Chair: Marianne

Marianne took on the role of WAND Chair in November 2021. She is recently retired from a career of Leadership and Management in the Charity sector and Health & Social Care in Dorset. As well as leading the Women’s Action Network Dorset she is a personal coach to Women and leads Women’s Action Learning Sets that offer spaces for Women to learn and grow through peer support.

Contact: marianne.WANDorset@gmail.com

Treasurer: Ali

Ali has been volunteering with WAND since 2018 and is currently the Treasurer. She has a lead role for finance and fundraising. Ali lives in Wareham, works in a library setting and enjoys reading, walking and anything ‘nature’.

Networks: Lizanne

Lizanne has recently returned to the beautiful isle of Portland with her partner and 2 fur babies Roxy and Marsha. Lizanne was a mental health nurse specialising in substance misuse and HIV and is now a complementary therapist and priestess of sacred sound. She loves working with groups of women and spending time with family and friends and enjoy taking off into nature with my camper van.

Safeguarding: Julie

Julie has lived in North Dorset for over 50 years. She is retiring from a career in insurance, and is the WAND committee member responsible for safeguarding. Julie was a Guide Leader for several years and loved working with an organisation that empowers girls to be their best and become confident women. She loves hiking and cycling around Dorset’s beautiful countryside and she is a keen beekeeper.

Listening: Gaurika

Gaurika lives near Dorchester and works as a Manager in the NHS. She knows her away around social media, is an expert at editing our videos and leads on the listening component of our strategy. Gaurika loves to rollerskate and can regularly be found rolling along one of Dorset’s beautiful esplanades.

Research: Patricia

Patricia joined WAND in April 2022 and has taken up the reins of our research work. She is an army veteran and has a special interest in women veterans, particularly those with experience of the criminal justice system. She runs her own consultancy and sings like a power house.