Our Matrons & Ambassadors
JULIA LEE
Julia is very well known in the rugby league world and is a member of the Rugby League Roll of Honour – she was the first woman referee in the men’s game in the UK and Australia, reaching international honours for both. Julia worked at the RFL for 20 years and as a director was instrumental in implementing change specifically in the areas of governance, structures, procuring funding, equity and HR.
Julia is the owner of Common Sense Initiative and is co-founder of Team who work together to effect change in sports for all women; making it more inclusive, more diverse, and more attainable.
“I am honored to be an ambassador of the Women’s Centre. Supporting and keeping women safe is something I am very passionate, it is so important we empower women so they can take back control of their lives, thrive, and reach their potential”
CORRINE BRAY
Corrine Bray, our newest Matron for WomenCentre, is deeply passionate about empowering the community, particularly women. Having benefited from the organisation’s services herself, she felt compelled to give back. Through her role as Matron she can now do just that.
Corrine has spearheaded various events, ranging from protests for Black Lives Matter to Afro Hair events, female empowerment events, International Women’s Day celebrations and more.
As a black woman, she recognises the significance of using her role to inspire and uplift other women, especially black women, encouraging them on their journey of self-development and healing through the services offered by WomenCentre.
LEE WADE
Lee Wade an artist from Halifax and is our first Ambassador. Lee has pushed her work in all kinds of directions helping women as she goes. She has created 9 pieces for the Calderdale Hospital Birth Centre. She has also created paintings for women who have been on journeys and want to show this through her work.
Lee has been on her own journey and now feels stronger than ever to put herself forward and help other women through her art.
When asked to be an Ambassador Lee replied ‘what an honour, this is so close to my heart an amazing charity I strongly support.’
ASMA IQBAL
Asma Iqbal Partner at Chadwick Lawrence Solicitors West Yorkshire is now WomenCentre Matron and joined us during #16days of action to eliminate violence against women and girls.
Asma says “As an advocate for Womens Human Rights it is an honour to be supporting WomenCentre as a Matron and Gold Corporate Member. The Charity gives Women courage and offers a safe space at a time of crisis and vulnerability in her life which can lead to empowerment – proud to be supporting this journey for such brave women”.
LISA CASLER
Retired Police Officer and Advisor to Happy Valley, Lisa is our newest Matron.
Lisa spent the majority of her career in Calderdale then moving on to Police Training School where she taught Equality, Diversity and Rights to Police Officers and Staff.
Once she retired, she started working with schoolfriend Sally Wainwright in the development of Happy Valley series 1 and went on to be a Police Crime Drama advisor for many productions.
Lisa said “It’s an absolute privilege to be asked to become a Matron for Women’s Centre.
As women we need to share our experiences to work through difficult times together.
Supporting one another and building positive futures for all of us”.
ELLIE SAX
Saxophonist and performer Ellie Sax is one of our Matrons.
On accepting the role she said, “I am honoured to be supporting WomenCentre. As women, we need to stand together and support each other in times of crisis, and WomenCentre supports local women in Calderdale and Kirklees in times of crisis”.
JILL LIDDINGTON
Jill Liddington, writer and historian, has been a supporter of WomenCentre since the very beginning. In July 2021 she joined us as an official Matron.
On accepting the role, she said:
‘I am delighted to support WomenCentre. Providing a safe space for women has never been more vital, and I know the Centre will continue to help women support other women’.