light on their achievements and provides the next generation with the inspiration and aspiration to follow in their footsteps.”
Julia Turner joined the Wood Recyclers’ Association (WRA) as executive director in 2016 and since then has worked tirelessly to champion the wood recycling sector on behalf of members.
“Being named on the Powerlist is a wonderful endorsement of our work at the WRA to support our members and advocate on their behalf”, she said. “There are so many brilliant women making an impact in the UK’s trade associations and I’m so pleased that three members of our team have been recognised among them.”
Vicki Hughes has acted as the WRA’s technical lead since 2016 and in 2022 became the first woman to be voted onto the board.
Drawing on over 20 years’ experience of working in the wood recycling sector, Ms Hughes dedicates huge amounts of time and expertise to support and steer the WRA’s work, most recently leading its successful work on Waste Wood Classification.
“It is a real honour for us to be named on this list alongside so many inspirational and powerful women,” said Ms Hughes. “As someone who is passionate about gender equality and diversity, I am delighted to see so many women being honoured for their brilliant work. I hope this list will encourage more women into the sector.”
Erica Malkin was appointed membership communications manager at the WRA in 2022 and is also communications manager and treasurer for the Stove Industry Association.
“I am delighted to be included amongst a list of fantastic women making a real change for their associations and members,” said Ms Malkin. “Sincere thanks to TAF and its partners for this recognition.”
Julia Turner and Vicki Hughes were previously honoured in the inaugural WiTA Powerlist and WiTA Outstanding Member Contribution list respectively.
