Meet Toni Motion, Our New Conference, Events & Facilities Support Officer.

We’re thrilled to properly introduce our newest colleague, Toni, and her adorable chihuahua Lilly to the 54 team!

A Liverpool native, Toni first became familiar with 54 St James Street and The Women’s Organisation through her Psychology dissertation research. She’ll be instrumental in the day-to-day operations of 54 St James Street, covering everything from virtual tenancies to conferences, events, and building maintenance. Plus, she has some fascinating hobbies you’ll want to hear about!

Read on to find our more.

What’s your full name and where are you from?

Toni Motion from Liverpool

Tell us how you found out about 54 St James Street / The WO and became part of the team?

I first found The Women’s Organisation when doing research for my Psychology dissertation. I was doing interviews with women who were part of all female organisations to find out how female social connectedness can act as a buffer against the effects of patriarchy.

The values and beliefs of The Women’s Organisation matched perfectly and once my dissertation study was finished, I continued to follow on social media as I love the work the organisation has done and continues to do.

Then I saw a post for a job opportunity at their HQ and conference centre 54 St James Street. I applied and here I am!

What kind of things have you done prior to working here?

I was assistant manager for the biggest independent Fair Trade company in the UK, at their Liverpool retail store for 14 years. I enjoyed my years there as the work they do for communities around the world was really inspiring. I have just graduated after doing a Psychology degree and I am now in the process of having my dissertation research study published.

What’s the best thing about working at 54 / The Women’s Organisation so far?

The best thing about working here so far has to be the people. I have felt so supported and included in all aspects of The Women’s Organisation. I also love getting to know the tenants we have at 54 St James Street, there are some inspiring people here! I also admire all of the work everyone at The WO has done for the female community over the years, it makes me feel proud that I am now part of something so impactful!

What does your day to day look like?

Not every two days are the same for me, which I love. On busier days we may have a few conferences or events booked in which my team would facilitate and make sure their experience in our building is a lovely one. For other less busy days I would have a mix of admin, building, creative and teamwork to keep me busy. I also get to bring my dog to work some days which is lovely!

What might (someone) be surprised to know about you?

I have attended two live autopsies which many people find strange, however I find it fascinating. I had the chance to be involved in every stage from initial investigations, toxicology, dissection, all the way to arrest of suspects.

What’s your favourite thing to do in Liverpool?

My favourite thing to do in Liverpool is to go for cocktails, my current fave place is La Finca Eivissa which is a Spanish bar/restaurant. I also love sitting outside a little cocktail bar and people watching, especially down Bold Street or Lark Lane.

What do you do when you aren’t working?

When I’m not working, you’ll either find me going for matcha, a cocktail, reading a Laura Bates book or camping on a cliff side somewhere in Wales with my fluffy chihuahua.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

There’s too many to even type. However, one thing which has always stuck with me is a poem by Rupi Kaur called Sisters which is about female connections and how women support and uplift each other.

The poem goes: “On days I could not move, it was women who came to water my feet, until I was strong enough to stand. It was women who nourished me back to life”. I have so many amazing women in my life who have gave beautiful advice and now I have gained many more here at The Women’s Organisation.