This month, we decided to interview TRWLA's Head of Events, Aka, about her contribution to TRWLA and supporting South Africa's future female leaders.
What has been your previous and/or upcoming contribution to TRWLA? - "In 2019, I was a facilitator for the medical residences. At first I was terrified because all of them were older than me, but I ended up meeting so many phenomenal women. These women actually motivated and inspired me to go into doing events for TRWLA that would give the attendees practical skills for their leadership journeys. I have been doing that ever since in Events. We have made it our mission to collaborate with the talent at home (UP) both young and old to bring our students events from Girls Just Want to Have Funds with Gugu Sidaki to a Public Speaking workshop on the Art of Communication with Dr Anne Leonard and Val Wigget. The events team have a debating workshop in the pipeline as well as an event with Mr Ben van der Merwe of the Albert Luthuli Leadership Institute called Lessons on Leadership. I am very excited to be part of bringing these ideas to life as I can finally say I have had a hand in shaping the world's future leaders no matter how small these leaders think their contribution to society is."
Tell us about your educational background. - "I am in my final year of a BCom Financial Sciences degree."
Tell us about some of your notable activities so far. - "I am very proud of my TRWLA award for being the most dedicated facilitator because I really want to give something my best shot when I do it and it's obviously awesome when somebody sees you putting in the work and gives you recognition. Last year I completed the Project Girls for Girls (G4G) Mentorship program through the UP cohort as a mentee (I came across it through TRWLA) and have since joined the Alumni Committee to help empower more women around the country to lead and network through events. I would have never had the confidence to do events on a national level if I didn't have the experience I gained through TRWLA."
What are some noteworthy things you are currently working on? - "Among other things, I am starting a Project Girls for Girls cohort in partnership with women from KZN to mentor more high school girls. You can follow Project Girls for Girls South Africa on social media to see more!"
What is your vision for TRWLA for the next 5 years? - "I want TRWLA to have produced an SRC president who will lead UP during their term with courage and authenticity to advance the objectives of the Academy and women at the University."
What are some of your hobbies and interests outside of TRWLA and studying? - "I really enjoy taking walks. Running isn't my thing and Durban (which is where I am from) has so many uphills (eek!). But I find that I can clear my head, escape anything and discover a new view point to look at the city while discovering new music or listening to old favourites. I don't think there is such a thing as having a bad taste in music."
We would like to thank Aka for what she has done (and is doing) for TRWLA, the value she has added to the lives of those in the initiatives she is part of, and for taking part in this month's TRWLA Women in the Spotlight feature.
What has been your previous and/or upcoming contribution to TRWLA? - "In 2019, I was a facilitator for the medical residences. At first I was terrified because all of them were older than me, but I ended up meeting so many phenomenal women. These women actually motivated and inspired me to go into doing events for TRWLA that would give the attendees practical skills for their leadership journeys. I have been doing that ever since in Events. We have made it our mission to collaborate with the talent at home (UP) both young and old to bring our students events from Girls Just Want to Have Funds with Gugu Sidaki to a Public Speaking workshop on the Art of Communication with Dr Anne Leonard and Val Wigget. The events team have a debating workshop in the pipeline as well as an event with Mr Ben van der Merwe of the Albert Luthuli Leadership Institute called Lessons on Leadership. I am very excited to be part of bringing these ideas to life as I can finally say I have had a hand in shaping the world's future leaders no matter how small these leaders think their contribution to society is."
Tell us about your educational background. - "I am in my final year of a BCom Financial Sciences degree."
Tell us about some of your notable activities so far. - "I am very proud of my TRWLA award for being the most dedicated facilitator because I really want to give something my best shot when I do it and it's obviously awesome when somebody sees you putting in the work and gives you recognition. Last year I completed the Project Girls for Girls (G4G) Mentorship program through the UP cohort as a mentee (I came across it through TRWLA) and have since joined the Alumni Committee to help empower more women around the country to lead and network through events. I would have never had the confidence to do events on a national level if I didn't have the experience I gained through TRWLA."
What are some noteworthy things you are currently working on? - "Among other things, I am starting a Project Girls for Girls cohort in partnership with women from KZN to mentor more high school girls. You can follow Project Girls for Girls South Africa on social media to see more!"
What is your vision for TRWLA for the next 5 years? - "I want TRWLA to have produced an SRC president who will lead UP during their term with courage and authenticity to advance the objectives of the Academy and women at the University."
What are some of your hobbies and interests outside of TRWLA and studying? - "I really enjoy taking walks. Running isn't my thing and Durban (which is where I am from) has so many uphills (eek!). But I find that I can clear my head, escape anything and discover a new view point to look at the city while discovering new music or listening to old favourites. I don't think there is such a thing as having a bad taste in music."
We would like to thank Aka for what she has done (and is doing) for TRWLA, the value she has added to the lives of those in the initiatives she is part of, and for taking part in this month's TRWLA Women in the Spotlight feature.
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