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Overview:
- You can be anything you want to be, regardless of your background or condition
- Each step takes you where you are supposed to be
- Relationships are the seed of amazing potential projects
- Businesses have the responsibility to integrate social impact into their branding
The great American poet and Pulitzer winner Theodore Roethke once said, “What we need is more people who specialize in the impossible.”
This quote resonates with me as it validates a tenet my father instilled in me. He told me, “You can be anything you want to be in this world, regardless of your gender”. This motivated me to pursue many jobs that were considered ‘for males’ only. As someone who craves change, creativity, and challenge, I have ventured on diverse paths in my professional life. Given my journey, I know that if you believe in your dreams and pursue them with determination, nothing is impossible. They will become a reality.
The philosopher Kierkegaard stated, “Life can only be understood backward, but it must be lived forward.” Now, with more life behind me than in front, I can see how I have always pivoted around a central theme—social impact. This includes the protection of animals, children, and any stigmatized group or individual in society.
As my children were growing up, I made sure to volunteer within my community so they could learn by example. For instance, I started a rollerblade hockey league so my son could continue to play hockey in the summer. He never forgot that as I was the only parent who did such things. My kids helped me fundraise for causes that touched my heart, and today they are all involved in various endeavors that help make the world a better place. This is a legacy I wanted to leave and I am beyond happy knowing that it is carried on by my children and hopefully my grandchildren as well. We can definitely teach children how to care for others by setting that example ourselves.
I have been a Jill of all trades, enjoying a plethora of jobs. I have done everything from working as a private detective, boxing promoter, and the manager of a World Welterweight kickboxer. In every job I have held, I walked away with new tools in my toolbox and a wealth of experience. I am grateful for everything they taught me. My path has had many twists and turns without which I wouldn’t be where I am now.
Today, I get to transform lives with Girl Power USA, but I am also an International SocialPreneur, Talk Show Host, Author, Artist, and Champion for Change. What connects and facilitates it all is that I specialize in the Impossible–I M Possible. I have always been a rebel who wanted to change the world and how people look at it, and I have learned that everything is possible with the right mix of flexibility, independence, and kindness.
Shifting the Perspective on Retirement
As a woman, I have experienced that as we grow older, we become invisible to society. Where heads once turned when I entered a room, today I can walk by without even a glance. This can be very disconcerting and hard on one’s ego. Soon after I retired, I began to feel like there was nothing worthy, viable, or interesting about me anymore.
Now, not everyone needs or wants to retire, except maybe those whose jobs are very demanding and take a toll mentally and physically. Even then, a change can be as good as rest. I believe there’s a goldmine of untapped potential sitting at home—seniors wishing for a way to contribute and continue to use the skills they honed over a lifetime, but they just don’t know where to do this. I am one of those folks who was lucky enough to go back to work.
After such a dynamic work life, retirement left me craving a professional challenge again. I had authored five books, started a radio show, and became a professional artist—all the things I had promised my younger self I would achieve. While I knew I could have started a new business, I didn’t want to work alone, and I was feeling low energetically. I volunteered for the G-100 as Director of Communications, but it wasn’t enough. I could have started a full coaching practice as I am a Certified Master Trainer as well as a Hypnotherapist, but that felt like going backward. I wanted to do something I had never done before. I wanted to do something that was meaningful and inspiring where I could leverage my passion for social impact. And the Universe delivered.
Meaningful Connections
I met Sameer Somal, co-founder of Girl Power Talk, at the Women’s Economic Forum through a mutual friend. Little did I know that the chance encounter would be the beginning of a life-long friendship. A seed was planted that day that would lay dormant until it was time to grow a few years later. I am happy to say that it bore fruit at just the right time, leading me to become part of something extraordinary—Girl Power Talk and its non-profit arm, Girl Power USA.
Through the years, Sameer and I kept in touch, and he would reach out periodically to commission the occasional pet painting for friends and family. Other times he would seek my advice for articles or ask me to comment on videos he was working on, always speaking passionately about Girl Power Talk’s unique mission. It was like he was speaking the idea into fruition, and I now believe he was. Even before it was a fully-fledged company, I was drawn to supporting the vision and cause in any way possible.
He eventually invited me to be the subject of an interview series at Girl Power Talk called “People We Admire,” and this was my first real interaction with some of the young leaders at the organization. He then invited me to interview team members and do a deep dive into the company. I felt energized for the first time in a while as if I had been plugged into an electric circuit. I told myself I had found my own fountain of youth and I didn’t need to be asked twice to become a mentor at Girl Power Talk.
I immersed myself in its unique culture that values mentorship and nurturing individual growth. At first, I mentored Young Leaders to understand their vision and goals better. Witnessing the intelligence, dedication, and resilience of these young professionals was humbling. I felt fulfilled as I contributed to their personal and professional development.
Over time, my role within Girl Power Talk expanded, and I now serve as the Executive Director of Girl Power USA and the head of the Human Resources department. These two areas perfectly align with my passion for supporting people. As the Director of Girl Power USA, I oversee the strategic direction of our social impact initiatives, ensuring that we stay true to our mission. On the HR front, I work to create a nurturing and inclusive work environment for our team, recognizing that their well-being directly impacts the success of our initiatives.
What I particularly admire about Girl Power Talk is its focus on youth and gender lens investing in women and girls. The company believes empowering the younger generation is the key to building a better future. By nurturing their talents, supporting their dreams, and amplifying their voices, Girl Power Talk creates a positive ripple effect reverberating throughout communities.
Girl Power USA: Revolutionizing Opportunities for Young Women
In technical terms, Girl Power USA is the 501(c)(3) non-profit arm of Girl Power Talk that’s revolutionizing the lives of youth and their communities through its social impact initiatives. For me, it is so much more. It is a beacon of hope, a platform for growth, and a community of like-minded individuals striving for a better world. It is a space where young people from all walks of life can find their voice, develop their skills, and receive the support they need to thrive. Girl Power USA is a testament to the power of joint efforts and their profound impact on individuals and communities.
One of the most rewarding aspects of my work at Girl Power USA is witnessing the positive impact we have on the lives of those we support. Through our diverse programs and opportunities, we have provided education and essential resources—such as food, water, and medication—to disadvantaged children and youth in Africa and India. We are creating doctors in Uganda through an initiative that is helping medical students with tuition and much-needed resources that will change how healthcare is provided in Uganda. Additionally, we have brought water, provided chickens, supported acid attack victims, and collaborated with various organizations that needed our support to create sustainable ventures that will have a lasting impact. Witnessing their growth and transformation fills me with immense pride and reaffirms the importance of our mission.
Reflecting on my journey with Girl Power Talk, I am grateful for the meaningful connections I have made. I am proud to be a part of an organization that prioritizes empowering young women and making a lasting difference in their lives. Through our collective efforts, we are sowing the seeds of change, and I am excited about the future that lies ahead—a future where the youth will realize their dreams and contribute to a brighter, more equitable world.
Beyond Girl Power Talk, I believe that companies have a responsibility to integrate social impact into their branding. By doing so, they can drive positive change and uplift communities in developing economies. When businesses align their values with meaningful initiatives, they foster a culture of purpose that benefits their employees, their customers, and society at large. Research has shown that given a choice, consumers will choose the brand they feel is doing something to improve the world. This factor alone will contribute to a brand’s long-term success.
There is still a lot of work to do at both Girl Power USA and Girl Power Talk. Both organizations are growing exponentially and I can’t wait to see what they will look like a year from now. It’s not everyone that gets to be on the front lines of two companies, where your everyday work influences and directly impacts lives, families, and communities.
Conclusion:
You can achieve anything you determine. If your goal is to create a social impact, you will be rewarded with positive and meaningful results that change lives globally. Investing in meaningful connections is the key to changing the world.
