Author: Sarah Turner
As a member of the International Relations Office (IRO) at the University of Bath, I'm taking this International Women's Month 2026 to celebrate our all-female team of 12. Drawing from nine different nationalities, we play a key role in raising the university's global profile—fostering international partnerships that directly benefit our research, education, and student opportunities while building vital connections for students, academics, and institutions worldwide.
A Foundation of Collaboration
Our team's success stems from a deeply collaborative environment. We support one another —whether welcoming exchange students or coordinating international visits and events —while making time to celebrate achievements, no matter how big or small. Our monthly team meetings are all about celebrating wins, open understanding chats, and providing support—be it team lunch suggestions or guidance on tough projects. This kind of culture grows our trust and powers our teamwork.
The Power of Diverse Perspectives
With nine nationalities in an all-female team, we draw on a wealth of viewpoints that strengthen and enrich our approach to international collaboration. Cultural differences in problem-solving and individual strengths—our collective "superpowers"—complement one another, enhancing discussions on student mobility, research collaborations, and beyond. Our diversity builds open-mindedness, strengthens outcomes, and equips us to connect authentically with global partners. It's a dynamic advantage that makes our work both impactful and rewarding.
Team Reflections: Community and Collaboration
To showcase our team's spirit, I asked members to share their thoughts on what defines our community and collaboration. I truly believe that their words capture it best:
"Our team feels like a community because it is built on trust, respect and understanding. We are open-minded about different ways of working, we value each other's individual strengths and knowledge, and we genuinely appreciate the differences each person brings."
"Our team thrives on diversity—with nine nationalities represented in a team of 12, we naturally bring multiple perspectives that strengthen every discussion. Our collaboration is built on trust, encouragement, and genuine care."
"I find it hard to choose just one word, because I genuinely feel lucky to be in a team where all three—trust, fun, and empathy—are present. But if I had to choose, the quality that stands out the most for me is trust. For me, trust is what creates that feeling of safety: being able to ask any question without judgement, to share both difficult moments and joyful ones, and to know that we will always support one another. It's rare to find a workplace where you can be fully yourself and feel lifted up by the women around you, and that trust is what makes our team both so enjoyable and so effective."
"If I were to choose one word to describe the IRO team it would be 'Connected'. I chose this word because working in the International Relations Office feels like being part of a team that's brought together by a shared purpose and we stay connected through the work we do with colleagues, partners, and students around the world."
"We make a point to celebrate both individual and team successes at every team meeting. From the small wins of finally getting an agreement over the line, to the bigger achievements of working as a team to organise high level visits or conferences. We celebrate each other's personal and professional successes, and quite often celebrations involve food of some sort!"
"Apart from the very obvious reason the IRO stands out (the one that would come to mind for most of us) which is our remarkable international diversity, I also want to highlight that each of us is unique and brings different 'superpowers.' These individual strengths complement one another so well that we become far more effective together than any of us could ever be alone. It's this blend of individuality and collaboration that makes the IRO not only a joy to be part of, but also a team that works incredibly well together."
"We are fortunate to work in a team with a genuinely collaborative atmosphere where we support one another in practical and meaningful ways. I don't know if this is because we are an all-female team, but I do know that we celebrate successes, make space for empathy, and step in to help each other when needed. Alongside working incredibly hard, we make time for team lunches, laughter, and small acts of care, like sharing food and treats in the office, to taking a walk or grabbing a coffee to get to know someone better. There's always advice available from someone in the team, whether it's to navigate a work challenge, or finding a good restaurant in Bath, someone will know."
"What I value most about our team interactions is the combination of genuine support and an international perspective. As an all-female team of twelve in the International Relations Office, with colleagues from nine nationalities, we bring a wide range of experiences and viewpoints to our work. That diversity makes our conversations richer, our collaboration stronger, and our team culture more open, supportive and dynamic."
"While we are all indeed an all-women team, our differences being women from all over the world are also celebrated here. I love spending time with my colleagues and getting to know more about all the countries and cultures represented in our international team. Working in such a talented, supportive, and enthusiastic team consistently brings me joy and energy. Hearing Marilyn's energetic 'Good Moooorrrrning!!!' when she arrives in the office each day always makes me smile!"
Our team's spirit shines through in these shared thoughts.
A Note for International Women's Month
In this Women's Month, our all-female, multinational team exemplifies how collaboration and diversity drive global impact at Bath. On behalf of the team, I can confidently say that we're proud to contribute to the University's international presence. We'd welcome the chance to connect—reach out anytime.
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