The 60th Hope Winch Lecture

You're invited to attend the 60th Hope Winch Annual Memorial Lecture with Helen Milford.

She will be speaking on the topic of: "From the Dispensary to the Boardroom: Leading with Purpose, Passion and Possibility."

About the speaker

Helen has over 35 years of experience in the retail industry. She began her extensive career as a Pharmacist after studying and graduating from the University of Sunderland in 1988. She has executive-level experience with blue-chip retail businesses including Boots, Asda, Argos, and Sainsburys. Most recently, she worked with Marks and Spencer, where she was Retail Director until September 2023.

Helen is a passionate advocate of inclusion and diversity and was the Executive sponsor of the gender and equality network at Marks and Spencer, and the Co-Executive sponsor of the LGBTQ+ network at Sainsburys.

Helen is a Non-Executive Director for Hays Travel and a Business Advisor for the Age UK Trading Committee. She is delighted to be back living in the North East after spending 25 years away.

Helen joined the Board of Governors in May 2025.

The lecture will take place at Murray Health Lecture Theatre, City Campus, SR1 3SD.

Registration, refreshments, and networking start at 6:30 pm, while the lecture begins at 7:30 pm.

All staff, students, alumni, and members of the public are welcome to attend this free event. We hope to see you there!

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For interested members, please note that we are hosting our annual Hope Winch Social and AGM on Saturday, 25th of October at the Fire Station in Sunderland from 7:30 pm. Further details on how to book your attendance will be provided soon. Please keep this date in mind, especially if you are travelling, so you can make the most of your weekend.

Host or Publisher Development and Alumni Office