“Blaze a trail and leave a legacy,” was the overriding message for the group of 100 matric girls invited to attend the sixth annual Port Elizabeth Business Women’s Association (BWA) Grade 12 Workshop, held at Linkside High School on Friday 11 April.
The inspiring and informative workshop, presented to learners from 10 schools in the city, covered topics from entrepreneurial spirit, presented by Julie Oates (Pixel Shoes), to travel and gap year opportunities by Lana Field (Epic Work and Travel), practical safety tips for women from Bernadette Nel-Naude (Atlas Security) as well as professional image consultant Solette Rhodes’ advice on dressing to make a good impression.
Other top speakers included radio personality and now Coca-Cola Sabco Group Public Affairs Manager Buli G Ngomane, who encouraged the girls to “be themselves for a living”. “Follow your dream, know who you are and grab every opportunity,” she told them.
Second year Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University law student Ethu Ncanywa shared her story in overcoming hardships to find purpose in life. She advised the girls to invest in their own development and to surround themselves with people who are growing.
BWA chairperson Michelle Brown urged the girls to follow the organisation’s philosophy by passing on their newfound knowledge.
“At BWA we strive to lead the way for younger generations of businesswomen to develop, be empowered and inspired so that they, in turn, can leave a legacy for others to follow,” she said.
This year, participating schools included Cillie, Linkside, Walmer, Booysens Park, Ethembeni Enrichment Centre, Alexander Road, Otto du Plessis, Andrew Rabie, David Livingstone and Lawson Brown. Attendees at the generously sponsored workshop each received a goody bag of gifts, a comprehensive manual of the morning’s presentations as well enjoying a light lunch.
“At this amazing workshop I learned more about the power women can have,” said Khanyisa Koliti, Ethembeni Enrichment Centre. “You can achieve anything and should not let your circumstances determine your future. We can become leaders of this country.”
“The message that stood out for me today is: Do what you love and love what you do,” said Ellen van Staden, Cillie High School, whose friend Susan de Ridder said the workshop was valuable in exposing her to information she was not exposed to at school.
Asanda Yini, Walmer High School, said the motivating presentations had taught her that “we all have problems but, through hard work and determination, you can make it in life and achieve”.
“I learned about different aspects of careers, how to adapt and to find alternative ways of getting where you want through persistence and being goal focused,” commented Nina Carollissen, Linkside High School.
Students from Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University’s voluntary leadership programme, Beyond the Classroom (BTC), helped bridge the generations and facilitated networking and discussion amongst the girls from different schools and backgrounds.
Kim Elliott, BTC Senior Manager Leadership Training and Development, said the workshop provided an opportunity for the students to give back to the community and share their developing leadership skills.
“As they are young women too, and have walked in the same shoes, it is the ideal association,” she said.
“It is a wonderful privilege for our girls to attend this workshop,” said Betsie Janse van Rensburg, a teacher at Cillie High School. “It is a highlight on our matric girls’ calendar every year. The BWA’s motivating speakers cover a broad range of topics, all applicable for girls who are preparing for life beyond the classroom.”
The key sponsors at the event were Price Waterhouse Coopers, Axalta Plascon, Trade Lane, Liberty Life, PostNet Moffet on Main and GDL Photography.
Author: Lize Hayward
Website: http://www.bwasa.co.za/branch/port-elizabeth
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