Lead5050 Awards in Berlin: Celebrating Languages United and Slavenka’s Special Recognition in the Inspirational Woman category

The Lead5050 Awards in Berlin were a testament to the unwavering dedication to gender parity and inclusivity in EFL and various industries. 

This year, the  Lead5050 Awards unfolded just before ICEF Berlin 2023, an electrifying gathering of industry leaders. The event was an incredible showcase of support and acknowledgment, celebrating the people working tirelessly towards a more equitable world. The exceptional Lead5050 team, comprising Leanne Linacre, Ella Tyler, Maria Castro Blazquez, and Stacey McGee, orchestrated a remarkable event. The keynote speaker, Lisa James, captivated us with an inspiring and motivational story, while Lifetime Achievement award winner Jenny Nieveen shared deeply moving moments from her life that moved many of us to tears.

For Languages United, a highlight of the evening was the recognition of outstanding women in the EFL industry. Our very own Managing Director, Slavenka Vukovic-Bryan, was a finalist for the Inspirational Woman category and was honoured with a Special Recognition award. Her acknowledgment stood alongside incredibly inspiring women, including the exceptional Susan Fang from Oxbridge Holdings, who clinched the title.

At Languages United, the commitment to fostering an inclusive environment for students and staff has been paramount. Slavenka Vukovic-Bryan, in her work, champions ideals of equality, diversity, and inclusivity. She articulated her pride in being a non-native speaker of English who has thrived in the competitive industry, emphasising the value of hard work and dedication regardless of one's background.

Slavenka’s journey demonstrates the dedication poured into providing a unique learning environment for students, cultivating relationships, managing a boutique school post-pandemic challenges, fostering a supportive team environment, and embracing diversity through cultural celebrations at Languages United.

Receiving the Special Recognition, Slavenka expressed immense gratitude to the Lead5050 team, acknowledging their dedication to empowering women and fostering a community where they can thrive. She also extended her gratitude to everyone who has been part of her journey, recognising that this honour belongs to the entire Languages United family.

The Lead5050 Awards underscore the importance of recognising the efforts and dedication of individuals and organisations working towards a more equitable future. Languages United is proud to have its Managing Director acknowledged amongst inspiring women in the industry.

While the awards covered numerous outstanding categories, another one that stood out for us at Languages United, is the Unsung Hero category. We want to extend our heartfelt congratulations to Kathi Gerth from Quality English for her triumph in this category. At Languages United, we're absolutely thrilled for Kathi and her well-deserved achievement.

Let us all continue our journey, fostering education, embracing diversity, and creating a brighter future together.