Celebrating women at a high tea in Illovo

“It started as a University of Cape Town (UCT) alumni initiative but the network is growing,” said Simryn de Jager, founder of Ladies Networking High Tea Series. She is also the COO (Chief Operating Officer) for Standard Bank Group Transactional Products and Services Africa and strategy director for The Seed SA, an organisation that is a leading voice in maximising human potential.

De Jager added that the proceeds from the tea series supported the funding gap that many women entrepreneurs experienced when embarking on early business education.

“Sponsors for future events are urgently sought and any leads in this regard are most appreciated,” she said.

Guests were invited to enjoy lunch, a special talk from a guest speaker, and to network with other women on various career paths.

Guest speaker, Dr Wendy Orr is head of the group inclusion portfolio at Standard Bank and was invited to share her success journey. Her portfolio with Standard Bank includes diversity and transformation, corporate social investment, and employee health and wellness across the group.

Orr has 15 years of experience in transformation, organisational culture and diversity work that spans a range of organisations. At 22, she qualified as a medical doctor at the UCT, but this was only the start of an illustrious career. As one of her ventures as a human rights activist, Orr became involved in leading the development and implementation of the university’s HIV/Aids policy in the 90s.

She had the honour of being appointed by former President Nelson Mandela as a commissioner on the Truth and Reconciliation Committee in 1995, following which she was appointed as director of transformation and employment equity at Wits.

“If you want to become a change agent you must be willing to be the thorn,” said Orr.

“I encourage people not to be boxed in by their career paths. Be open, take risks, step out of your comfort zone and be flexible.”

Details: www.linkedin.com; www.theseedsa.org

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