Chanél Oldfield, Head of CAPACITI, explores the profound impact of seeing herself reflected in positions of influence and how inclusive leadership can shape industries, inspire talent, and open doors for the next generation. 

I spent years in the corporate and private higher education sector working in environments that taught me how to navigate systems, advocate for equality, and build resilience. However, it was only when I stepped into the non- profit space at CAPACITI where I found a professional home that truly aligns with my values.  

Here, representation isn’t a buzzword; it’s a blueprint for transformation. For the past seven years, I’ve been privileged to work in a space where I felt heard.  I truly believe that what I’m experiencing here will transcend and transform industries. 

There were moments when I questioned whether I was ready or “experienced and smart enough” to lead in rooms filled with power and prestige.  Sometimes I had to fake it until I made it. I believe what carried me through wasn’t just grit; it was my passion, values, and a deep belief that representation matters because it opens doors for others. 

CAPACITI, has trained over 800 candidates in the past year, 65% of them are women. This is not a coincidence; it’s a reflection of our commitment. We have built a model that prioritises inclusion, mentorship, and emotional resilience; because when women rise, communities rise with them. 

Practicing What I Preach: Inclusive Leadership Feels and Looks Different 

To me, inclusive leadership isn’t performative; it’s intentional and at times it feels like being asked for your opinion and having it shape the outcome. It looks like mentorship that’s not just transactional, but transformational. For us at CAPACITI, mentorship is embedded in our DNA. Many of our candidates are the first in their families to pursue careers in tech, and they are paired with mentors who don’t just guide them but also help by investing in them. 

True mentorship means showing up consistently, celebrating milestones, offering honest feedback, and reminding someone they belong even when they doubt it themselves. It’s the antidote to imposter syndrome, and this is why our candidates achieve what they never believed they could.

Our candidate base is over 60% female, and because of this we know we’re making a difference with entry-level talent. For us, representation must go beyond numbers, it must be visible in leadership, and our organisation must represent what we preach. That’s why the CAPACITI team is over 60% female, and our executive team includes three women and one man. We live what we advocate for. 

Men Who Make Space 

Representation also means recognizing the role of male allies; those who lead with empathy and allyship. At UVU Africa, I’ve seen male leaders step up, not just by supporting women, but by actively creating space for us to lead. They challenge bias, share power, and model inclusive leadership. That’s what it looks like when men show up, not as saviours, but as partners in progress. 

Male allies bring immense value to business by advocating for gender equity, challenging bias, and fostering inclusive environments where women can thrive. Their support improves team dynamics, boosts engagement, and helps dismantle systemic barriers. This is vital at CAPACITI, because we’re not just shifting education, we’re shifting industries, and this requires leadership willing to take up the fight. 

Celebrating Women’s Month Every Day  

Women’s Month is a powerful moment to reflect, honour, and celebrate, but it must also be a reminder that representation cannot be seasonal. It must be embedded in how we hire, how we lead, how we mentor, and how we build. The work doesn’t end on August 31st; it begins again, every day. 

To our CAPACITI candidates, I want you to know that representation is your inheritance, use it wisely and elevate one another. Always mentor with intention and never underestimate the power of showing up for someone who looks like you. To the women, remember that you don’t have to wait until you feel ready. Step up, speak out and lead boldly. To the men, please continue to keep making space, keep listening, and keep lifting. 

Final Thought 

Representation is not a trend. It’s a transformative strategy that has enormous organisational benefits. It’s how we build institutions that reflect the world we want to live in, because when we create space, we create possibility.