As South Africa celebrates Women’s Day, it is fitting to spotlight leaders who are not just breaking glass ceilings but reshaping the future for women across the nation. Keshree Alwar, a dynamic force at Maskew Miller Learning, embodies the true spirit of inclusive, people-first leadership.

Alwar’s leadership is shaping the future of education and setting the tone for inclusive leadership. 

She has built a women-led team with over 51% black ownership, championed digital transformation, and driven real learning outcomes, embodying leadership with both heart and impact.

“For me, building a truly diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace is not just a professional goal it’s something that resonates deeply with my own story and values,” she explained.

“Growing up, I saw firsthand how access to education and visibility of strong female role models around me could change the trajectory of a life. This stemmed from my strong willed and determined grandmothers, my own mother and aunts, all motivating me to push boundaries with endless possibilities irrespective of the obstacles in my path.

“I have also experienced what it is like to be left out and it is important to me that I ensure I use my influence to always ensure everyone is included,” she said.

“Those early experiences instilled in me a drive to create opportunities, and to ensure that every voice finds a seat at the table. 

Maskew Miller Learning is a South African educational publisher and learning solutions provider. It is part of the long-established Maskew Miller brand, known since 1893 for producing trusted educational materials. Maskew Miller Learning focuses on creating curriculum-aligned textbooks, digital resources, and innovative learning tools designed to support learners and educators across South Africa. 

Her leadership is about action not rhetoric.

 “At Maskew Miller Learning, women empowerment is grounded in real action. We proactively mentor young women across the company to support their personal and professional development.

“One of my proudest moments was seeing some of the young women I have mentored in my career turn into senior leaders at well-established South African companies and making waves of their own. This is a testament to what’s possible when you intentionally nurture talent and build systems that recognise potential over privilege.”

Alwar’s belief in the power of mentorship and inclusion is as personal as it is professional. 

“On a personal note, I carry the stories of my own mentors and the women in my family who overcame immense odds. Their strength fuels my commitment to championing women, not just in executive roles, but at every layer of our business.

“This commitment to inclusion extends deeply into the products and services we create. It’s not just about who’s in the room. It’s about what we build, and who we build it for. We design learning solutions that speak to real learners in real contexts, honouring their lived experiences through content that is culturally grounded and affirming. 

“Ultimately, diversity, equity, and inclusion are just about what we do it’s about who we become in the process. Together, we are helping shape a future where every South African girl can see herself as a leader, innovator, and changemaker.”

Alwar’s love for education began with lived experience.

“I have been a lifelong learner, and my family have also reminded me of the importance of education and the role it places in enabling us to have financial freedom and stature,” she said.

She shared a story from her school days.

“I specifically recall in my high schooling career where my sister and I would share a study guide, as a twin studying the same subjects, the means was there to buy one for us to share and we would alternate between Physics and Mathematics.

“Whilst at the time it didn’t pose a challenge or barrier, in fact I didn’t realise it was, we just scheduled different times to use it, in hindsight this is a barrier that most South African learners face with having no resources.”

“Access to education should be to everyone and most importantly access to the right resources to support your educational journey,” she said.

“Now, I can drive change and use my team and resources to create accessible materials to make education more accessible and equitable but to provide materials that have a meaningful impact to the learner, their families and the communities around them. “What moves me most about education is not just what it teaches, but what it unlocks: curiosity, confidence, critical thinking, and the courage to imagine something more,” she said.

She is equally passionate about innovation. “In the last year, we’ve proudly launched our own AI-powered tool, Maski, on WhatsApp—making personal tutoring and quality educational content more accessible than ever before. Maski has already seen nearly 100,000 sign-ups since its inception, and we’re constantly working to make learning experiences even more personalised.”

When not driving change, she’s grounded by family. “I’m also a mom to an almost two-year-old whose curiosity for the outdoors and animals makes every day an adventure,” she said.

She concluded: “Becoming a parent has deeply grounded me, giving me perspective and helping me maintain a healthy balance between my work and personal life.”

She added: “We’ve launched the ‘Maskiverse,’ extended to our MML App which enables digital reading of our textbooks and resources and introduced Maski TV, streaming live lessons and providing video content that supports visual learners.”

Alwar’s dedication to women’s advancement is constant: “At Maskew Miller Learning, we’ve made a deliberate choice to centre women, not as a gesture, but as a strategy for real, lasting transformation. We invest in women at every level because we know that when women rise, communities rise. Innovation rises. The future rises.”

She defined what power means to her: “A powerful woman today, in my eyes, is someone who stands firm in her values and uses her voice to drive real change, not just for herself, but for other women around her and her community. She is resilient, she lifts others as she rises, and she’s not afraid to challenge the status quo.”

Her message to the next generation is clear: “Don’t ever hold yourself back and wait for someone to determine your worth, you are more than deserving of every opportunity as anyone. Strive to be your best self, exude the confidence you hold inside and always dream big.”

tracy-lynn.ruiters@inl.co.za

Weekend Argus 

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