The Institute of Professional Studies (IPS) of the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), has organised a one-day women’s mentorship seminar to equip female professional students with practical skills for leadership, career advancement and personal development. The seminar, held on Wednesday, 13 May 2026, formed part of activities marking the 2026 IPS Week Celebration and was organised under the theme: “Your Circle, Your Capital.”
The event brought together accomplished women professionals, mentors and students for insightful conversations on leadership, career development, emotional intelligence, mentorship, networking and personal growth.
Delivering the welcome address, the Director of IPS, Professor Mrs Fidelis Quansah, said the seminar formed part of the Institute’s commitment to preparing students to become confident, responsible and ethically grounded leaders capable of thriving in an increasingly competitive professional environment.
She underscored the importance of effective communication, emotional intelligence, discipline, networking and teamwork, describing them as essential attributes for leadership and professional success.
Professor Quansah noted that the theme for the celebration was particularly relevant at a time when women continue to make significant strides across industries and sectors of the economy.
“Leadership is not only about holding titles; it is about the commitment to serve with integrity, empathy and purpose,” Professor Quansah stated. “This programme seeks to provide the guidance, inspiration and mentorship needed to help you unlock your full potential.”
Speaking on the topic “Women in Leadership and Career Advancement: Navigating the Corporate World,” Mrs Gifty Ama Amoah, a Chartered Marketer and Vice-President of the Chartered Institute of Marketing, Ghana (CIMG), urged students to cultivate the right mindset, attitude and skillset required to succeed in the corporate environment.
She encouraged participants to believe in their abilities, remain focused on their goals and develop the resilience needed to overcome setbacks.
“In life, anything you decide to do is possible if you are intentional, disciplined and prepared to work for it,” Mrs Amoah said.
She further exposed participants to the realities of the corporate world, stressing that success is not built on academic qualifications alone, but also on competence, confidence, emotional intelligence, strategic visibility, relationships and the ability to produce meaningful results.
“Hard work is important, but it is not enough to thrive in the corporate world. You must also learn to position yourself strategically,” she advised.
Also addressing the seminar, Mrs Mary Anane Awuku of the YesSheCan Foundation encouraged students to be intentional about the people they allow into their personal and professional circles.
She noted that one’s network plays a critical role in shaping aspirations, confidence, opportunities and long-term growth.
“Your circle is your net worth,” Mrs Awuku remarked, adding that the people individuals surround themselves with can either propel them towards success or limit their potential.
She urged the students to develop empowering relationships, seek mentors, embrace leadership opportunities and invest consistently in their own growth.
“Add value to yourselves, because that is how you build confidence and earn the right to add your voice meaningfully to society,” she advised.
The seminar also featured a panel discussion during which speakers and participants deliberated on women’s empowerment, mentorship, leadership development, career preparation and strategies for navigating challenges in academic and professional spaces.
The event reinforced UPSA’s commitment to holistic student development by creating platforms that connect academic learning with mentorship, professional exposure and values-based leadership.
