At Bayes Business School, the Global Women’s Leadership Programme (GWLP) is built on the conviction that when women advance, so does society.

Our purpose is to inspire, support and connect women at every stage of their leadership journey. Whether they are driving change in business, building creative ventures, leading community efforts or stepping into global roles, we empower women to pursue success on their own terms and in their own voice.

Through five key pillars: events, skills-based workshops, scholarships, research dissemination and networking, we strive to create an ecosystem where women flourish. This ecosystem extends far beyond campus, bringing together businesses, institutions, alumni and researchers to support gender-balanced leadership.

Each year, we award Global Women’s Leadership Scholarships to outstanding candidates who exemplify purpose-driven leadership and demonstrate the potential to create lasting impact. Scholars receive mentoring, access to exclusive networking opportunities and a 50% tuition scholarship.

Today, we are proud to introduce three remarkable women who have joined the 2025 GWLP cohort.

Azza El Arabi  — Modular Executive MBA & UX Writing Leader

Azza brings a wealth of expertise in content strategy and user experience, leading a team of UX writers at Booking.com. With a career spanning global brands such as Adidas and Personio, and roots in journalism and public relations, she understands the power of language to shape how people feel, engage and make decisions.

Dutch of Sudanese origin, Azza is deeply committed to equity, mental health, and ethical communication. Having recently begun her Executive MBA at Bayes, she sees the scholarship as a pivotal moment in her leadership journey:

“Being awarded the GWLP scholarship is a true honour. It affirms my commitment to growing as a leader and connects me to a powerful community of women making meaningful impact across industries. I’m excited to learn, share, support others, and help shape more equitable leadership practices.”

Azza embodies the blend of empathy, strategy and human-centred thinking that modern leadership requires.

Ishita Mandavkar — Full-time MBA & Data Transformation Specialist

Ishita joins Bayes after a successful career as a Senior Consultant at Deloitte in London, where she led large-scale data transformation programmes for major banks, government bodies and financial institutions. Her early roles at Amazon and Motability Operations built a solid foundation in software development, business intelligence and analytics.

With four years of experience in data strategy, problem-solving and stakeholder engagement, alongside mentoring and leadership roles, Ishita is passionate about using technology for meaningful societal impact and creating pathways for women in business.

Reflecting on the scholarship, she shares:

“Receiving the GWLP scholarship is both an honour and an inspiration. It validates my aspirations and strengthens my confidence as I begin my MBA journey. For me, this award is a reminder to lead with purpose and empower others.”

At Bayes, Ishita looks forward to expanding her global perspective and becoming a more strategic, empathetic and impactful leader.

Meletia Michaelidou — Executive MBA Candidate & International Brand Strategist

Meletia’s leadership spans the automotive and FMCG industries, where she holds dual roles as Marketing & Network Manager at Subaru Serbia and Montenegro, and Brand Manager at Junior KM Greetings Ltd. Her global career, shaped through studies at Bayes, the University of Westminster and Seton Hall University, reflects her passion for cross-cultural marketing and brand strategy.

For Meletia, the scholarship marks both a personal and collective milestone:

“I’m incredibly honoured to receive the Global Women’s Leadership Scholarship. It reinforces my commitment to advancing women in leadership. I see it as an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the Bayes community and beyond, whether through mentorship, advocacy or collaborative projects that inspire lasting change.”

Her dedication to using leadership as a tool for greater social impact stands at the heart of the Programme’s values.

Lead. Empower. Transform. Apply for the GWLP Scholarship

The achievements and ambitions of Azza, Ishita and Meletia represent the spirit of the Global Women’s Leadership Programme, a community rooted in possibility, purpose and collective empowerment.

If you’re passionate about advancing your career while uplifting women in business and society, consider applying for our next cohort of Global Women’s Leadership Scholars. With mentoring, specialised workshops, dynamic networks and a 50% fee scholarship, the Programme offers unparalleled support for women ready to lead with vision and impact.

Your leadership journey deserves a community that champions you. Join us and be part of shaping a more equitable and inspired future.