Cambridge bid to smash glass ceiling and steer more women into boardrooms

Murray Edwards College has launched ‘She Steers - NEDS in Biotech’ in partnership with AstraZeneca, the BioIndustry Association and Deloitte to accelerate more women into board leadership positions.

She Steers is designed to support experienced women to secure their first Non-Executive Director (NED) roles or strengthen their impact as emerging board members.

Delivered under the Enterprising Women initiative, She Steers addresses the persistent underrepresentation of women in boardrooms - particularly across innovation led and regulated sectors - by equipping participants with the governance expertise, strategic confidence, and networks required to succeed at board level.

The programme brings together senior leaders from industry and investment backgrounds for a rigorous, practical curriculum focused on governance excellence, boardroom decision making, and leadership influence.

Participants will benefit from expert led sessions, real world boardroom insight, mentoring from experienced board members, and support with getting their first, or next, board placement.

The support for She Steers reflects a shared commitment to advancing gender diversity and strengthening governance capability across business and innovation ecosystems.

“There is no shortage of senior female talent, yet women remain underrepresented at board level,” said Hanadi Jabado, Chair of Enterprising Women. “She Steers is designed to bridge that gap -providing women with the skills, exposure, and confidence to step into board roles and influence the organisations shaping our future.”

A distinctive feature of She Steers is its emphasis on long term impact. Alumnae become part of the She Steers alumnae network, receive continued post programme support, and commit to mentoring future cohorts - helping to build a sustainable pipeline of female board leaders.

The programme reflects Murray Edwards College’s commitment to advancing women’s leadership and influence, while strengthening board diversity and decision making across sectors critical to the UK’s innovation economy.

Applications for the inaugural She Steers cohort are now open and close on 13th February 2026.