A leading event industry mentoring programme for women has today announced it will launch the Fast Forward Forum – an industry membership that is open to all – which will run alongside its hugely successful mentoring programme. Approaching its 10th year in operation, Fay Sharpe OBE has seen hundreds of mentees and mentors excel beyond their wildest dreams throughout their cohort year and has now set her sights on continuing that professional and personal development of those who have passed through the programme’s doors long term.
The Fast Forward Forum will focus on continuing education and network building for mentees, mentors and programme supporters across our industry, to ensure that they continue to be supported as well as welcoming new faces to the community. They are also inviting prospective mentee/mentor applicants to join in on the activities to sample what being part of the Fast Forward community is all about.
Fay Sharpe OBE said, “Fast Forward 15’s objective has always been to help women to excel in their careers and I’m incredibly proud of what we have achieved to date. Our community is incredibly talented, full of energy and kindness so what better way to keep everyone connected and continue their development after their official cohort year is complete. As a fully inclusive organisation, we want to welcome and further build this wonderful network.”
Sharpe has appointed Sarah Zarywacz to lead this new community activity – the Fast Forward Forum. During her time as an FF15 mentee (2021/2022), Sarah achieved a career promotion, won multiple industry awards, spoke at numerous industry events and started an industry focussed Instagram blog.
Sarah joins other talented Fast Forward 15 volunteers and supporters: Renee Binyon (Event and Logistics Support), Marian van der Hoeven (Programme Manager), Shonali Devereaux (Mentor Advisor), Martin Fullard (Newsletter Editor), Vicki Owens (Strategy Advisor), Danielle Parker (Venue Sourcing and Event Support), Louisa Ritchie (Event Support), Felicity Sharpe (Social Media Manager) & Georgia Suttie (Event Manager).
Fay Sharpe OBE said, “I’m delighted Sarah stepped forward to support the Fast Forward 15 Forum, I can’t believe it’s already been two years since she graduated from the programme, and has been such an advocate for what we do – this will be a great addition to keep growing and connecting the Fast Forward 15 community”.
Sarah Zarywacz said, “Having been a Fast Forward 15 mentee myself, I know how life-changing this programme is, so I’m honoured that Fay has given me this opportunity to lead the Fast Forward Forum. Leaving the programme after a year’s immersion can be daunting because you’ve achieved so much, but why stop ‘dream chasing’ there? I’m excited to reignite the energy our alumni brought during their tenure and welcome new faces to our community”.
The Fast Forward Forum had a soft launch late last year via an Alumni Festive Drinks evening, very generously hosted by the Hilton London Metropole. If you would like to support the Fast Forward Forum as a supplier, sponsor or volunteer, please contact Sarah Zarywacz for further information and to join the Fast Forward Forum’s online community, click here.
