Maria Miller, MP for Basingstoke, was the opening speaker at the EveryGirl Modern Muse event for girls aged 14 to 18 from Basingstoke area schools and colleges, which was held at The Ark conference centre on 3 July. The conference was entitled “Catch the Fire” and the aim was to bring 350 teenage girls together with successful women in business and other professions, to encourage, motivate and inspire the girls.

The event was masterminded by Liz Jackson MP, Managing Director of Basingstoke-based Great Guns Marketing, and a founding member of the Everywoman Modern Muse initiative. It included a range of speakers, panel discussions, and Q & A sessions.

Maria spoke to the girls about her experiences in business and in Parliament, and about managing work and family responsibilities. She urged them to raise their aspirations and aim high.

Maria told them: “The only person that will hold you back is yourself; when you are planning your future and your career, the only limitation on you will be your own imagination. You should see the opportunities that are there, and grab them!”