Rowena (36) has spent years behind the scenes at Stellenbosch Business School as the secretary for the Centre for Responsible Leadership Studies (Africa), ensuring the smooth operation of its leadership programmes, supporting faculty, and being the reliable constant in the lives of students navigating their studies. But when she stepped into the classroom herself, the lines between administrator and student blurred, revealing something deeper: her ability to challenge and change the very system she once served.
Rowena’s academic journey was not born out of ambition alone but necessity. “Growing up, I never had the financial means to pay for further studies,” she says. “But I’ve always had a wide range of rare skills. The challenge was that I was constantly undermined because I didn’t have a qualification to back them up.”
At the Business School, she saw students refining their leadership, learning to drive impact, and seizing opportunities she had long been facilitating for others. The realisation was stark: a formal qualification was a voice, a seat at the table, and, ultimately, a form of validation she had long been denied.
Navigating dual roles
Enrolling as a student at the institution where she worked added layers of complexity to Rowena’s experience. She initially considered keeping her studies a secret, fearing it would change how colleagues and students viewed her. But when she was elected as class representative, anonymity was no longer an option.
“From the moment I started the programme, I was deeply invested in understanding and improving the student experience because at the end of the day, students are the very reason our institution exists.”This dual perspective gave her a rare vantage point: seeing the academic journey from both sides, identifying inefficiencies in administrative processes, and finding ways to bridge gaps between students and faculty.
But it also came with an invisible burden. “I became the go-to person for every question and concern; academic, administrative, and even personal. At times, it felt like I was wearing multiple hats, juggling responsibilities that extended far beyond my own studies.” Even in the lead-up to her own graduation, she found herself fielding queries about logistics and requirements for the very ceremony in which she would soon walk.
A shift in perspective: Owning her seat at the table
Despite the pressures, Rowena’s studies unlocked something more profound than an academic credential. “Before, I would have noticed inefficiencies but kept quiet, assuming that ‘this is just how things are done’. But this time, I had the knowledge, the critical thinking skills, and the confidence to speak up. And people actually listened.”
For years, she had watched from the sidelines as students harnessed their education to secure promotions, switch industries, or start businesses. Now, she saw her own path with newfound clarity. “My studies have ignited a desire to do more; to be more involved in shaping the processes and procedures at SBS and even explore opportunities to consult on the administrative structures of our programmes.”
For Stellenbosch Business School, where responsible leadership is a cornerstone of its philosophy, Rowena’s story is a testament to the idea that leadership is not confined to a title. It is about the quiet but determined work of making institutions better from within, ensuring that future students, especially those who have long been overlooked, find doors open rather than shut.
A graduation that means more
Rowena’s graduation means a lot to her on a personal level. “Losing my mom at the end of 2020 shook me to my core. She never got to see me walk across a graduation stage or hear me say, ‘Mom, I did it.’” This milestone is not just about her but about honouring a legacy. “This one is for her and for every #BrownGirlWithBrains who doubts herself, who puts everyone else first, who thinks she’s too old or that the moment has passed.”
Looking ahead, Rowena sees herself in a leadership role where she can continue to drive meaningful change. “Being surrounded by great leaders has shown me that it’s possible to lead with care, to create spaces where people feel valued, and to drive change that truly matters.”
Her story is a reminder that education does not just change careers; it reshapes identities. It transforms those who were once overlooked into those who shape the future. In the process, it proves that sometimes, the most powerful leaders are the ones who start their journey behind the scenes, but put in the work to bring their dreams and aspirations to life.
