Lucy Smith
I’ve spent my career in marketing and business, helping to build and grow four SaaS companies, including a training platform I co-founded to give graduates a fairer start in their careers. That experience taught me the power of education and technology to open doors that might otherwise stay closed.
I’m also mum to a beautiful four-year-old, with two cats who think they run our house, and I’m learning piano (slowly!). I know how lucky I’ve been to have a good education and career, but I also know many women don’t get the same chance.
That’s why I started SWIC. I want women to feel confident about money, to invest without fear, and to shape a future that works for them and their families.
As I like to remind myself: “Be ambitious, be daring — the future belongs to women who are brave enough to claim it.”
Sheila Patel
Not long after having my first child, I was made redundant at the very moment I craved stability. That challenge pushed me into self-employment in IT, where I’ve since spent my career helping multinational companies improve performance and efficiency through smart, tailored solutions.
I’m also mum to two amazing adolescents — watching them grow up so fast reminds me how important it is to think ahead and build security early. That’s why I’m passionate about helping women feel confident with money and investments. Through SWIC, I want to make that journey simple, accessible, and achievable.
As Stephen King said: “You can, you should, and if you’re brave enough to start, you will.” I’ve lived by those words, and now I’m here to help others do the same.
Cindy Levitt
I’m a business development leader who has worked across global markets in finance and technology, and I co-founded and run the Women’s Defence League in the US. I’m also a mum to four grown-up children and recently moved to Liverpool with my husband. Wherever I’ve worked, my focus has been on building partnerships, opportunities, and communities where women can thrive.
As I always say: “Strong women build stronger communities — and it starts with backing ourselves.”
Charlotte Wren
Charlotte joins SWIC to bring a trained economic perspective to Hug Academy's updates, making them more accessible and engaging, particularly for our female audience.
Working on behalf of SWIC and in close partnership with the Hug Academy, Charlotte will help ensure our community gets clear, practical insights from the world of economics.
To start, Charlotte will focus on reviewing and refining weekly updates, making sure they speak to our members in a relatable way.
As SWIC grows and new features launch, her role will expand into translating more complex economic ideas into everyday language that empowers and inspires our community.
