Lead5050, along with The Global Leadership League, hosted the Leadership Summit, which represented an opportunity for women and men in the field of international education to meet like-minded peers, develop their network, and discuss the challenges of gender parity and inclusion at the senior leadership level.

“It was great to discuss how organisations of all sizes are embracing the benefits of a diverse leadership team,” said Lead5050 co-founder, Leanne Linacre.

“We are raving fans of Lead5050’s mission to elevate women leaders”

Workshop topics included The Power of Attentive Listening, Setting Boundaries, Making Tough Choices When Everything is Important.

The event wrapped up with an interactive panel discussion, “Let’s Change Our World, Starting Right Now!”, with the panel and audience reflecting on gender equality, inclusive cultures, and the challenges the industry faces.

The WIE Awards recognise and celebrate the achievements of the sectors most inspirational women, and comprised 11 categories that international educators and organisations who have shown exceptional commitment to gender equality in the workplace.

The list of winners can be viewed here.

“We’ve leaned in and we’ve played the game long enough. Now it’s time to change the game,” said Lead5050 co-founder, Maria Castro, in her opening remarks.

A highlight of the evening was keynote speaker Sam De Reya’s recounting of her path, as a woman, towards becoming a chief superintendent in the UK police force.

Her description of her struggles, her difficult decisions when faced with sexual harassment resonated with the all in attendance. She reminded attendees that “diversity is being invited to the party. Inclusion is being asked to dance”.

Meanwhile, Lead5050’s Seminar Panel brought together leaders of international organisations to discuss the challenging question “Are Women’s Organisations and Events Helpful or Harmful to Our Industry?”.

The events marked the first collaboration between Lead5050 and industry consultancy The Parliament Group, who shared in production and hosting responsibilities.

“The Parliament Group was instrumental in organising these events and we are thrilled about this new strategic partnership,” added Castro.

On their new strategic partnership, Nadine Baladi, co-founder of the Parliament group with Rick Rattray, explained: “The Parliament Group will act as Executive Advisors to Lead5050 to nurture their ongoing growth through various strategic initiatives”.

Baladi added, “We are raving fans of Lead5050’s mission to elevate women leaders, ultimately leading to professional equity and balance in our industry.”

See a photo gallery from the WIE Summit and Awards here