Lauren Isaac, Law student at the University of Newcastle — Newcastle, Australia
UNITAR
Lauren is currently pursuing a law degree at the University of Newcastle. She learned about the UNITAR “She Leads for Peace Summer School” through her former supervisor at work. Initially drawn to the programme to acquire new skills for her future career, she realized that the experience offered much more than she had anticipated, broadening her perspective on women’s leadership in the broader sustaining peace ecosystem.
While the programme focused on women's leadership for peace, Lauren considered that its scope extended far beyond career-focused skills. The programme covered lessons on interpersonal skills, horizontal management, and peace negotiations. These lessons emphasized the importance of understanding and valuing different perspectives, moving away from adversarial approaches, and seeking common ground, which impacted her approach as a law student and future professional.
The She Leads for Peace Summer School’s emphasis on diverse ways of thinking was particularly impactful. Lauren considers that her law degree tends to be limited to black-and-white thinking, but the UNITAR programme introduced her to the idea that two things can be true at once. While Lauren has always considered herself an open-minded person, this broadened perspective enabled her to approach situations with greater flexibility, focusing on finding middle ground rather than resorting to defensive positions.
Sometimes you don’t have to go straight with a win-lose mindset, but rather two things can be true at once, and you can reach a middle ground
UNITAR
Upon arrival in Geneva, Lauren was surprised by the diversity of the programme's participants. Women from various countries and backgrounds came together, creating a rich tapestry of perspectives and experiences. This multicultural environment was something she highlights as a key factor in her change of perspective, and she cannot imagine another space where she could have the opportunity to meet such diversity of women. The programme's inclusive atmosphere fostered a sense of camaraderie and mutual support, with women who uplifted and learned from each other.
I don’t know where you’d be able to have so many diverse people who help each other learn. And I think that was incredible.
UNITAR
Besides her broadened views in the professional sphere, the She Leads for Peace Summer School also changed Lauren’s approach to understanding and dealing with conflict in her personal life. For instance, when conflicts arose in their parents' business, Lauren applied the principles of clarifying conversations instead of basing decisions on assumptions, and horizontal management. Furthermore, she considers that the skills acquired during the programme have helped her become a more effective leader in university clubs and social circles. Now, it is easier for Lauren to balance assertiveness with empathy, inviting others into conversations rather than calling them out. This shift in approach made Lauren a person others could look to for guidance and support. Her experience in the She Leads for Peace Summer School also made her value the potential of mentorship in one’s professional life.
Lauren considers the experience highlighted the value of collective upliftment and the importance of fostering inclusive spaces, and found the programme a catalyst for profound change in her personal and professional life. She appreciated the programme’s organization and the well-balanced number of participants, and she believes that expanding its reach could benefit an even more diverse group of women leaders.