Cass Business School is delighted to announce that Lady Barbara Judge CBE, national Chairman at the Institute of Directors and global businesswoman, will head the Council for its Global Women’s Leadership Programme – an innovative initiative designed to nurture rising women leaders.

The Programme fuels development of responsible, authentic and thriving women leaders, providing support through all stages of their careers. The programme provides panels, training, and networking opportunities for women along their leadership journeys and for business to create awareness and design solutions in response to their needs.

Funded by The Coca-Cola Foundation, the programme includes support for four women MBA scholars with exceptional potential to lead global women’s leadership development efforts.  Scholarship recipients are drawn from each of Cass’s four MBA programmes: full-time, executive, and modular programs in London and the executive MBA in Dubai.

Cass is also pleased to announce its first scholarship recipient - Artis Kakonge. Artis is a student on the Cass Modular Executive MBA and barrister at Garden Court Chambers.

Professor Marianne Lewis, Dean, Cass Business School said:

“As a leading global business school, Cass Business School is dedicated to accelerating the progression of women leaders worldwide. Lady Judge, an Honorary Visiting Professor at Cass, is a passionate advocate for women’s leadership and an ideal inaugural chair of the Council. I am grateful for her tremendous support and for leading the way.”

Lady Barbara Judge, CBE said:

“Nurturing the next generation of female leaders is crucial to the future of both our economy and society. It makes no business sense to ignore half the population’s brain power and I have made it a personal priority to help aspirational women progress in their careers. This programme is a welcome step in helping women get ahead in an environment which is still too often male-dominated.”

Dr Canan Kocabasoglu-Hillmer, Director, Cass Global Women’s Leadership Programme said:

“We are honoured for Lady Judge to be taking on the role of chair of the Council. Her commitment to the advancement of women leaders as well as her reach will help the programme take its place in the discussion on this timely topic. We also welcome Artis, who will be a fantastic spokesperson for both the Coca-Cola scholarship and the Programme.”

Ms Artis Kakonge, scholarship holder said:

“I am very grateful for the Global Women’s Leadership Scholarship to study at Cass and receive support and mentoring from inspiring female leaders. It could not have come at a better time for my career in the public sector, during austerity, when strong leaders are needed to motivate and retain talent, and particularly women aspiring to more senior roles. I hope to be a good ambassador for the Scholarship and for future female leaders.”

The programme will be funded by The Coca-Cola Foundation for three years. Scholarship recipients will be selected based on exceptional academic and professional achievements and their commitment to global women’s leadership development.

Serving as leaders within their respective programs, the Scholars will develop and practice their leadership skills by coordinating leadership development events.  Such events will include Rising Women Leaders Development Workshops for MBA students and Women’s Executive Leadership Forums for alumni and corporate partners.  The events programme will span London, Dubai, Hong Kong, Beijing and New York.