Sophie Pender, Founder and CEO of the UK’s first extensive network for state-educated individuals, began her journey as the first member of her family to attend university in 2014. Raised on a council estate and balancing her studies with a part-time job at McDonald's, university represented a significant opportunity for advancement. However, she soon recognized that successful careers depend not just on intellect but also on social networks.
At 19, while at the University of Bristol, she established The 93% Club initially as a Facebook page for state-educated undergraduates.
Today, The 93% Club has evolved into a thriving social enterprise and membership network. It aims to level the playing field in the UK by ensuring career opportunities and influential networks are accessible regardless of educational background.
The club collaborates with leading employers and offers its members access to a dedicated careers supermarket, employability training, talks from industry experts, and networking opportunities with peers from over 30 clubs nationwide. Additionally, members can attend exclusive events in various UK cities, enhancing their professional and social connections.
How can I book Sophie Pender for my next event?
Email sophie.pender@getapeptalk.com, or call us on +44 20 3835 2929 (UK) or +1 737 888 5112 (US), and one of our speaker agents will contact you within hours to confirm availability and fees. If you can, please include your budget upfront – it helps us fast-track your request. It’s also helpful to know the date, format (virtual or in-person), location, and a bit about your audience.
Please note: we can only assist with speaking requests. For anything else, we recommend reaching out to Sophie directly.
What topics does Sophie Pender specialise in?
Sophie Pender specialises in discussing social mobility, educational equity, networking and more.
What is Sophie Pender's speaking style like?
Sophie delivers impactful presentations with passion and clarity, inspiring audiences through her personal journey and commitment to creating equal opportunities for state-educated individuals in the UK.
Does Sophie Pender offer virtual speaking engagements?
Yes, Sophie Pender offers virtual speaker bookings for webinars, online conferences, and remote or distributed team engagements.
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