Women’s Month is more than a commemoration of history. It serves as a reminder of the power women hold to influence, uplift, and transform the spaces they inhabit. At Reach Summit Global, we see that power in action every day through the women who lead our teams, champion our learners, and shape the futures of countless individuals across South Africa.
This year, we shine a spotlight on three extraordinary women: Nadine Singh, Nokuthula Mkhize, and Dineo Phasha, whose leadership, resilience, and vision remind us that when women rise, they take others with them.
Nadine Singh: Leading with Purpose and Kindness
For Nadine Singh, our Financial Manager, numbers have always told the story of lives changed. From her early days as a Yes 4 Youth intern to leading the finance function of a dynamic, growing company, Nadine’s journey is proof that growth belongs to those who step forward with courage and humility.
Her leadership style, rooted in kindness, integrity, and empathy, is inspired by her mother’s example. “Kindness goes a long way because we never know what someone else is facing,” Nadine says. That philosophy has shaped not only how she manages her team but also how she celebrates success.
Closing the 2024 financial year with a small but dedicated team stands out as one of her proudest achievements. “It reminded me that with focus, adaptability, and the right people around you, anything is possible.”
For Nadine, Women’s Month is deeply personal. “It’s a time to honour the women who came before us and reflect on how far we’ve come. There’s nothing a woman can’t do, especially when supported in an environment where 80% of our executive team are women.”
Nokuthula Mkhize: Shaping Futures Through Skills Development
If education is the key to opportunity, then Nokuthula Mkhize is one of its master locksmiths. As a leader in facilitation and skills development, her work ensures that training programmes tick boxes and change lives.
Her defining moment came in 2012 when she successfully managed her first learnership programme from start to finish, watching them progress into employment. “That was when I knew I was making a real difference,” she recalls.
Another of her standout projects was the national rollout of the Clicks Store Person W&R skills programme. With over 300 learners enrolled across multiple provinces, the project achieved an impressive 90% completion rate. This was a testament to her meticulous planning and commitment to quality.
Women’s Month, to Nokuthula, is a time to acknowledge “the strength and contributions of women across all spaces, particularly those who lead and drive change quietly behind the scenes.” Her advice to young women is clear: “Stay curious, don’t shy away from challenges, and know that your voice matters.”
Dineo Phasha: Changing Lives, One Opportunity at a Time
For Dineo Phasha, success is not measured in revenue alone. It’s measured in the lives transformed by opportunity. From her early days as a youth leader to her current role in placement and business development, her passion has always been helping others see and reach their potential.
Her career-defining moment came when she placed her first learner, a young orphan, into a role that led to promotion within a year. “That moment filled me with so much pride and joy; it affirmed that I was walking in purpose,” she says.
Among her proudest achievements is securing international cruise line placements for learners, giving young people the chance to explore the world and grow beyond their wildest dreams.
To Dineo, Women’s Month is a celebration of equality, resilience, and the unique ability of women to lead with both strength and grace. “In the face of youth unemployment, helping someone secure work is powerful. It gives hope, restores dignity, and changes generational paths.”
The Summit Difference
What unites Nadine, Nokuthula, and Dineo goes beyond their roles. It’s their shared belief in lifting others as they climb. They prove daily that leadership is not about titles, but about creating spaces where others can succeed.
This belief is deeply ingrained in our culture. With women making up the majority of our leadership team, we are intentional about building environments that value emotional intelligence, mentorship, and collaboration alongside performance.
As we celebrate Women’s Month, we honour both the achievements of these remarkable women and their commitment to building a future where opportunity knows no gender.
When women lead with vision and heart, they do not just change their own lives.
They change the world around them.
Now it’s your turn.
Summit’s leadership development experiences are where performance meets purpose. Our programmes are designed to help you unlock your full potential, cultivate emotional intelligence, and lead with authenticity.