Refiloe Seseane

ByWBSComms

Refiloe Seseane

Current title
Founder, 18twenty8®

Course at Wits Business School
Management Advancement Programme, 2011

A defining moment in my career
The best career decision I have ever made was starting 18twenty8® – a non-profit organisation that empowers young women between the ages of 18 and 28. As an economics graduate, with a background in television and radio, it was daunting to make the transition to the non-profit sector. I was nervous and excited but fully committed to establishing an organisation that focuses on improving young women’s access to higher education and mentoring.

It was the personal challenges that I experienced after Grade 12 that strengthened my resolve to support young women to make uninterrupted transitions from high school to university and ultimately the world of work. Through fundraising, we have produced young female graduates in various sectors of the South African economy and I remain grateful and humbled by the accolades and support that we have received over the years.

It is thanks to 18twenty8® that I participated in the 2011 Young African Women Leaders’ Forum, a project of Michelle Obama, former First Lady of the United States of America (USA). In 2012 I participated in the Young African Leaders’ Initiative, led by Barack Obama, former President of the USA, and a year later I met England’s Queen Elizabeth at a royal reception for youth, education and the commonwealth at Buckingham Palace. My greatest honour remains to be a co-creator in the futures that young women craft for themselves.

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