Patrons & Ambassadors

Alexandra is a singer and actress, and a welcome member of the Smart Works family. She has a fierce passion for empowering women and has already contributed so much to the charity, including hosting an event for the Smart Works Network and donating many wonderful pieces to our wardrobe.

“Sometimes we need a helping hand to give us that boost of confidence. No matter what we’ve been through we can all shine bright again. I’m so proud to have been asked to become a Smart Works Ambassador. Their ability to continue to empower women and help them harness the confidence they need to succeed is so inspiring.”

Caroline Graham is a Legal Consultant at PwC, and was previously Head of Legal External Engagement at Barclays. Caroline is passionate about supporting women and was previously Co-Chair of Barclays ‘Win’ gender network. Caroline is also the founder of the Barclays Win Assistants Forum and set up Barclays women’s network in India while there on a three year secondment. Caroline is also co-founder and head of online women’s platform WeAreTheCity India and is an Associate Board Member of Gender Networks.

“I am truly inspired by the support that Smart Works offers women trying to get back into work. Providing a service that helps women look and feel fabulous so that they perform well in an interview situation is incredibly powerful and will have a life-changing impact on their futures. In my view there is no greater joy than seeing a woman regain her confidence and moving forward in her chosen career.”

Isabel worked as PR Director for the British accessories brand Anya Hindmarch for 8 years before becoming Special Adviser to Samantha Cameron from 2010 to 2015, covering two General Elections. Isabel is now founder of The Daily Dress Edit, a brand consultant and columnist for Stella Magazine. Isabel has been a passionate supporter of the charity for over 10 years. 

“I love the simplicity of what Smart Works does; helping women regain their confidence through their image. It is brilliantly effective and the women that walk into a dressing and mentoring session are completely different to the women that walk out”.

Lulu is a wonderful member of the Smart Works community. She has a passion for lifting women up and helping them identify their talents, and has already contributed so much to the charity. 2019 was a particularly big year for Smart Works and Lulu as she was the chosen designer to collaborate with Bobbi Brown Cosmetics on its annual, limited edition Pretty Powerful product. The 2019 Pretty Powerful collection was a huge success, selling out and raising £80,000 for Smart Works.

“I am so thrilled to be asked to be an ambassador for Smart Works. Women supporting women has always been very important to me. And now I find I have 30 years of experience of the ups and downs of having a fashion brand, children and mental health issues whilst keeping a sense of humour and lipstick high on my priority list. I am also the greatest fan of Juliet Hughes-Hallett!” 

Paula Nickolds is leading figure in British retail, currently CEO at The White Company. She previously led General Merchandise for Sainsbury’s where is she was responsible for Tu, Habitat and Argos, and prior to that was Managing Director of John Lewis, the culmination of a 25 year career with the John Lewis Partnership. She is passionate about fashion and retail and about supporting women and girls to ‘dream big‘ and to realise their full potential. She was previously also a trustee of the GDST and of the John Lewis Foundation.

“I am delighted to be an ambassador for Smart Works. The work they do is so important, especially at the current time. Having seen first-hand the impact they can have on the self-confidence of the women they support, it is a great privilege to play a part in this very special story.”

Samantha is the Founder and Creative Director of Cefinn, a contemporary womanswear brand that launched its first collection in February 2017. Before that Samantha served as Creative Director at British accessories brand Smythson, from 1997 until May 2010, winning a British Glamour Magazine Award for Best Accessory Designer in 2009. Samantha previously volunteered as an interview coach at Smart Works and is a passionate supporter of the charity’s mission.

“I am delighted to become an Ambassador of a charity I know so well and I hope I can raise awareness of the brilliant work they do.”

Gillian has been an enthusiastic supporter of Smart Works for over 10 years, inspired to volunteer as a dresser when reading about the difference Smart Works makes, supporting women into work in very practical ways. Gillian was the first woman Chief Executive of the Board of Deputies of British Jews having been the MP for Lincoln for 13 years, during which time she was a Government Minister in five different departments. Gillian is a Shadow Minister, and a University of Lincoln Visiting Professor.

“Our chances of success are affected by how confident we feel and how we present ourselves – and that’s where Smart Works makes the difference. Having a job is the key to so many opportunities in life and I’m very taken by the impact of Smart Works in supporting so many women into work. I’m delighted and honoured to be an Ambassador for such an effective and life-changing charity.”