WISE Conference hosted by Dulwich College Seoul is a Huge Success
We had promised it would be no ordinary conference and thanks to our 140-strong delegates from all over the world, the second annual Women in International Schools Empowerment (WISE) Conference we had the pleasure to host was a resounding success.
Dulwich Seoul won the right to host WISE25 after the inaugural WISE Conference at the British School Manila in 2024. Jane Smith and Suzy Pugh, Dulwich’s Heads of School, wrote the DCSL proposal on the flight back from the conference, sure in the knowledge that the 3-day event would be perfect for the ambitious international school teaching communities across Korea. Confirmation that WISE25 would be in Seoul came soon afterwards from the WISE Team, who were impressed with the scope of the planned DCSL-hosted conference, the diversity of workshops and speakers, and the ambitious engagements.
Dulwich Seoul won the right to host WISE25 after the inaugural WISE Conference at the British School Manila in 2024. Jane Smith and Suzy Pugh, Dulwich’s Heads of School, wrote the DCSL proposal on the flight back from the conference, sure in the knowledge that the 3-day event would be perfect for the ambitious international school teaching communities across Korea. Confirmation that WISE25 would be in Seoul came soon afterwards from the WISE Team, who were impressed with the scope of the planned DCSL-hosted conference, the diversity of workshops and speakers, and the ambitious engagements.
“The conference couldn’t have gone better for our aspiring leaders,” said Jane Smith, Head of Primary School, one of the co-chairs of the hosting committee. “It was amazing to hear all the rich conversations happening throughout the entire weekend between current and future school managers, Heads and CEOs.”
The conference featured six (6) stellar keynote speakers who spoke about everything from making networking work for you and turning challenges into career assets, to a powerful story about a young girl’s escape from North Korea and wrapping up the 3-day extravaganza with a decidedly local flavor – K-drama and K-pop (that supports mental health).
“The positive energy in the room conference was palpable,” said Suzy Pugh, Head of Senior School, the other co-chair of the hosting committee. “It was clear women leaders don’t often get these kinds of spaces to gather, share and connect and this conference filled that need.”
The conference offered a vast array of workshop topics - offering up to 99 different options throughout the weekend including repeats to ensure delegates wouldn't miss the great lineup. Workshops covered everything from international school finance, negotiations with a former climate change negotiator-turned-Irish Ambassador to Korea, how to ace your interview, change management, fostering a sense of belonging for marginalised groups in communities, understanding gender dysphoria in youth, "safer recruitment" advice, rethinking school marketing and storytelling, menopause, and many more.
Head of College Alison Derbyshire supported the conference throughout, and said one particular session that comes to mind was the negotiation session where participants got to role play, with the aim of both parties coming out of it as a win-win. “Being in that situation was a great learning experience,” she said. Furthermore, “Dulwich College Seoul is proud to support a gathering of female educators leaders and provide ways of further elevating their leadership journey.”
Some of the conference presenters offered 1-1 coaching sessions that were extremely popular, while other delegates took time to get a foot massage or make new professional connections in between sessions.
Wellbeing and self-care are important tenets of our college and once again, we made sure the conference provided plenty of opportunities for delegates to get out of their comfort zone to try something new while connecting with other delegates. We had perfume 101 sessions, kimchi pancake-making sessions, makgeolli (rice wine) tasting sessions, running by the river, learning about gym equipment to stay healthy, yoga, fan-painting for those wanting to harness their artistic side, and many other sessions.
Wellbeing and self-care are important tenets of our college and once again, we made sure the conference provided plenty of opportunities for delegates to get out of their comfort zone to try something new while connecting with other delegates. We had perfume 101 sessions, kimchi pancake-making sessions, makgeolli (rice wine) tasting sessions, running by the river, learning about gym equipment to stay healthy, yoga, fan-painting for those wanting to harness their artistic side, and many other sessions.
The WISE25 Gala on Saturday evening was a glitzy, fun affair, where delegates donned their best party looks and enjoyed a delicious buffet spread with a wonderful view of the Han River. Photo booths and the amazing DJ added to the festive mood.
On Sunday, the conference opened a Marketplace with local vendors – many of them female small business owners – to support local businesses and offer some one-of-a-kind souvenirs and gifts for our traveling guests.
The conference wrapped up with a panel of all the keynote speakers reflecting on some takeaways and actions we’d like delegates to take when they go home. Then the moment everyone had been waiting for… raffle prizes time!
We would like to thank our generous sponsors, without whom this wonderful conference would not have been possible. They include Teacher Horizons, Edsidera, SPC, Nespresso, Cathay Pacific, Boksoondoga, Encompass Safeguarding, ISS, and msb. Thanks to them, we gave out wonderful raffle prizes including tumblers, chocolates, a Nespresso coffee machine, and the grand prize of 2 Cathay Pacific tickets to Hong Kong.
We would like to thank our generous sponsors, without whom this wonderful conference would not have been possible. They include Teacher Horizons, Edsidera, SPC, Nespresso, Cathay Pacific, Boksoondoga, Encompass Safeguarding, ISS, and msb. Thanks to them, we gave out wonderful raffle prizes including tumblers, chocolates, a Nespresso coffee machine, and the grand prize of 2 Cathay Pacific tickets to Hong Kong.
We especially appreciate SPC, who provided Dunkin Wonders donuts for breakfast on two days. SPC, Cathay Pacific, and Nestle are all DCSL parent sponsors.
Thank you to all the delegates for joining us and actively engaging in our sessions and with each other. Last but not least, a huge thank you to all the staff volunteers and staff at the College who worked tirelessly for months to make this conference as successful as it was.
We are still buzzing with energy from the conversations, learnings and connections forged during these magical three days. We are looking forward to staying connected and keeping the conversations going. Hope to see you all at WISE26 Jakarta next year!
We are still buzzing with energy from the conversations, learnings and connections forged during these magical three days. We are looking forward to staying connected and keeping the conversations going. Hope to see you all at WISE26 Jakarta next year!
