On this International Women’s Day, we celebrate the value of self-respect, respect of others and respect of the environment you are in, with Ms. Winnie Michaelyn Wenzel.

From humble beginnings to her current role as the Registrar of IBSUniversity, Ms. Wenzel shares with us a story of hard work, respect, and the value of effective communication to support the theme of IWD #AccelerateAction.

Winnie’s career began in business studies, where she earned her bachelor’s degree majoring in management. After completing her studies, she pursued a career in the commercial sector, initially working as a junior business development officer in collaboration with a private consulting firm. From there, she transitioned to a teller sales consultant role, but her career took a brief pause when her mother fell ill. Taking time off to care for her mother, Winnie’s passion for education and mentorship would soon resurface.

“I’ve always liked helping others,” Winnie says. “It started when I was young—I liked giving advice, guiding people, and being someone they could rely on. Not just for women, but for young people, both boys and girls. It was not until high school, I saw how much I enjoyed teaching and working with students. That’s when I knew education was the right choice for me.”

After a career break, Winnie returned to education as a teacher at Port Moresby Grammar School. During this time, she saw how rewarding it was to guide students and help them gain confidence. “Teaching allowed me to grow as a person and become more confident. It was more than just sharing knowledge—I was working with students and making a real impact in their lives,” she says.

Her journey took another turn when she joined IBSUniversity, not intending to become a team leader, but driven by her previous experience as a TVET Coordinator, mentoring others, and being in a leadership role. Although her initial application was for a different position, her leadership qualities shone through, and she was appointed as the team leader for the Student Services Division (SSD).

“When I became the team leader, I wanted to improve how the department worked. My goal was to put clear systems in place and put my team’s well-being before my own interests. I was determined to make a real difference,” she recalls.

As the Registrar, she initially found the position a bit challenging, but she always maintained her professional and personal life by three core principles: self-respect, respect for others, and respect for her environment. These principles were fundamental in her leadership approach, encouraging fairness and effective communication within her team and across the organization.

“Being a leader means making sure that both women and men are treated fairly. Good communication is important for reaching our goals and getting things done properly. Most of all, it’s about respecting others, appreciating our work, and valuing the people we work with,” Winnie explains.

Winnie acknowledges that being a woman in a leadership role comes with challenges, especially when dealing with gender conflicts. However, she knows that gaining respect takes time and constant effort. “As a female leader, it’s not always easy. Gender conflicts happen every day, but respect has to be earned. It’s about setting goals, working hard, and giving your best. You have to keep going and remember that respect for others is the key to everything,” she shares.

Winnie’s success is largely due to the support of her parents, who have always been her biggest supporters and role models. As an only child, she learned independence from her father and self-respect from her mother. “My parents have had the biggest impact on my life. My dad taught me to stand on my own, and my mom showed me how to carry myself with dignity,” she says. “The women on my mother’s side have also been strong role models. They’ve always stood up for women’s rights and have been a driving force in my journey.”

For Winnie, respect is a core value that guides both her personal and professional life—something her family instilled in her from a young age.

As IBSUniversity celebrates International Women’s Day, Ms. Wenzel shares a simple message for women aiming for leadership: “Being a leader takes commitment and clear communication. You also need to set goals and have a genuine desire to serve others. When leading a team, delegation and trust are key. Most importantly, carry respect with you every day.”

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