We aim to empower women in the student accommodation sector by providing guidance, networking opportunities, and career development. Whether you are new to the industry, exploring new roles, or seeking to strengthen leadership skills, this programme fosters an inclusive environment for learning and support.
Empowering and Supporting Women in PBSA - Join Our Mentorship Programme
Why Join the Women in PBSA Mentorship Programme?
- For Mentees: Build essential skills, receive guidance, and grow your network.
- For Mentors: Enhance leadership skills, shape future leaders, and give back to the community.
- For Organisations: Support gender equity, foster a positive culture, and retain top talent.
“
Throughout my career I have been fortunate enough to have great mentors who provided a sounding board and helped me make better choices regarding my career and goals, so I have experienced firsthand the positive impact of mentoring.
I believe in diversity and the increased participation of women in investment management and student housing. The mentoring programme of Women in PBSA is a valuable initiative to drive this change.
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Irina Stamate-Rocha, Partner, Patron Capital Advisers LLP
Goals of the Mentorship Programme
Core Values
How It Works

Mentormatching
Mentors and mentees are matched based on career goals, professional background, and areas of interest.

Networkingevents
Quarterly networking events connect mentors, mentees, and industry leaders, fostering a sense of community.

Monthlycheck-ins
Mentors and mentees are encouraged to hold monthly meetings to discuss goals, progress, and challenges.

Developmentworkshops
Professional development workshops are offered on leadership, public speaking, career progression, and more, tailored specifically for women in PBSA.

Progresstracking
A feedback loop ensures mentors and mentees are achieving their goals and that the programme is continuously improving.
Ready To Make a Difference?
Apply now to become a mentor, a mentee or an organisational partner
Join the Women in PBSA LinkedIn Group
Our Committee Members
Suraiya Comunello
CMO, Nido LivingNiamh O'Connor
Partner, Summix CapitalSorrel Basher
Head of Marketing & Communications, GSAPaddy Allen
CEO, Kinetic CapitalPavlina Chandras
Head of Operations – Living Strategies Europe, EQT ExeterIrina Stamate-Rocha
Founding Partner, Patron CapitalJoanne Pollard
COO, Empiric Student PropertyScott Lewis
COO, Homes for StudentsSarah Ead
Head of Insight, GSLRichard Fisher
European Head of Portfolio Management, GSAJan Capper
Executive Director, CUBOKatie Robertson
Principal, KKRKim Nisbett
Head of Data and Insight, Unite StudentsDarren Gardner
COO, Nido LivingJane Crouch
COO, FreshThiago Alves
Executive Vice President, GSLMatt Walker
CEO, Student Housing, Mapletree“
I’m thrilled to be part of this fantastic initiative, something I’ve long hoped to see in the PBSA sector. Our goal is to ensure women in PBSA have access to the support, resources, and networking opportunities needed for professional growth, alongside opportunities to be recognized for their contributions and help shape a more inclusive industry. This platform is also invaluable for educating and gaining advocacy from men, whose support is essential in championing women. It’s a privilege to Chair the committee and collaborate with the GSL team to make this vision a reality and drive meaningful change.
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Suraiya Comunello, CMO, Nido Living
“
The WinPBSA initiative is so important as it is the first real opportunity to galvanise female talent across the sector. It can make an impact in so many ways, but key, in my opinion, is developing and mentoring future talent to take advantage of the wonderful opportunities in our sector.
I’ve had some amazing experiences of being mentored, which enabled me to identify my strengths and development areas in a safe space. I’ve also had the privilege of mentoring in my career. There is no greater joy than seeing someone overcome their challenges & achieve their goals. However, 90% of my mentees have been male. There is a real legacy that we need to overcome regarding women helping women to succeed, and I believe this initiative will help us begin to overcome this. So please get involved – whether as a mentor or mentee. You won’t regret it – I promise!
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Joanne Pollard, COO, Empiric Student Property
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Having supportive role models and mentors has been integral to my career progression. The ability to learn from others, both from their successes and failures, and have someone to act as a sounding board has been invaluable in enabling me to make informed choices. My experience has helped me make better decisions in my role, encouraged me to lean-in to new opportunities and helped me transition through maternity leaves.
I am delighted that GSL have launched the Women in PBSA Mentorship Program. Businesses succeed when there is diversity of thought, experience and background at the table. This initiative is an exciting step forward in achieving that.
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Sorrel Basher, Head of Marketing & Communications, GSA
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I have worked in PBSA for over 20 years and have been lucky enough to have been supported by mentors who have helped build my confidence and self-belief. I have seen the sector become more diverse, but we still have a long way to go. I am excited to be part of this fantastic initiative and hope we can drive real change.
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Kim Nisbett, Head of Data and Insight, Unite Students
“
Suraiya, Sarah, Niamh, Pavlina, Irina, Joanne, Jane, Sorrel and Kim showed the immense power of having more women leaders and role models within our industry and are a credit to all their organisations. It is imperative we continue highlighting and talking about this until everyone understands that delivering diversity and equality in organisations ONLY results in improved wellbeing, improved culture, improved decision making and improved business performance – FACT!
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Darren Gardner, COO, Nido Living