Virginia Crosbie is our MIYB champion for North Kensington.
Virginia started her career as a dolphin trainer for Terry Nutkins (Animal Magic, BBC1). Thanks to Colchester County High School (a grammar school) Virginia became the first person in her family to take A levels and go to University where she studied Microbiology. Virginia worked in the pharmaceutical industry for GlaxoWellcome and then as a pharmaceutical analyst at UBS and HSBC.
Following a successful business career Virginia retrained as a teacher and for the last four years has taught maths to disadvantaged adults in her North Kensington community. Virginia also mentors young adults for IntoUniversity and is a Development Coach for the charity ParentGym where she teaches parenting classes in local Primary Schools.
‘Teaching has taught me the most: to work with people where they are, to work out their needs and to work to add value to their lives. It takes passion and strength to run a classroom, imagination and humour to keep students motivated, and empathy and patience to provide useful feedback.’ Virginia Crosbie
Virginia has lived in Kensington for over 20 years. She supports her community and helps young adults develop their skills, celebrate their values and creates opportunities for them to succeed. Kensington is a place of exciting contrasts that draws people to work and live and Virginia wants to play a part in its future.
‘Virginia believed in me. She encouraged me and supported me and dragged me. Now I have my own textiles business and its me who is encouraging other women to develop their talents. My children are so proud.’ Talibah, Social Entrepreneur
Virginia was inspired by her Great Grandfather who ran a post office, was a JP, a special police officer and mayor (twice). He instilled in her a profound sense of community spirit and dedication to helping others.
As Director of Women2Win, Virginia leads the campaign to ensure women are represented at every level of politics and in public life in the UK. Virginia stood as the Prospective Parliamentary Candidate in Rhondda in the 2017 General Election and achieved the highest increase in vote share (+58%) across the country with a digital campaign and just £300 budget. Virginia is also Deputy Chair of the Kensington, Chelsea and Fulham Conservative Association and organises policy discussion evenings and networking events.Virginia Crosbie is our MIYB champion for North Kensington.