Meet Anna
Tell us a bit about yourself
I am Canadian and moved to the area about three years ago with my family: my British husband and our two daughters, now aged four and two.
All I ever wanted to do as a child was to travel, and I can happily say I have travelled and lived all over the world. I met my husband while we were both working in Accra, Ghana and together we have lived in Vietnam, Indonesia and Dubai. Post-Covid, we found ourselves settling back in England, chose to base ourselves around Bath as its a lovely part of the world.
I have worked in the international development and advocacy sector, first as a programme manager and now as a specialist in monitoring, evaluation and learning. I'm more of an armchair traveller at the moment, and I love reading big lovely cookbooks about different countries' cuisines.
What inspired you to join Bath Women's Fund?
Being relatively new to the area, and primarily working internationally, I was looking around for something more local to engage with that was focused on supporting women - and up popped the Bath Women's Fund! I love the idea of a giving circle and making funding more accessible to small, impact driven, women-focused organisations who can make a real difference. It's been a real bonus to connect with some like minded women.
What are the issues that you are most passionate about?
Personally and professionally, I'm passionate about women's rights, women's empowerment and equality for all. We have two young girls and I want them to grow up to be brave, confident and compassionate, and in a world where they can fully be who they are.
I'm really interested in food and in healthy food systems - eating locally, ethically and minimally processed! It's all good for one's health and the environment. I have a lifelong passion for travel - I'm looking forward to a few years from now when we can move around a bit more easily and show the girls all our favourite places and discover new ones together.
What would you be most interested in learning about as a Bath Women's Fund member?
I'm interested to learn more about the issues that women are facing in the area and how women's organisations are addressing them. I'm interested to learn more about spaces where women can come together.
What is your favourite place/thing to do in and around Bath?
I first came to Bath as a tourist in 2015 because I'm a history buff and I love Jane Austen, and thought it was the most beautiful city - amazing it's now on my doorstep! My favourite self-care activity is a quiet coffee and a good wander around a bookshop and in Bath I'm spoiled for choice. I love Mr B's Emporium! My husband and I like taking the kids out on adventures and often go to National Trust places or on country walks, usually towards a pub, a farm shop cafe or ice cream. Not that it's my favourite thing, but we spend a lot of time at playgrounds!