Scholarships announced for Adaptive Leadership in a Globalised World

Greater inclusion of women in economic activities can drive diversification and growth. Closing gender gaps in education expands the pool of human capital, provides an essential ingredient for technology adoption and innovation, and increases an economy’s ability to create and execute ideas.

The Adaptive Trade Leadership in a Globalised World programme has been designed to give candidates the tools to be more effective leaders in an ever-changing business and policy world.

The GTPA, IIT/The University of Adelaide and the University of Sussex received a large number of highly competitive applications from women engaged in trade and business from around the world. With so many worthy candidates, it was a very difficult process to select only two exceptional leaders.

We are delighted to announce that Kylie El-Sheikh, Adriana Vidal, Kemi Linton and Lisa F.Vaai were awarded the scholarship to participate in the first cohort commencing at the end of April.

Introducing Kylie El-Sheikh

Kylie El-Sheikh is the Founder CEO of World Doctors United and she is working to solve one of the biggest problems out there: providing medical services provision to developing countries. As part of her role she is aiming to create a globally connected health care services platform (telehealth) adapted to each market to combat medical workforce shortages and training issues. Healthcare is a fundamental human right; but in many developing countries the health care system is underfunded and under resourced, and patients self-medicate to avoid going to the hospital and incurring high costs. There is an intense desire amongst first-generation migrants to resolve issues in their countries of birth. Kylie aims to marry the need with the desire and skills to assist.

Introducing Adriana Vidal

Adriana Vidal has worked across Latin America in a range of leadership roles. She believes that the programme will provide the tools to help her as a business leader to better understand and assess the strategic issues confronting the global trading system. She will be able to develop those tools to maximise national advantage in trade negotiations and policy and it will position the organisations in which she will be working for success in international business. Adriana believes she has a civic responsibility to advance other young women professionals by sharing the knowledge from the course. She will pass on the knowledge gained to help other Latin American women succeed.

We would like to thank all the applicants. We are committed to working with all the other applicants to find a pathway for them to access programmes that will support their continued professional development.

Introducing Kemi Linton

I would like to extend my sincerest gratitude to the Global Trade Professionals Alliance (GTPA) and its partners for offering a full scholarship to participate in the upcoming Adaptive Trade Leadership in a Globalised World Programme. Now, more than ever, we need leadership which is adaptable to the many challenges currently facing the global community. We are currently dealing with the COVID-19 situation, but no one knows what will be the next unprecedented challenge leaders and businesses will face. For me, the programme presents an opportunity to cultivate "young leaders for the future" as well as highlighting the interconnectivity between leadership and trade and will deliver the skills necessary to articular and respond to key trade issues. The scholarship offered specifically to female leaders in trade within the context of International Women's Day 2021, also sends a strong signal that the world is responding to the plight which some women face in accessing leadership roles, and in this respect, I am truly grateful for this opportunity. I would also like to specially thank Lisa McAuley, CEO of the GTPA for her support and leadership in conceptualising and presenting this life changing opportunity to women across the global.

Introducing Lisa F.Vaai

Lisa F. Vaai is the Creative Director for Eveni Pacific, a family-owned company that has (as I.H. Carruthers) traded for over 90 years in Samoa.

A member of the new generation taking this venerable business forward, Lisa is responsible for overseeing supply chain operations and leading the creative team in developing fresh and authentic brands, and a product range that is inspired by traditional motifs from the Pacific Islands.

Lisa oversees all international operations and has made strides towards market diversification and setting up eCommerce channels.

An active campaigner for small business in Samoa, Lisa is a member of the Samoa Chamber of Commerce, the Samoa Association of Manufacturers and Exporters (SAME), and the Samoa Association of Women Graduates.