Lauren Bright
CEO Kay Mason Foundation
Sasha Knott
Chairlady, KMF Board of Trustees
Siphosethu Pama
Chairlady, KMF Alumni Advisory Board
Women’s Month in South Africa is a time to celebrate the achievements of women and to reflect on the challenges they continue to face. The Kay Mason Foundation is at the forefront of empowering young women to become leaders and make a positive impact on their communities.
Lauren Bright, CEO of the Kay Mason Foundation, shares her insights on creating a supportive environment for young women to thrive.
“I believe that the Board, the Alumni, the KMF team, and I have been instrumental in creating a safe and magical family environment in which scholars can thrive, excel, and fulfil their potential,” she says.
Breaking Barriers
The Kay Mason Foundation is committed to dismantling the barriers that hinder young women’s access to education and leadership opportunities.
As Sasha Knott, Chairlady of the Board of Trustees, emphasises, “My role as chairperson, and being a female in this role, shows other young women that they can lead from the top.” By providing a platform for young women to develop their skills and confidence, the foundation is creating a pipeline of future leaders.
Overcoming Obstacles
The journey to success is rarely without its challenges. All three leaders have faced adversity, but they have turned these obstacles into opportunities for growth and resilience.
Siphosethu Pama, Chairlady of the Alumni Advisory Board, shares her experience with imposter syndrome, a common challenge for women in leadership roles.
“I believe that imposter syndrome has been one of the biggest challenges I’ve faced,” she says. “However, I’ve turned it into an opportunity by working hard to prove to myself that I deserve to be in this role.”
Inspiring the Next Generation
The potential of young women in South Africa is immense, and the Kay Mason Foundation is dedicated to empowering them to reach their full potential. “I am so inspired by the creative energy of young women and their ability to always think about how to support others,” says Lauren.
The foundation’s focus on ethical leadership and mentorship provides young women with the tools and support they need to succeed.
“Havanna’s recent Pencils of Promise outreach is a testament to the game-changing spirit that the Kay Mason Foundation cultivates. Her initiative exemplifies the kind of impact young women can have when given the opportunity to lead and make a difference,” Lauren adds.
Advice for Young Women
As role models and mentors, the three leaders offer invaluable advice to young women aspiring to achieve their dreams. Lauren encourages young women to “Always follow your bliss; find that thing that, when you do it, you lose track of time — believe that anything is possible because it is.”
Sasha emphasises the importance of values, stating: “Find your values and stick to them! When you go off course for money or power, you will find uneasiness, which is different from being uncomfortable.”
Siphosethu offers a simple yet powerful message: “Always believe in yourself. Nothing in life happens by chance or coincidence. You are where you are because you deserve to be there.”
As we celebrate Women’s Month, let us remember the power of collective action. By supporting the Kay Mason Foundation, you are investing in the future of South Africa. Together, we can create a society where every young woman has the opportunity to reach her full potential.
Visit our programs and learn how you can get involved.
