SAIBT’s Academic Director Mona Umapathy is empowering future female leaders in STEM

Navitas is proud to celebrate Mona Umapathy, Academic Director at SAIBT, who was recently invited as an expert panelist at the STEM Sisters “Leadership Wisdom” event held at the University of South Australia in Adelaide.

This inspiring session brought together influential women leaders from diverse disciplines to share their journeys, challenges, and lessons in leadership.

As a panelist, Mona spoke about the importance of authentic leadership, inclusivity, and mentorship in shaping resilient teams and empowering the next generation of women in STEM. Drawing from her extensive experience in academia and leadership, she reflected on how strong leaders not only guide with vision but also create meaningful opportunities for others to grow.

Mona also highlighted the difference between equity and equality in leadership. While equality ensures everyone is given the same resources, equity ensures individuals receive the specific support they need to thrive. She noted that this principle is critical in creating inclusive environments where diverse talents can flourish.

Key takeaways from Mona’s reflections included:

• True leadership lies in understanding individual needsand enabling people to succeed on their own terms, rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach.
• The power of reflective practice– leaders grow stronger when they pause, learn from experience, and adapt with purpose.
• The value of informal mentorship– impactful guidance often comes from everyday conversations, genuine connections, and shared experiences that spark lasting growth.
• Resilience in leadership– navigating challenges with adaptability and optimism inspires confidence in teams.
• Empowering others through trust– great leaders create space for people to take ownership and shine, fostering collaboration and innovation.
• Lifelong learning and adaptability– embracing change and continually developing new skills is essential in today’s innovation-driven world.

The session was both thought-provoking and inspiring, offering valuable lessons for current and future STEM professionals. It created a space for honest conversations about the realities of leadership—its challenges, opportunities, and responsibilities—while highlighting how principles such as equity, reflective practice, and mentorship can build more inclusive and resilient teams. Attendees left not only with practical insights but also with renewed motivation to embrace their own leadership journeys.

Navitas congratulates Mona on her impactful role in this event and for continuing to inspire our academic teams and the wider STEM community with her leadership wisdom!