SACAP’s Women in Leadership

Discover the inspiring journeys of SACAP’s academic women in leadership. Learn how they empower others, foster inclusivity, and drive innovation within the South African College of Applied Psychology. 

Improving the equity profile of professional leadership, increasing the intellectual diversity of staff, and aspiring for gender parity in all its leadership positions form an integral part of what SACAP stands for.  

Diversity and inclusivity are hallmarks of SACAP’s culture and our commitment to social justice. As such, we believe there should be no limit to the career aspirations of women in academia. A belief we underscore by providing them with ample opportunities, skills development, and support to realise their ambitions. Simultaneously, we ensure that they have maximum societal impact within their areas of expertise. 

At SACAP, our passionate, talented, and innovative women are instrumental in contributing towards excellence in leadership and learning, and research endeavours. 

Women in Leadership at SACAP

At SACAP, the presence of women in leadership roles is not just a statistic; it is a powerful testament to the institution’s commitment to gender equality and empowerment. With a notable 50% of leadership positions held by women, SACAP stands as a beacon of progress and innovation in the educational sector. The inspiring journeys of the three remarkable leaders we feature below highlight the transformative impact of female leadership within SACAP. 

Women remain significantly underrepresented in top leadership roles within South Africa’s tertiary education institutions. According to the Businesswomen’s Association of SA‘s 2021 Women in Leadership Census, women held only 23.1% of vice-chancellor positions. Similarly, the Council on Higher Education in SA reported in 2019 that while 41% of academic staff were women, only 35% occupied executive management roles. 

However, SACAP stands out from this trend. With women holding all the positions in its Dean’s Office and its Executive Committee (EXCO) being predominantly female-driven. Tamara Kenny comments, “This directly reflects SACAP’s values and the intentional cultivation of its institutional culture. In our leadership space, every individual is valued and appreciated for their unique contributions, allowing us to benefit from diverse knowledge, experiences, skills, and priorities.  

While much of South African education is still male-led and female-administered, being part of a college where the female voice is prominent, and all voices are encouraged, is empowering for both the institution and our students.” 

Introducing SACAP’s Three Female Leaders

Dr. Jaclyn Lotter: Innovating Higher Education

Dr. Jaclyn Lotter, SACAP’s Academic Dean, is at the forefront of driving innovation and adaptability in private higher education. Her leadership is characterised by a relentless pursuit of efficiency and constant improvement, contributing to the resilience and robustness of South Africa’s higher education ecosystem. Dr. Lotter emphasises the importance of agility in the academic sector, highlighting how private institutions like SACAP must continuously innovate to thrive. 

Her insights into the unique challenges and opportunities within private education underscore the institution’s commitment to excellence. Dr. Lotter’s leadership not only enhances SACAP’s educational offerings but also ensures that the institution remains a dynamic and forward-thinking entity in the face of evolving educational demands. 

Tamara Kenny: Shaping a Generation of Humanity

Tamara Kenny brings a profound vision of higher education’s role in societal development. She is the Deputy Dean responsible for Institutional Planning and Regulatory Compliance at SACAP. She views education not merely as a means to equip the workforce but as a tool to shape a generation of humanity. SACAP’s social enterprise business model aligns with this vision, emphasising the institution’s commitment to social impact and community participation. 

Under Tamara’s leadership, SACAP has cultivated a culture of inclusivity and innovation. She believes that each individual’s unique contributions enhance the institution’s overall effectiveness, fostering a collaborative environment where diverse voices are heard and valued. This approach benefits SACAP’s staff and students and sets a powerful example for the broader educational landscape in South Africa. 

Dr. Lauren Martin: A Journey of Transformation and Leadership

At 33, Dr. Lauren Martin, Deputy Dean: Teaching and Learning at SACAP, is often seen as young for her position. She aims to challenge the outdated perceptions that equate youth with inexperience or lack of value. Lauren attributes her progress to being surrounded by forward-thinking leaders who value diverse perspectives. Her leadership journey is built on a strong academic foundation.  

Despite her impressive academic record, Dr. Martin did not start with clear career goals. After high school, she was unsure of her future, studying psychology without a particular interest in it as a career. Her decision to pursue further studies came from a desire to explore more options, which led her to apply for a Masters’ program in psychology. She recalls being unaware of the competitive nature of the field and only began to appreciate the role of psychologists during the selection process for her Masters’. This was a pivotal moment for Dr. Lauren, shifting her from scepticism to a firm belief in the impact psychologists can have on society. 

Mental health awareness and transparency are central to her professional ethos. She is committed to humanity and care. Dr. Lauren’ motivation is a desire to give back to society without expecting anything in return, reflecting her belief in the importance of contributing to the greater good. 

Dr. Lauren joined SACAP’s Pretoria campus in 2017 as Head of Teaching and Learning, later becoming Head of Faculty for Applied Psychology in 2020 and Deputy Dean in 2022. 

Her leadership philosophy is deeply aligned with SACAP’s mission to provide transformative educational experiences. As a leader in Social Sciences education, she advocates for young people to explore study pathways that transform them positively.  

Dr. Lauren’s story is one of resilience, growth, and dedication to making a difference both professionally and personally. Her journey illustrates the profound impact of education on personal and professional development. It highlights the transformative power of embracing diverse perspectives and experiences in leadership. 

The Power and Impact of Female Leadership at SACAP

SACAP’s leadership landscape, predominantly female-driven, is a testament to the institution’s commitment to gender equality and inclusivity. The collaborative and empathetic approach of leaders like Dr. Jaclyn Lotter, Tamara Kenny, and Dr. Lauren Martin significantly enhances SACAP’s culture and operational effectiveness. Their diverse experiences and perspectives foster a rich, inclusive environment that benefits the entire SACAP community. 

By empowering women to lead, SACAP not only breaks stereotypes but also sets a powerful example for future generations. The institution’s dedication to promoting women in leadership is evident in the successes and contributions of these remarkable leaders. Their stories of resilience, innovation, and transformative leadership serve as inspiring examples of what can be achieved when women are empowered to lead. 

SACAP’s focus on female leadership is more than just a commitment to gender equality; it is a testament to the power of diverse and inclusive leadership. The journeys of these three women illustrate the profound impact that empowered women can have within an academic institution. Their stories inspire and pave the way for future generations of female leaders, demonstrating that when women lead, everyone benefits. 

Embracing Female Leadership

SACAP stands as a prime example of how institutions can benefit from embracing and promoting female leadership. Dr. Jaclyn Lotter’s innovative approaches in higher education collectively highlight the multifaceted contributions of women leaders. Tamara Kenny’s vision for societal impact through education, and Dr. Lauren Martin’s transformative journey all highlight the significant impact of women in leadership.  SACAP’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for women in leadership not only enhances the institution’s effectiveness but also contributes to a broader societal shift towards gender equality and empowerment. 

To address areas of underrepresentation of women in senior academic and leadership positions globally, groups on Gender Parity in Academic Leadership have been established at various academic institutions. With the critical mandate of driving attitudinal shifts, advocating for changes where necessary, and highlighting barriers to women’s advancement. 

Supplementing this, specific and dedicated development and mentorship programmes have been created. The aim is to advance the careers of women and propel them to leadership positions. 

Celebrating Women on National Woman’s Day

As Women’s Day on 9th August approaches, SACAP celebrates the achievements of its female leaders. These women embody the power and impact of female leadership, bringing empathy, collaboration, and innovation to their roles. Women leaders at SACAP are transforming the educational landscape and fostering inclusive environments. 

Women’s leadership today is marked by a democratic and participative approach, encouraging team input and shared decision-making. SACAP’s commitment to gender equality and empowerment is a tribute to the institution’s progressive culture. By celebrating strong women in leadership, SACAP not only honours their contributions but also inspires future generations to embrace gender equality and strive for excellence in all sectors. 

Women academics are encouraged to invest in themselves more so today than in years gone by. In the process, achieving an increase in research productivity, impact, and visibility. Thereby advancing sustainable academic careers and resulting in a higher percentage of women in leadership. It continues as a work in progress, encouraged by SACAP. 

Empowerment in Balance

Delve into the multifaceted roles of women in leadership. Join SACAP’s upcoming webinar for a dynamic panel discussion with the 3 Deans of SACAP in celebration of Women’s Month.

RSVP here to receive your unique for 27 August 2024 at 13:00.