Dr Paulette Howlett, Ph.D, MBA, BA (Hons)

As an educator, Paulette is curious about others and passionate about learning. Currently teaching business and management subjects, with a particular interest in international business. She has a good understanding of many economic, legal and cultural issues within the global environment, and this influences and feeds her interest in research and publications related to those issues and subject matter. Worked in human resources, law, education, and general business, in the UK, US, and South Korea. Paulette is now retired and living in Panama, but her interests and passions have not diminished.

Paulette identified a gap in providing valuable personal and professional services to women of colour, so in collaboration with five other women, they Founded Ladies 1st.

Sandie Simms, MBA, MA

Sandie's passion and speciality are firmly in marketing, and technology. She relishes the opportunity to help others shape ideas and realise personal or business goals. Often, it's a case of problem-solving and coaching on strategy, people, process and technology underpinned by her mantra "Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway!" (Susan Jeffries). 

By joining Ladies 1st, you tap into more than 25 years of proven international marketing expertise and, most importantly, winning behaviours that drive results! 

Sandie is a Founding Member of Ladies 1st  because she wants to share expertise. Add value by using skills and talents to help make a real difference  so that you are consistently winning or learning!

Jean Johnson, ACCA

As a qualified Accountant, Jean has a proven track record of successfully identifying and launching process improvements and taking corrective actions to raise efficiency through the development and implementation of Financial Controls.  With more than 25 years of experience, Jean works with businesses of all sizes and brings a high level of integrity, honesty, and respect for all with the interpersonal skill to lead, motivate and inspire others. 

Jean became a Founding Member of Ladies 1st  to create a community explicitly designated to women of colour. Like the village she grew up in, Jean aims to share information and experiences passed down from generations and focus on those issues that matter most.

Karen Saunders MSc

Litigation  Lawyer  - Regulatory, Tax, Banking, Debt, Insolvency, Compliance, Investigations. Since 2003, Karen has practised law, offering legal experience in commercial litigation in public sector organisations. Karen has a strong track record of relationship-building skills in a fast-paced environment. She is a results-oriented, decisive and persuasive leader with a proven ability to effectively manage complex litigation projects through to completion, with great attention to detail. Karen also holds an MSc in International Banking and Finance, and is a STEP Member in Trusts and Estates (England & Wales).

Karen is a Founding Member of Ladies 1st because it's important to share and enable those in front or behind us, whether that be in age, education professionally or otherwise, to gain confidence, self-belief and respect. Loving all the like-minded!

Yvonne McLeod, BSc. Organizational Communication

Yvonne has almost three decades of experience in the service industry, namely fashion and hospitality.  As the Marketing Operations Specialist for one of the largest hotel chains in the United States, she balances critical and strategic thinking with delivering optimum customer experience. And as a result, her reputation is one of commitment, integrity and reliability.  

As a creative being, Yvonne's greatest passion is interior design. Her discerning eye is attuned to the clients' needs and wants, and she naturally realises creative dreams.

Yvonne became a Founding Member of Ladies 1st to create a network for like-minded women who encourage each other to keep soaring.  Her mantra and driving force is "You can only become truly accomplished at something you love" (Maya Angelou).

Karen Page

Karen is a qualified Beauty Therapist. She emigrated and resided in Canada for 15 years, working for the Canadian National Railway. Returning to the UK eight years ago, Karen retrained as a Phlebotomist, including administering COVID-19 vaccines. 

At the onset of the Pandemic and UK lockdown restrictions, Karen and a friend established an initiative to help feed families struggling through these difficult times by distributing groceries and has continued that to this day.

Karen is a Founding Member because she values communities, helping and learning from others.