“We cannot be what we cannot see,” said Alison Derbyshire, Head of College at Dulwich College Seoul, reflecting on a thought-provoking quote by Canadian Ambassador to Korea Tamara Mawhinney during a workshop on the final day of the Women in International Schools Empowerment (WISE) Conference 2025.
The three-day event, hosted by Dulwich College Seoul from Feb. 21-23, brought together educators and professionals from across Asia to foster leadership, networking, and skill development among women in education. The event was particularly significant for Dulwich College Seoul, as it marked the first time that all three academic leadership positions at the school—Head of College, Head of Primary School, and Head of Senior School—are held by women.
In an interview with The Chosun Daily on Feb. 23, Alison Derbyshire, along with Jane Smith, Head of Primary School, and Suzanne Pugh, Head of Senior School, discussed the significance of the conference, the evolving role of women in educational leadership, and shared their perspectives on the education landscape in South Korea.
What motivated Dulwich College Seoul to host the WISE Conference 2025, and what significance does this event hold for the school?
Jane: “Suzanne and I were approached by women leaders from Manila and Indonesia to mentor in a new women’s leadership program. After running the mentorship for a while, we were invited to the WISE Conference. We saw its potential for networking, learning, and leadership, so we attended in Manila. By the time we flew back to Seoul, we were already writing proposals to host the next WISE Conference. We knew Korea is a destination of great interest, and we wanted to give people an excuse to visit, showcase our school, and offer leadership workshops and networking opportunities.
It was important for us that our staff, who work very hard, had the chance to network beyond our school. Sometimes in a school, you can feel isolated. We wanted to reduce that and expose our young teachers and middle leaders to the best in the industry. WISE also aligns with our values of sustainability in leadership—ensuring a pipeline of skilled individuals moving up in schools with the right knowledge and understanding."
What factors were considered in selecting the keynote speakers for WISE? Were they all chosen by Dulwich College Seoul?
Suzanne: “We started by reaching out to the previous year’s delegates. We asked WISE participants and colleagues worldwide, ‘Who is inspiring you right now?’ We had our own ideas, but we also wanted to hear from the people attending our conference. So we gathered a list of inspiring and diverse individuals. Then, we considered our Dulwich values and how they should be represented.
As an international school, we value diversity, and we needed to reflect that in our speakers. We couldn’t just have the same voices being repeated. One of our keynote speakers shared a story about a colleague who wondered, when attending a conference, which part of them would be seen. Are they there because they are Korean, English, or Australian? Because they are a woman, a man, or representing another gender? We wanted our delegates to come as a whole, with every part of their identity acknowledged and represented in different ways."
What do you think was the most important factor for the event’s successful execution?
Jane: “We knew we needed to carry on the good work from last year’s inaugural WISE conference in Manila, and to continue to raise the profile of WISE as an organization. We also knew the target had to include various levels of leadership in international schools, not just senior leaders. So, our keynote speakers had to understand those perspectives and the workshops had to be very broad and varied. We started looking for workshops led by people who were ‘living the dream’ already.”
Suzanne: “The event’s success stemmed from its openness and diversity. Rather than focusing on a single theme, we created a space where women in education could connect. Sessions covered a wide range of topics, from menopause—relevant to all ages—to work-life balance for both mothers and women without children. We prioritized offering varied perspectives and ensuring no single voice dominated. Planning involved structuring opportunities for discussion, reflection, and connection. For example, we set up a masseuse in the library to ease travel stress and invited local vendors to showcase Seoul and Korea’s culture."
What was the most memorable moment or activity from the WISE Conference 2025? Were there any programs or sessions that particularly stood out to you?
Jane: “The standout session for me was the financial management workshop, which was not based on an existing workshop anywhere else. So, we created it, approaching Paola Morris, the Director of Business Administration at Dulwich College (Singapore). The need for financial management training, especially for women, was clear. Aspiring leaders must develop this skill early. As a result, we decided to set up finance courses for educators across Dulwich schools. Women often hesitate to apply for leadership roles due to lack of confidence in financial management, while men typically apply regardless.”
Suzanne: “Having 150 women in a space to celebrate being educators, being women on our journey, and the opportunity to connect without any ego was unforgettable. There was a buzz of learning and comradeship, with a sense of kinship that felt like a warm hug. A standout for me was Her Excellency Michelle Winthrop, Ambassador of Ireland in Korea, talking about negotiation. She got people role-playing, identifying what they want, and how to negotiate for good outcomes. It was a unique and valuable session, especially for school leaders, who, like any other leaders, need to negotiate frequently.”
With all three academic leadership roles at Dulwich College Seoul held by women for the first time, what positive changes or impacts has this had? What specific efforts have been made to encourage female leadership at Dulwich College Seoul?
Alison: “Role models inspire both our students and staff in terms of the roles women can play in education. This has drawn a lot of interest in our school because, in British international schools in Asia, the chance of having all three academic leadership roles filled by women is less than five percent. For us, having three women in these roles—not because they are women, but because they are the most qualified individuals for the job—is really important. That draws attention to our college, and we can use that interest to benefit our students, staff, families, and the wider community.
I heard a powerful quote at a workshop this morning, run by Tamara Mawhinney, a former parent of Dulwich and the first female ambassador for Canada in Korea. She spoke about the idea that ‘we cannot be what we cannot see’ and the importance of visibility for women in leadership. Visibility is the most powerful gift we can give, so that people can see a woman in those roles and know they, too, can follow that path.
With the interest in the school and the strength of female leadership, there are opportunities for partnerships and working alongside strong male allies to lift women up in education. For example, even before I arrived, the school has been working with the British Embassy on their gender and inclusion campaign, which has been very successful at promoting gender equity in Seoul.”
How is the role of female leaders evolving in South Korea’s international schools, and what challenges do female educators face? What changes could be made to better support female leadership in these schools?
Alison: “I’ve only been in Korea since August, but in the international scene, I see many strong women in heads of section roles. More women are emerging in senior leadership positions, which is a really positive development. We are setting a strong global example of female leadership in this area.
However, what’s still missing is women at the top level—heads of school. As far as I know, I am currently the only female in this role at an international school in Seoul or Korea. While it’s great to be here, we need to increase those numbers. South Korea is a wonderful place to live, work, and lead in education, and it’s important for others to see these opportunities and feel inspired to pursue leadership roles."
What insights would you share with female educators in South Korea to help them progress in their careers and take on leadership roles?
Alison: “My advice for those looking to advance in their careers and take on leadership roles is to know that it’s okay to be ambitious. It’s important to acknowledge that ambition, both to yourself and to others, and to articulate your desire to take on leadership.
Once you’ve done that, seek out opportunities to develop those skills, whether through training, mentorship, or hands-on experience. At the same time, focus on building a strong network. Learning from others, receiving feedback, and having a support system are all invaluable. Most importantly, you need to apply for leadership positions. Too often, women hesitate to apply for roles they would be excellent in due to fear of rejection or self-doubt. But failure is okay—failure is how we learn. Believe in yourself and put yourself out there."
Jane: “I would advise female educators to view networking as essential for career advancement. Women often don’t network as much as men and may see it as egocentric, but I recommend approaching it as a way to represent their organization, seek resources for others, and get their name out. Another key insight is finding a mentor, even on an informal basis. That person, male or female, should be someone in a role you’d like to pursue. By learning about their journey, women can gain valuable insights and advice.”
Suzanne: “Find an ally or mentor who reflects aspects of your leadership aspirations. There’s a misconception that success requires going it alone, but strong networks and conversations are essential. Seek guidance, trust the people around you, and be open to feedback—both constructive criticism and encouragement. Leadership is about connection, and whether you’re aspiring to advance or already in a leadership role, don’t isolate yourself. Prioritize your mental health and build a support system."
