UoA’s inaugural APWiL mentees and mentors reflect on their experiences in the program
As a new member of the Association of Pacific-Rim Universities (APRU), the University of Adelaide participated in the Asia Pacific Women in Leadership (APWiL) Mentoring Program for the first time.
The APWiL program aims to drive change in gender equity by giving emerging female leaders access to a safe space to share their ideas, concerns and challenges. It matches mentors and mentees from APRU member universities to provide international and intercultural opportunities.
For mentees, the program presents development opportunities to aspiring women leaders, connecting them with senior leaders at APRU institutions.
"Having a mentor is an immense privilege,” says Dr Esma Dogramaci, Senior Lecturer in Orthodontics at the Adelaide Dental School, University of Adelaide, who was mentored by Dr Tanya Forneris, Associate Professor of Teaching and Interim Director, School of Health and Exercise Sciences, University of British Colombia.
Upon applying for the APWiL mentorship program, she hoped to learn about leadership, management and professionalism, qualities she says, “are fundamental to personal and professional development”.
“I also felt that listening to [my mentor’s] experiences, highs and lows, struggles and success, and how they broke barriers to become a successful leader in their field would be useful for my growth.”
Esma’s experiences as an APWiL mentee spurred her to weave inclusivity into every facet of her work. Locally, she’s re-organised the curriculum for the courses she coordinates to increase their inclusivity based on her learnings in the program. This includes championing non-traditional voices in her field as part of the recommended reading resources – particularly females and academics from non-white backgrounds.
Further afield, Esma established and leads Culturally and Racially Marginalised (CARM) Women in Higher Education, a collective spanning institutions and time zones.
“I hope the steps I’ve taken will make the path easier for other women, especially non-white women,” she says.
Associate Professor Zohra Lassi was the University of Adelaide’s other mentee. She pursued the program as an opportunity to receive guidance and support as well as opportunities to expand her professional network.
“The program’s emphasis on leadership development, career advancement, and fostering cross-cultural collaborations aligned perfectly with my goals of building a global impact through research and partnerships,” says Zohra.
“One of my key takeaways [from the program] was the importance of building and maintaining a strong professional network. I learned how to strategically connect with leaders in my field and leverage these relationships for collaborative opportunities.
“These learnings have enhanced my ability to lead projects, mentor junior researchers, and contribute to policy development.”
On the other hand, the APWiL mentorship program is also an opportunity for mentors to ‘pay it forward’ and learn from emerging female leaders.
“I’ve been very fortunate to have several wonderful and very generous mentors throughout my career, and I know I’ve benefitted immensely from their sage advice and sponsorship,” reflects Professor Kerry Wilkinson, Department of Wine Science, School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, University of Adelaide, who mentored Dr Dilcar Joali Paredes Mariño, Research Fellow, School of Environment, University of Auckland.
“Participating as a mentor in the APWiL program was an opportunity to help support and inspire another female research leaders to progress towards achieving their career aspirations.
“I also find that through mentoring, strategies I’ve learned in the past are reinforced for me as I share them with my mentees, so it’s an opportunity for me to stop and reflect on my own practices."
Fellow APWiL mentor, Associate Professor Tania Crotti, School of Biomedicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide shares Kerry’s sentiment.
“I learn from every mentee as they share their experience and needs with me,” she says.
Tania was paired with Dr Sonia Lin, Associate Program Director for Internal Medicine Residency, Department of Medicine, University of Southern California.
“Being a part of the APWiL program provided me with the opportunity to connect with educators from fellow APRU institutions and further develop my leadership style and skill,” says Tania.
“The journey of leadership involves helping others along the way... learning of Sonia’s teaching aspirations as a clinician and being part of the journey to her promotion was very rewarding.”
The University of Adelaide’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor (External Engagement), Professor Jessica Gallagher, said the University is proud to be an APRU member.
“APRU brings together thought leaders, researchers and policy makers from its network of 61 leading universities across the Americas, Asia and Australasia,” she said.
“With the University’s strong links to institutions across the Pacific region, we’re able to contribute and exchange ideas, collaborate on practical solutions to global challenges, and nurture international connections.
“The APWiL program is demonstrative of APRU’s commitment to supporting and advancing women in leadership, offering unique intercultural opportunities to both our established and aspiring female leaders.”
As an active member of APRU, the University of Adelaide has two mentees and two mentors currently participating in the 5th cohort of the APWiL Mentoring Program:
Mentees:
Dr Amanda Taylor, Senior Lecturer, School of Psychology
Dr Taylor Willmott, Research Fellow, Adelaide Business School (Marketing Discipline)
Mentors:
Professor Kapil Chousalkar, Professor, Animal and Veterinary Sciences
Dr Shona Crabb, Senior Lecturer, Deputy Dean (People & Culture), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences
For the upcoming 6th cohort of the APWiL Mentoring Program, and for further information about the program, please visit the APRU website.