Lynette Willoughby

Following her studies, Lynette became a science teacher at Foxwood School, Leeds.^[1] From 1977 to 1981, she worked as a medical physics technician at Leeds General Infirmary.^[1][5] In 1979, Lynette wrote to the New Scientist to complain about a sexist cartoon, pointing out how attitudes towards women affected their ability to partake in engineering careers.^[6][1]

In 1981, Lynette played a key role in setting up one of the first centers for training women in technology and other skills, the East Leeds Women's Workshop.^[7] The project was set up following the closure of Burton's Tailoring Firm in Harehills, Leeds, which left many women unemployed.^[8] It aimed to provide free training in areas where women did not traditionally work such as electronics, micro-computing, carpentry and joinery to allow women to gain skills for successful employment.^[8] Minority women, including disabilities and BAME, were given priority and childcare was provided.^[8] Lynette taught electronics and computing.^[1]

In 1984, Lynette contributed to a study on training for women in technology for the Manpower Services Commission.^[9]

In 1985-1986, Lynette studied for an MSc in Microprocessor Engineering at University of Bradford.^[1] She began her involvement with the Women's Engineering Society.^[1] After unsuccessfully applying for jobs in industry, Lynette became a lecturer at Leeds Polytechnic, later called Leeds Beckett University after a friend encouraged her to apply.^[1] She taught a range of subjects including computer hardware, professional skills for computing, and the political and social implications of technology.^[1] She also taught for the Open University between 1972 and 1993.^[5] From 1993 to 1995, she was president of the Women's Engineering Society.^[1] In 2000, Lynette was chosen to research and write a short paper on the global state of technology education for women.^[10] In 2001, she contributed to a research project exploring how to increase access for women to the internet.^[11] Lynette retired in 2005.^[1] She kept her links with Leeds Beckett University until 2012.^[5] In 2019, Lynette contributed to a project celebrating 100 years of the Women's Engineering Society at the University of Leeds.^[1][12]

From 1998 to 2004, Lynette took a Fine Art degree at the Leeds College of Art and Design.^[1] In 2006, she finally got to Antarctica where she took photographs of the wildlife.^[1][13] From 2009, Lynette has worked on many site-responsive projects in Leeds and Bradford including the Ghosts Group at the Leeds Industrial Museum at Armley Mills and ghost installations at Saltaire.^[3][14][13] She also makes artist's books.^[13] She is an active member of Leeds Creative Time Bank overseeing operations and responsible for treasurer, administrator and timebroker activities.^[15][16]