What does “great leadership” mean to you? What key traits do you value the most?

Great leadership, to me, means inspiring and empowering others to reach their full potential, while maintaining a positive and inclusive environment. Key attributes I consider most valuable in leadership are effective communication, transparency, empathy, integrity, resilience, and the ability to make decisions with both empathy and strategic vision.

Which women have inspired you the most professionally and personally? How?

Professionally, I deeply admire Jacinda Ardern, the former Prime Minister of New Zealand. She demonstrated inclusive, empathetic, and compassionate leadership, especially during crises like the Christchurch mosque shootings and the COVID-19 pandemic. Ardern's leadership showed that kindness isn't a weakness but a transformative power, uniting people toward common goals. Additionally, prioritizing a healthy work-life balance and upholding parental responsibilities is equally crucial.

Personally, my mother remains a profound inspiration. Despite her early passing, her resilience, strength, kindness, and professionalism profoundly shaped my values and aspirations. I'm forever grateful for her lasting influence in my life.

What message would you like to share on International Women’s Day? What does International Women’s Day mean to you?

International Women's Day is a significant opportunity to celebrate the achievements of women around the world, while also acknowledging the ongoing challenges they continue to face. It serves as a day to honour the progress made towards gender equality, while recognising the work that still needs to be done. For me, International Women's Day serves as a reminder of the incredible resilience, strength, beauty, kindness, and boundless potential of women everywhere. It motivates us to act and continue advocating for their rights and their empowerment across all stages of life.

What does gender equality mean to you?

To me, gender equality means creating a world where everyone, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation, has the same rights, opportunities, and treatment in all aspects of life. It's about breaking down the social and cultural barriers, along with stereotypes, that limit individuals’ human rights. It’s about addressing inequalities and promoting fairness, justice, and inclusivity for all genders globally. All individuals deserve to be empowered and pursue their dreams without discrimination or bias.

What kind of a role model do you aspire to be?

I aspire to be someone who leads with integrity, compassion, and credibility. I hope that through my actions and words, I can positively inspire others, demonstrate resilience in the face of challenges, empathy, and respect towards those around me, and a commitment to continuous growth and learning. I aim to foster an inclusive and supportive environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to reach their full potential. Ultimately, my goal is to contribute to creating a more compassionate and fair world for future generations.