Celebrating International Women's Day 2026
This International Women's Day 2026 we asked our incredible global Henley Alumni community to share their stories, experiences and achievements and help inspire the Henley Community and current Henley students. Read on to hear from some of our alumni.
Shaleenah Marie-Samsunder, current DBA student and alumnus shared her views on what has been her proudest moment as a female member of the Henley community.
My proudest moment as a female member of the Henley community has been stepping into global spaces with the confidence, credibility, and clarity that Henley helped shape and using that platform to create opportunities for other women to rise. Completing my MSc in Coaching & Behavioural Change at Henley was transformative, but what made me most proud was seeing how that learning translated into real, measurable impact. Leading initiatives like Siemens EmpowerHER & Allies and serving as Project Lead for the African Girls Can Code Initiative with the African Union and UN Women, I found myself drawing directly on the behavioural science, coaching principles, and reflective leadership practice I developed at Henley. One particularly defining moment was facilitating spaces where young African women in tech shared that they finally felt seen, capable, and empowered to pursue careers they once thought were out of reach. In those moments, I recognised that I wasn’t just representing myself, I was representing the Henley values of responsible leadership, courage, and community. As a female leader, being able to model inclusive leadership at scale across Sub-Saharan Africa and globally while pursuing my Doctorate and leading Learning & Development functions, felt like a full-circle moment. Henley gave me the intellectual foundation and self-awareness to lead authentically, and that authenticity has become my greatest strength. My proudest moment isn’t a single award or title although recognitions like Mentor of the Year or Top 100 Influential Women in Tech are meaningful. It’s knowing that as a woman shaped by the Henley experience, I am actively creating ecosystems where other women can unlock their potential. To me, that is what it means to be part of the Henley community: rising with purpose and ensuring others rise with you.
Busi Langa shared their career and how Henley shaped their experiences
I have spent the past 16 years in the financial services industry, across both banking and insurance. My journey began as a call centre agent, and through dedication and continuous growth, I progressed into a leadership role where I now lead a team of over 70 staff members. Choosing to pursue the Advanced Diploma in Management Practice (ADMP) with Henley Business School was one of the most rewarding decisions I have made in advancing my leadership capability. The programme strengthened my ability to lead with intention, think more strategically, and approach challenges from broader and more diverse perspectives. Most importantly, it stretched and elevated my level of thinking, shaping me into a more reflective and impactful leader.
Sandra Jowers, MBA Alum remarked on her proudest moment as a female member of the Henley Community.
When I joined Henley, there were five women in my intake. I was one of the youngest. At the time I was working in banking and later moved into consultancy, both heavily male orientated sectors at senior levels. I knew I had capability. What drove me was a genuine thirst for experience and shared insight. I wanted to learn from those who carried real accountability. There were few visible female role models in my field then. That absence shapes confidence. It shapes perceived legitimacy. Seeing someone who looks like you operate with authority expands what feels attainable. Over time, I realised I had moved from seeking role models to becoming one. That is what I value most. Not symbolism, but substance. Demonstrating that calm authority, intellectual rigour and evidence based judgement are not gendered traits. If my presence within the Henley community has broadened someone else’s sense of possibility, that matters.
Julie Dann, MBA Alum shared what had been the biggest challenge in her career so far, and how she overcame this challenge.
I chose to work in banking and the biggest challenge was being one of only a handful of senior women at Board level on many occasions. I was spoken over frequently, patronised, bullied even and I had to develop a loud voice to be heard and find my own way to succeed. Initially I thought I needed to be like those around me, the alpha male type, but I later realised the power in finding my own way, being an authentic leader and that’s when my success really came a lot easier
Our community also shared some advice for current Henley Business School students:
"A more equal future will be shaped not by statements of intent, but by leaders at every stage who combine competence, humility and sound judgement." Sandra Jowers
"Apply yourself immensely and take what you have learned to improve yourself." Busi Langa
"Try to balance being humble and open to learning, all throughout your career, with being confident and positive that you can succeed. Go for those opportunities when they show up. Don't hold yourself back." MBA Alum
"My advice to current Henley students is simple, but powerful: be intentional about the leader you are becoming not just the qualification you are earning. Henley gives you academic rigour, global exposure, and a powerful network. But your impact will be defined by how consciously you choose to apply that learning."Shaleenah Marie-Samsunder
Thank you to all who contributed their story to our celebration of International Women's Day. If you wish to share your Alumni story, we would love to hear from you. Share here.