In celebration of International Women’s Day, Tamara, Brainkind’s Inclusion and Social Change Coordinator, had the privilege of speaking with Elizabeth Wilce, a resolute professional with 27 years of experience in brain injury rehabilitation at Brainkind.

Her career progression within Brainkind is testament to both her skill level and Brainkind’s commitment to nurturing talented people, taking her strength and assisting in developing her career into an area which exemplified her expertise. Her journey in the field has been guided by her passion, resilience, and a drive to create meaningful change. Their conversation delved into her career, the challenges she has faced, and the importance of standing firm in one’s beliefs and ambitions.

Elizabeth’s career began as a bank support worker for Brainkind before she became a support worker, eventually progressing to service manager at Brainkind’s community service. This early experience solidified her passion for brain injury rehabilitation, a field she has deeply committed herself to.

Her dedication to making a tangible difference led to an exciting opportunity when Brainkind’s former Chief Executive, Barry Oldham, offered her a project management role within the Brain Injury Linkworker Service, after he saw Elizabeth’s ability to manage projects and employees with compassion and drive.

At this point, Elizabeth had already developed a deep understanding of the challenges faced by vulnerable populations, particularly the homeless and people in prison. During a subsequent managerial role overseeing two link workers in Leeds: one in a prison setting, and another in the homeless community, Elizabeth saw first-hand the gap in intervention efforts.

Elizabeth’s transition to the Brain Injury Linkworker Service marked a pivotal moment in her career. Her move from more traditional service management to the Linkworker Service allowed her to continue focussing her energy on supporting individuals with brain injuries, an area she felt was often overlooked, particularly within the homeless and prison populations.

Her previous experience working with vulnerable groups provided her with the insights and skills to influence and expand the role of the Brain Injury Linkworker Service. Over the years, the service has evolved, growing to serve individuals with brain injuries in both homeless and prison settings, a population she knew could benefit from a more integrated, holistic approach to care.

In her role at the Brain Injury Linkworker Service, Elizabeth began implementing a person-centred approach to rehabilitation. This allowed her to combine clinical support with advocacy and emotional guidance, ensuring each individual had the necessary tools to navigate the complex journey of brain injury recovery.

The service’s growth over time reflects Elizabeth’s ability to blend her social service experience with a deep understanding of healthcare needs, creating a more comprehensive support system for those affected by brain injuries.

Elizabeth’s initiative to bring rehabilitation into prisons and homeless populations was not without its challenges. Implementing innovative approaches required securing funding, gaining organisational buy-in, and navigating bureaucratic hurdles.

However, her persistence paid off. With financial backing, her team was able to provide clinical input and deliver meaningful interventions at HMP Leeds for five years, a significant achievement that has left a lasting impact.

Her journey highlights a crucial message: change requires both vision and perseverance. “For me, it’s about desire and passion,” she shared. “Not giving up, even when challenges arise.”

Aligning with this year’s International Women’s Day theme, “Accelerate Action,” Elizabeth’s story exemplifies the urgency of pushing forward for gender equality and breaking barriers.

One of the most powerful themes that emerged from the conversation was the importance of women embracing their space in the workplace. Elizabeth and Tamara discussed the societal conditioning that often discourages women from asserting themselves. “As women, we are often brought up to be accommodating, to not challenge too much,” Tamara observed.

Elizabeth echoed this sentiment, emphasising that questioning the status quo should not be seen as troublemaking. “It’s okay to challenge something you don’t think is right,” she asserted. “We shouldn’t be afraid to take up space.”

“Passion and perseverance are key. It is about believing in what you do, knowing your worth, and making sure that you hold people accountable. We, as women, should never be afraid to speak up, especially when it comes to advocating for others.”

Her mindset aligns perfectly with the “Accelerate Action” theme, which urges individuals to challenge outdated systems, advocate for necessary change, and ensure progress toward gender equality happens at a faster, more impactful pace.

Another vital takeaway from our discussion was the significance of loving one’s work. “You spend more time at work than you do with your family and friends,” Elizabeth pointed out. “It’s got to be right.” She expressed empathy for those who stay in jobs purely for financial stability but believes that true fulfilment comes from work that aligns with one’s values.

Her perspective resonated with Tamara, who shared her own experience of transitioning out of corporate work into a role she genuinely enjoys. “It makes all the difference when you wake up excited to start your day,” she reflected.

Elizabeth’s story is one of determination, advocacy, and unwavering commitment to her field. Through her work at Brainkind and the Brain Injury Linkworker Service, she has not only improved rehabilitation efforts for marginalised populations but has also championed the empowerment of women in professional spaces.

As we celebrate International Women’s Day, her journey serves as a reminder that passion, courage, and persistence can drive meaningful change, both in our careers and in the world around us.

In the spirit of “Accelerate Action,” Elizabeth’s message to women everywhere is simple yet powerful:

“Assume space. Challenge when necessary. And never settle for work that does not fulfil you.”