Last year saw the launch of the Sibos Talent Accelerator Route (STAR) Scholarship, designed to empower female leaders of tomorrow. The ambitious programme united 30 women from leading financial institutions around the world. The STAR scholars, from 18 different countries, benefitted from a specially designed programme of networking activities with senior industry figures, introductions to inspirational leaders and front-row access to special conference sessions. The STARs took part in their own panel sessions, featured on Sibos TV and in media campaigns, and had mentoring lunches with important figures from across the financial services industry. The experience proved invaluable for the STARs, offering new connections with senior professionals and the opportunity to build a network with one another, sharing insights on gender diversity challenges in different organisations and regions. The scholarship has been a springboard for many of the STARs to drive positive change within their organisations and advance their careers, taking on new responsibilities and, in some cases, earning promotions. The benefits of the scholarship, in the words of the STARs, include:</p> </figure> The star programme helped me feel more empowered in my role and gave me a platform to take a more active role in nurturing junior female talent within my organisation.</p></p>Mary Duncombe, Product Manager – Payables and Receivables, Bank of America </cite></blockquote> </div></div> </div> </figure> The exposure that this has created for me in my own organisation has been significant.</p></p>Paula Thistleton, Co Head of Agent Relationship Management, RBS </cite></blockquote> </div></div> </div> </figure> [It] made me realise what a difference I can really make to my career in working with others formally and informally, maintaining networks.</p>Vimbai Muzofa, Head, Interbank & RTGS (Africa Regions)</cite></blockquote> </div></div> The 2020 edition of the STAR Scholarship will open to nominations soon. Sibos will ask more than 30 leading financial institutions to put forward their best and brightest emerging talents for unrivalled conference access, learning and networking benefits, running right through to June 2021. </p>