BANKSETA Women’s Development Programme - 2007 Candidate Profile Name: Nitha Ramnath Current Title: General Manager : Relations Bank: Iemas Trade Co-operative Limited Academic Credentials: Nitha Ramnath graduated from the University of Durban Westville in 1994 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree. She pursued an Honors Degree with a focus in Development Studies and furthered a Higher Diploma in Education. Nitha obtained a Masters Degree in Public Policy through the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal in 2007 as well as a Certificate in the Advanced Program in Business Communication through UNISA in 2007. She has produced academic research on Women and their role in Housing and Land reform as well as The Political representation of Women in Politics with specific reference to the Gauteng Legislature (unpublished). Current Work Description: Nitha is General Manager: Relations at Iemas Trade Co-operative Limited. Some of her responsibilities include:- Assessing organizational needs to establish best practice and procedures for achieving customer loyalty and retention. Developing positive working relationships that encourage high performance and associate loyalty. Developing, maintaining and managing specific relationships with key stakeholders and contracted groups. Developing policies and procedures for standardized implementation of newly contracted groups. Monitoring relevant initiatives and developments within contracted groups and assess their impact on company initiatives. Ensuring consistency in management and uniform service delivery to all contracted groups Coordinating the delivery of products and services to relevant stakeholders and contracted groups Developing, conducting, and coordinating presentations of product offerings and financial life skills training as and when required Providing logistical support to business units and staff Managing the execution of a comprehensive communication plan through a variety of channels to build and sustain awareness within contracted groups and staff. Business Credentials and Skills: Nitha’s qualifications combined with experience as Educator, in particular that of Program Assistant at the Communications and Economic Attaché of the Indonesian Embassy successfully augments her role as General Manager Relations of Iemas Trade Co-operative Limited. Nitha’s active involvement in the School Governing Body and serving on several committees was integral in ensuring that policies and processes were implemented at school level. Personal and Professional Learning Objectives: Tanya’s learning objectives for the Women Development Programme are: Develop intrapersonal skills and the ability to confidently deal with difficult situations Gain exposure to techniques in strategy planning and execution Personal Information: Nitha is married to Rishen Pillay. They have a beautiful daughter, Kanchana. Nitha is fortunate that she is able to manage her career, pursue academic interests and cope with family needs through the unswerving support of her husband.