Celebrate International Women’s Day with Helen Lami, CEO of Academic Summer and Dr Giedre Balcytyte, Academic Manager, as they discuss women in leadership including women leaders in education. Gain insights into leadership, resilience and empowering young people while learning how Academic Summer supports girls’ education globally.
International Women’s Day celebrates the achievements of women in leadership, innovation as well as women leaders in education. Academic Summer is pleased to be women founded, women owned and to employ several women – a testament to the transformative power of female leadership. Today, two resourceful women, Dr Giedre Balcytyte and Helen Lami, share their experiences and insights on leadership, overcoming challenges and building a diverse, international team.
Dr Giedre Balcytyte (Interviewer): Happy International Women’s Day, Helen! This day is all about recognising the achievements of women. As the founder of Academic Summer, what does International Women’s Day mean to you?
Helen Lami: Thank you, Giedre! International Women’s Day is a moment to reflect on the progress we’ve made and the work that still needs to be done. As a woman who left school at 16 and later returned to education to build a career in teaching and leadership, I know first-hand how education can change lives. That’s why at Academic Summer, we ensure that young people including many girls are given opportunities to learn, grow and become women leaders in education, technology, medicine or whatever they choose as a career.
This day is also about lifting up other women. Academic Summer is pleased to be women-founded and women-led. Many of our team members, from teachers to senior staff, are women and we work to create an environment where everyone feels valued and empowered.
Dr Giedre Balcytyte: What inspired your approach to leadership?
Helen Lami: My leadership style was shaped by both positive and negative experiences. I’ve worked in environments where leaders were insecure and controlling and I knew I wanted to lead differently. For me, leadership is about service – it’s about creating opportunities for others to shine.
At Academic Summer, I always encourage my team to bring their ideas forward and take ownership of their strengths. A good leader doesn’t have to be the loudest person in the room. Sometimes, leadership is about stepping back and amplifying the voices of those around you.
Navigating challenges and building a global team
Dr Giedre Balcytyte: What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced in your career?
Helen Lami: Without a doubt, the COVID-19 pandemic. It was one of the most difficult times for Academic Summer. We had financial uncertainty, students unable to travel and a huge responsibility to our staff. At the same time, I was caring for my ill mother. It was overwhelming, but we got through it with honesty, resilience and a strong support system.
The experience reinforced my belief that education is essential especially during times of crisis. It also strengthened our commitment to supporting young people beyond our summer camps.
Dr Giedre Balcytyte: Speaking of support, Academic Summer has a highly diverse and international team. How do you build such a strong, multicultural community?
Helen Lami: Our strength comes from our diversity. At Academic Summer, we have team members from across the world – Lithuania, Greece, Hungary, the UK and beyond. Everyone is treated with equal respect, regardless of nationality or background.
I think my personal experiences also influence this. I’m married to someone from a different culture, and that has taught me the value of understanding different perspectives. Whether in leadership or education, we all learn best when we collaborate across cultures.
Support other women. We rise by lifting others. If we want to see more women in leadership, we must mentor, encourage and create opportunities for the next generation.
Empowering Girls in education through Theirworld
Dr Giedre Balcytyte: One of the things that makes Academic Summer special is our commitment to education beyond the classroom. Can you tell us about our work with Theirworld and how it supports girls’ education?
Helen Lami: Absolutely. We are incredibly proud to support Theirworld, a charity that works to ensure every child, especially girls, has access to education, no matter their circumstances.
Right now, millions of girls are missing out on education due to war, poverty and inequality. Theirworld helps provide resources like digital devices so that young girls, particularly in Ukraine and other conflict-affected regions, can continue learning.
Academic Summer is actively involved in Theirworld’s Your Walk fundraiser, where we walked millions of steps to raise money for laptops for children who don’t have access to education. See: Academic Summer raises over £2000 for Theirworld charity with close on 4 million steps
Education is the most powerful tool for change, and if we can help even a handful of girls stay in school and gain confidence in their future, that’s a step in the right direction.
Advice for women leaders in education and the future of education
Dr Giedre Balcytyte: What advice would you give to young women who aspire to leadership roles?
Helen Lami: Don’t be afraid to lead in your own way. Leadership isn’t about being the loudest person in the room. It’s about integrity, vision and supporting others.
Also, never stop learning. My own journey from leaving school at 16 to later completing a Master’s in Education taught me that education isn’t a straight path. It’s about finding what you love and continuously growing.
Lastly, support other women. We rise by lifting others. If we want to see more women in leadership, we must mentor, encourage and create opportunities for the next generation.
Dr Giedre Balcytyte: Finally, what’s next for Academic Summer and its mission to support students, especially girls, in education?
Helen Lami: We’re expanding our reach to support more students through academic camps, leadership training, and global partnerships. Our Be a Leader Programme is growing, helping young people build confidence and skills for the future.
We’ll also continue working with Theirworld to bridge the education gap for girls and ensure that young people worldwide have the resources to succeed.
I want Academic Summer to be a place where education and adventure meet, a place where students, especially girls, can dream big and achieve their goals.
On this International Women’s Day, we celebrate the achievements of women in leadership, education and beyond. Academic Summer is dedicated to empowering the next generation of young women to succeed, no matter where they come from.
Thank you to Helen Lami and Dr Giedre Balcytyte, two highly respected women leaders in education for this insightful conversation and for their ongoing work in shaping a brighter future for students worldwide.
Caroline Marshall is the Head of Communications and Operations at Academic Summer, bringing extensive experience in education management. She specialises in English as a Second Language (ESL), intercultural communication, student recruitment, and international admissions. With a Master’s in International Higher Education from the University of Nottingham, Caroline ensures seamless operations while supporting students and families worldwide.
