Meet the women involved with St Mirren’s business operations. Each of the women believe in empowering others while believing in themselves.
International Women’s Day reminds us to consider the value of women. The theme for 2024 is: Inspire Inclusion. By listening to the women who surround you, and for women to confidently recognise their own significant contributions, we can shape a more inclusive way of life. Let’s help create a world that allows for new ideas and various viewpoints as only then can we enjoy broader experiences and fresh ideas. Hear directly from the female members of our staff team as they share their own lived experience and advice.
Lynsey, General Manager
"Do not stress about having any sort of plan, you never know you might end up being the General Manager of St Mirren FC!"
From a young age, Lynsey was determined to build a career she found enjoyable. She wanted purpose and to make herself and family proud. She is a sole believer in being kind to others but also to yourself, she shared: "Remember there is only one of you and that is what makes you special.” Lynsey leads by example that with self-belief and compassion you can exceed all expectations you set for yourself as she has successfully run two marathons, fitting in an intense training schedule while raising two small children. Lynsey enjoys rising to a challenge and thrives under the pressure of setting herself fitness goals or in her role as a female General Manager in a Scottish Premiership football club.
"As General Manager I am extremely proud of the people I work with daily, from the team behind the team to those who support us through voluntary role and of course, the first-team. It is also a privilege to support young people into employment through the link between St Mirren and Kibble."
Sarah, Graphic Designer
"Trust your gut instinct in your career and personal life. Life is a journey, trust the process".
Sarah enjoyed art from an early age and when she was younger, her hope for the future was to be in a creative job role she enjoyed. Sarah has since reached her goal and exceeded her ambition by winning a Scottish Design award and a Royal Society of Art award. However, Sarah’s proudest moment to date is working for children’s charity Kibble and St Mirren.
"In my job role, I can use my expertise and problem-solving skills to illustrate the personality of the two organisations. For Kibble, it benefits young people; and for St Mirren, I make a difference to the brand development of the club and how our young people benefit from the partnership. I feel the work I do is valuable, which is extremely rewarding."
"The best thing about working at St Mirren is the diversity of the role and seeing creative ideas come to life."
Claire, Senior Communications Officer
"Whether you think you can, or cannot, you are right."
Claire is an advocate for doing what makes you happy as she believes you will succeed and find fulfilment if you are following-through on what brings you joy. This attitude transfers into her career as she shares good news to as many people as possible.
"I have the responsibility of telling people about positive moments and it is one I thoroughly enjoy. When I began working at Kibble, I was delighted to be part of helping children and young people, and through Kibble’s partnership with St Mirren, I now have the privilege of being part of two community-driven organisations, who have a shared vision to reach and support even more people."
"It is brilliant to shout about the accomplishments of young people, the dedication of an inspirational workforce and the community-focused ambitions of a Scottish Premiership football club."
"International Women’s Day is a chance for us to appreciate women."
Eilidh, Financial Accountant
"To go for it! Be less risk averse, take the chances and opportunities as they arise and to have confidence."
The first on her dad’s side of the family to go to University, Eilidh has made herself and her family proud in becoming a Chartered Accountant. Her experience includes being one of only four women directors in a large bank during the financial crash. Success has continued for Eilidh as she became a mum to three young boys.
"I am very grateful to have achieved these things in my life and career to date (and there’s still more to go!)
"I work part-time and love the flexibility that the club gives me. Since joining, the best thing has been the people, the women (obviously!) and the team’s current success! I’m fairly new to the football industry and is really is unique and very interesting."
Karin, Matchday Safeguarding Officer, Supporter Liaison Officer and Child Wellbeing Protection Officer
"Live life to the fullest, travel as far as you can and be kind to others."
Karin has always prioritised supporting others and worked hard to be successful in life with a job role that helped people. Karin is proud to work for St Mirren and plays an integral role in ensuring the stadium is a safe place for all. She is delighted to be part of the team responsible for shaping the ambitious club.
"The best thing about working at St. Mirren is the sense of community and camaraderie among the staff and the fans and being able to contribute to the success and growth of the club.
"International Women's Day is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the achievements of women globally and to advocate for gender equality. It's a reminder of the progress we've made and the work still to be done to create a more inclusive and equitable world for everyone."
Isla, First-Team Masseuse
"Trust the process. ‘Everything happens for a reason’ is the truest saying out there. From bad comes good, from pain comes joy.”
Isla has always been ambitious and feels extremely proud to work for St Mirren as well as having achieved personal goals including owning a home. Isla’s appreciation for life means all at the club are extremely grateful to have her as part of the team, she completes the first-team.
"The best thing about working at St Mirren is the togetherness. There’s no difference made between me and any of the other first-team staff who are all male. I am treated the same.
"The progress women have made in the last 50-100 years is remarkable. We can vote, live independent lives, work in a male-dominated industry, even have children on our own. I think it is imperative we keep educating future generations to the journey women have gone through to experience such progress."
Karen, St Mirren Women’s Captain
"Have courage and believe in yourself."
As a young footballer, Karen always hoped that girls’ playing football would be taken seriously. She hoped she’d be given the chance to have at the same opportunities as boy’s clubs. Karen feels her dreams came true when she was made Captain of St Mirren Women’s Football Club.
"My proudest moment to date was becoming Captain of a club that cares about their community.
"Women do great work for the club and International Women’s Day encourages everyone to recognise and celebrate their efforts."
Kate, Women's Team Manager
"Stop apologising for wanting to be successful or ambitious. You will always make mistakes and failing is a sign that’s you’re putting yourself out there."
Kate has always had a passion for football, even when she was younger and feels fortunate to have always been able to pursue those ambitions. Kate shares she has made mistakes but when she looks back, she realises it was an achievement to overcome those setbacks. It is her past decisions that have led her to be the Women’s Team Manager.
"I am proud of what we are achieving at St Mirren for the women and girls’ programmes. Seeing the ambition and development of young players and the positive influence the club can have in their lives is special to experience.
“I have met some amazing people because of St Mirren, which has been the best thing about working at the club.”
"International Women’s Day is important because women don’t promote themselves enough. We tend to work away in the background and focus on what we have still to do.
"The day gives us a moment to pause and reflect on how amazing women are. They make a fantastic contribution and make a difference daily to our communities and the wider world around us."
Gayle, St Mirren Charitable Foundation Chief Executive Officer
"Nothing worthwhile in life is easy, it should challenge you. Get comfortable being uncomfortable. Do not fear failure as it is inevitable and we learn far more from failure than success."
"Gayle is dedicated to being a person who lifts others up, who supports, encourages, inspires and celebrates those around her. Gayle’s inspiration is her own mum who Gayle describes as her hero. Gayle is a role model herself too by putting her community first, she describes her pride in re-launching the St Mirren Charitable Foundation and their recent developments.
"The past five years’ of the Charitable Foundation have been an incredible and very rewarding journey. Most recently, I am very proud of the progress we have made with Our Menopause Goals programme in partnership with Maria Anderson and Corrie Campbell from the SFA. A programme created and driven by women, for women which will now change and improve the lives of women across Scotland and be delivered to them for free.
"I personally love sport and seeing the positive impact football has on the lives of our community every day is a great privilege."
Emma, St Mirren Charitable Foundation Football Development Lead
"Live each day a quarter mile at a time and focus on what’s in-front of you."
Emma has always had a love of sport from a young age with big dreams of becoming an Olympian for Team GB Taekwondo. It is through the dedication to sport that Emma experienced her proudest moment to date, achieving a Black Belt in Taekwondo and she is determined to inspire others to fulfil their own hopes and dreams through sport.
"The best thing about working with St Mirren FC Charitable Foundation is being able to give back and support our local community in multiple ways while bonding over a shared love of sport.
"International Women’s Day inspires many individuals around the world and I am honoured to be a part of such a powerful day."
Vicki, Club Administrator
"You are capable of achieving more than you realise."
Vicki lives for new experiences and thoroughly enjoys travelling, meeting people and learning about the world. Her wish would be to remind you that education is not limited to school, it is important to read, explore and remain curious. With her open-mind and compassion, she excels in her role as Club Administrator.
"It is crucial to be kind and empathetic towards others as everyone is fighting their own battles. You can make a significant difference by offering assistance and promoting kindness wherever you go.
"Working at St Mirren, every day is different, it’s not a stereotypical 9-5 job and some days it can be all-systems-go, which I thrive in.
"International Women’s Day is a day to take action, raise awareness and make a positive difference for women. Together, everyone can create a more equal and inclusive world."
Deborah, St Mirren Ticket Office
"Keep being yourself! Embrace changes that come and enjoy life."
Deborah has always had the goal to see as much as the world as possible and to be a good person. Everyone at the club enjoys being around Deborah, her friendly nature and cheery personality brings happiness to all, and the feeling is mutual:
"The best thing about working at St Mirren has to be the people I work with.
"I am delighted to celebrate International Women’s Day and have the chance to commend all the inspirational women in the world!"
Kirsty, St Mirren Ticket Office
“Say yes more often and know that no matter what challenges you face you will be absolutely fine.”
Kirsty has always strived for greatness with her lifelong ambition to win a gold medal in Dressage, one of the three Olympic equestrian sports. The positivity, teamwork and commitment involved within sport inspired Kirsty to build a career within St Mirren.
"It is a pleasure to come into work each day as the optimism seeps into everything we do. The club want to see people succeed in life and their careers. In return, I am invested in the club, the team and the vision for the future.
"I love that International Women’s Day is a celebration. There are still countries around the world where women struggle for basic rights, if we can highlight the plight of women around the world and celebrate each other and raise each other up then that can only be a positive influence for change."
