With a focus on access to education as a clear pathway to greater equity, UWCSEA High School students joined Dr Musimbi Kanyoro, Chair of the UWC International Board in a discussion addressing how we can dismantle some of the systemic issues around access to education that contribute to inequity – and what that might mean for UWCSEA.
To go into the future thinking that things are getting worse is a defeatist way ... things can be better, and we are part of making them better. We must struggle on, and do what we need to do to make the world a better place than the way we found it."Dr Musimbi Kanyoro, speaking at the Kishore Mahbubani Speaker Series: Reimagining Learning event 'From access to equity'
Student provocations
As a precursor and important lens for any discussion on access and equity, UWCSEA students shared their preoccupations, projects and thinking on how, as students, they can contribute to greater equity in access to education, which in turn creates greater equity for all.
Student provocation: using privilege to reach for the UWC mission
Student provocation: individual contribution to lasting change
Student provocation: reflecting on educational privilege
Student perspectives on how UWCSEA students can learn and contribute to change
Webinar recording: If not now, when? From access to equity
Speakers
Dr Musimbi Kanyoro
Dr Musimbi Kanyoro currently serves as Chair of the Board of United World Colleges (UWC) International. She is also a Board member of CARE International and UN Global Compact, where she doubles as the Senior Gender advisor on the #TargetGenderEquality Project. Musimbi has recently moved off the World Bank Gender Advisory Board and previously has served on Boards of UN entities, international NGOs and academic institutions. She is the immediate past President and CEO of the Global Fund for Women , a public philanthropic foundation with offices in San Francisco, New York and London and funds activities in 175 countries. Prior to that, she spent six years managing a US$30 million grant making portfolio the David and Lucille Packard Foundation based in the Silicon Valley, USA. David Packard is one of the two founders of Hewlett Packard (HP) Company.
Before moving to the USA, Musimbi spent 20 years in Geneva, Switzerland leading international NGOs. She made history as the first non-white CEO of the World YWCA in its 150-year-history. She transformed the organisation, bringing it to the agendas of the 21 century which included focus on innovation of young women, embracing technology, and attention to health and environment.
Dr Kanyoro received her Ph.D in Linguistics from the University of Texas in Austin and was a visiting scholar in Hebrew studies at Harvard University. She has a Theological doctorate; Doctor of Ministry from San Francisco Theological Seminary.
Musimbi Kanyoro is the recipient of numerous awards over the years including:
- In 2015, recognition as one of the 21 Women Leaders for the 21st Century by Women’s E-News.
- In 2016, Forbes magazine named her one of the 10 power brands working for gender equality.
- In 2017, named on the list of 40 over 40 Women who are re-inventing, disrupting and making an impact.
- In 2018, Apolitical honored her on their list of the 100 most influential people in gender policy.
- In 2019, Musimbi Kanyoro was listed as one of the nine people who fought for the planet alongside Bill Gates, Ban Ki-moon and Michael Bloomberg.
In 2019, Musimbi voluntarily terminated her term of service as president and CEO at the Global Fund for Women in order to move back to her country Kenya. She is now based in Nairobi, engaging both locally and internationally mostly in education, gender and climate change activities.
Key resources
To solve the world's biggest problems, invest in women and girls - TEDWomen2017 (November 2017)
Chair of the UWC International Board - appointed 1 January 2019
John Liu
Currently in his first year at UWCSEA Dover, John brings 18 years of teaching, school leadership and university advising experience to his role as Head of University Advising. Born in China, John immigrated to New York City, USA, when he was six years old, and returned to work in Shanghai, China and Hsinchu, Taiwan for 11 years, until relocating to Singapore in August 2020.
John earned his BA in Modern American History from SUNY Stony Brook, his MA in Secondary Education from CUNY Lehman College, and his MA in Educational Leadership and Policy. He also has an M ED in Independent School Leadership from Teachers College, Columbia University. John also serves as the Professional Development Chair for China Institute of College Admissions Counselors.
John enjoys spending time with his wife, Wendy and two daughters, Maddie and Ellie. He enjoys reading about classical history, religious studies and international politics. If you are looking for someone to talk about the New York Yankees or New York Knicks, he is the person.