Who we are > Our board

Bronagh Power was Head of the Business School for the Open University in Scotland and Faculty Lead for the Postgraduate Business and Management programme for the Open University throughout the UK and Continental Europe. She is a passionate believer in the transformative power of education, an experienced facilitator within leadership development contexts but most of all, an advocate of empowering women to realise their dreams and potential.

Catriona is highly experienced international HR Director, having worked in the power, telecommunications and drinks industries. She has championed inclusion and diversity with a specific focus on increasing diversity in manufacturing and supply chain and has a passion for people development and coaching, particularly in the context of women in leadership. She has been a member of Court for one of Scotland’s universities and is inspired by the role education plays in female empowerment.

Rachel Meddowes is a Trustee of Smart Works Scotland having joined the Board in Autumn 2022. Rachel is also a Volunteer Dresser In Edinburgh. A Freelance Consultant for Ideas, Research & Concept, Collaborations, Content, Styling Decoration & Project Managing. She has always worked in the Style, Magazine & Decoration arena & is currently the Associate Editor at Piero Publishing & previously worked at Harpers Bazaar.

Communications professional Charlene Sweeney is media relations director at leading independent UK agency BIG Partnership. A former senior journalist, she worked in both print and broadcast media before joining BIG Partnership where she delivers strategic PR campaigns for a range of corporate and consumer clients. She is also highly experienced in reputation management and media training. She will bring her PR expertise to Smart Works Scotland as it seeks to grow its services across the country and help more women gain access to the world of work.

Elaine spent her early career in the international fashion industry working as a designer and stylist. She took time off to raise her family whilst pursing entrepreneurial ventures in the luxury fashion / lifestyle and travel sectors. In tandem Elaine volunteered at The Princes Trust mentoring start up companies supporting young entrepreneurs with creative strategy, idea generation, branding and PR. In 2023 Elaine retrained as a transformative coach, setting up a coaching and styling business which she currently runs along side her other venture a bespoke styling service focused on modern bridal style. Deeply passionate about the transformative impact of building resilience and recognising ones potential, she presently volunteers at Smartworks Scotland and The Kings Trust.

Jackie has over 25 years’ experience leading and supporting teams through periods of change. As Managing Director & Owner of the creative and digital agency, Imaginary Friends, she led the business through a decade of growth and transition, shaping its strategic direction, while building a strong, supportive culture. Jackie is a passionate advocate for helping women to succeed in the workplace, and is delighted to join Smart Works Scotland as a trustee. “Smart Works offers unemployed women practical support, and fosters self confidence. I have huge admiration for that, and I’m immensely proud to support the great work they do.”

Kitty Cairns Kitty is a happy transplant from the US to the UK, moving to Scotland in 2020. She comes from a corporate American background, having been a Senior Vice President at a major US pharmaceutical company. Her areas of focus consist of Worldwide personnel management, negotiations, team building and strategic planning. She learned of Smart Works and immediately became a coach and dresser volunteer, grateful for the ability to help women in need. The added bonus she didn't expect was to be working alongside such amazing and talented volunteers in Glasgow. Kitty looks forward to working in this new role, whilst also preserving her link to the volunteers that truly make SWS what it is today.

Marketing professional Tina Liversidge is a senior marketing and brand leader with more than two decades’ experience working with luxury, retail and education organisations internationally. She will bring her communications expertise to Smart Works Scotland as it seeks to raise its profile, reach new partners and help more women across the country transform their lives through work.