As the Director of Hosts International, my journey through the international education industry has been filled with both obstacles and triumphs. As a woman of ethnic origin, as a mother, and as a relatively young business leader, I’ve experienced firsthand the unique challenges that many women face in our field. Here I’d like to share some reflections on these challenges and how they’ve shaped my professional journey.

Navigating the balancing act

One of the most significant challenges for women in our industry is the constant balancing act between professional responsibilities and family commitments. Newly-widowed and adjusting to being a single parent, I often find myself navigating scheduling conflicts when industry events and networking opportunities are held during evenings or times that conflict with childcare duties. This timing issue isn’t just an inconvenience—it can become a substantial barrier to career advancement and professional development.

Creating space for all

At Hosts International, we’ve tried to be mindful of these challenges when planning our own events and initiatives. We understand that inclusivity isn’t just about who’s invited to the table, but also about when and how the table is set. This awareness has informed our approach to becoming what some have called a ‘barometer of the industry.’ Recently, I've received feedback that has been both humbling and affirming—recognition not just of what Hosts International has achieved, but of the multiple roles and ‘hats’ that women like me wear while achieving these goals. While I'm uncomfortable with too much personal praise, hearing these words of validation from industry peers gives me a lot of encouragement.

For every woman in our industry juggling multiple responsibilities while striving for excellence in their career, know that your efforts are seen and valued. Together, we can continue to reshape the international education sector to be more inclusive for everyone.