Tue 13 Aug. 2019
Inaugural Ipswich Dive In Festival event
The Insurance Institute of Ipswich, Suffolk and North Essex is delighted to announce that they will be co-hosting the inaugural Ipswich Dive In event called The Power of Inclusion on 26th September 2019 at The Novotel Hotel, Ipswich.
The event will feature key speaker Kelly Smith MBE, footballer.
Dive In is a global movement in the insurance sector to support the development of inclusive workplace cultures. Its mission is to enable people to achieve their potential by raising awareness of the business case and promoting positive action for diversity in all its forms. Since its birth in 2015, Dive In has grown exponentially, reaching global heights with events taking place in over 50 cities across 27 countries world-wide, attracting more than 9,000 people.
The Institute is thrilled to be able to support such a movement particularly in view of our current Presidential theme of Accessibility. For more information and to book the session, please visit https://diveinfestival.com/. Note you will need to register on the Dive In website before you can book.
Key speaker: Kelly Smith MBE, Footballer
At the age of seven Kelly had already started playing football with the boys in the school playground. It was the thrill she got from doing this that she realised she had a passion for sport and natural talent for football. After being asked to leave two boys’ teams (for being their best player!) she played for several local girls’ teams until her innate talent was spotted by Arsenal Ladies Football Club scouts at the age of 16.
Her career progressed rapidly from there to the extent that she was one of the youngest ever players to be selected to play for the England national Ladies team making her debut v Italy in 1995 at the age of 16.
Kelly Smith MBE has more than 100 caps for England and played for Team GB at the London Olympics. She has had two stints at Arsenal Ladies as well as playing in the USA for Boston Breakers and New Jersey Wildcats. She made her international debut in 1995 and retired from the international setup 20 years later after 117 caps and 46 goals.