Chevening alumna Sarah Govan reflects on how her scholarship shaped her leadership journey and prepared her to help guide one of the world's largest movements for girls and young women.
When Sarah Govan came to the UK as a Chevening scholar in 2003, she was already working at the heart of Canadian public life as a communications adviser on Parliament Hill. Chevening gave her the opportunity to broaden her perspective on leadership and develop skills she now uses to help lead one of the world’s largest movements for girls and young
‘The most valuable part of Chevening was that combination of academic learning, international exposure, and relationships with people whose professional cultural, and national perspectives differed significantly from my own.’
Studying Communications Policy at City St George’s, University of London challenged Sarah to think beyond a single political system.
‘It challenged me to question assumptions developed within a single system and to understand that institutions, leadership, and communications are always shaped by the communities in which they operate.’
In June 2026, Sarah was elected Chair of the World Board of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS), representing 11.4 million members across 154 countries. As the organisation approaches its centenary in 2028, her focus is on ensuring it remains financially sustainable, well governed, and equipped to support girls for generations to come.
‘My motivation comes from a lifelong belief in the power of Guiding to help girls and young women find their voice, build confidence, and become leaders in their communities.’
As World Board Chair, Sarah oversees governance, financial stewardship, organisational sustainability, member engagement, and long-term strategy.
‘The international perspective I gained through Chevening is especially important. My responsibility is not to bring one national viewpoint or a predetermined set of answers, but listen carefully, bring different perspectives together, and help the Board make decisions that serve the wider movement.’
Alongside her volunteer role, Sarah is Director of Governance at the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation, where she works with Cabinet Ministers, Boards, and senior leaders on governance and public accountability.
Across both roles, she believes effective leadership is built on trust.
‘Chevening strengthened my ability to look beyond immediate issues, consider how decisions will be understood by different audiences, and recognise that trust depends not only on making good decisions but on communicating them clearly and transparently.
‘The skills I developed through Chevening, including strategic communication, policy thinking, cross-cultural collaboration, and confidence in global spaces, continue to inform how I lead, how I engage with others, and how I work to support a movement that serves millions of girls and young women around the world.’
As WAGGGS approaches its 100th anniversary. Sarah’s focus remains on the future.
‘The world is not becoming easier for young girls and women. WAGGGS has a distinctive role because it does not simply advocate for girls; it helps girls build the confidence, skills, and leadership experiences to advocate for themselves and others.’
Rather than focusing on personal achievement, she hopes her leadership will strengthen the organisation itself.
‘Ultimately, the difference I hope my leadership will make is not about my own visibility. It is about helping create the conditions for more girls and young women to lead, to be heard, and to shape the decisions that affect their lives.’
Her advice to future Chevening Scholars is to see leadership as service.
‘Chevening provides an exceptional education, network, and international platform. Use them to remain curious, build genuine relationships, and open doors for others. Lasting impact rarely comes from one position or one defining moment. It grows through preparation, courage, service, and the decision to keep showing up with integrity.’
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