 |
| Sponsor Photo-op! |
Last weekend was one to remember! Over the course of two days, me and over 300 ladies learned more about ourselves as well as what we can do to continue grow into the bold women we are supposed to be. The speakers on day one were, two of The Women's March National Co-Chairs Carmen Perez and Linda Sarsour; Lisa Sugar, Founder &President of POPSUGAR; Actress, Writer, Producer & Director, Troian Bellisario. Day two did not disappoint with speaker Gretchen Carlson, Acclaimed TV Journalist & Women's Emportment Advocate as well as one of my role models; Amani Al-Khatahtbeh, Founder & Editor-in-Chief of MuslimGirl.com; last but not least Aja Naomi King, Actress. All these amazing women lead a keynote speech, speaking about themselves as well as sharing their most important lessons learned in their lives. Each one of them offered a new set of views, allowing myself and the other ladies around me, to understand the utmost importance to fight for the rights of each and every person. What that looks like each day could be different to each person, but the end goal should be that each and every one of us should strive for the same goal. When we work together we are unstoppable, unmovable, and empowering.
I learned throughout the weekend the importance of being authentic to who I am, even in the wake of not knowing who I want to be or where I want to go. Staying authentic to myself will guide me as well as open doors that I never thought would open. One quote I took away from Lily Herman, Freelance Writer for Teen Vogue & Allure, was "to be good, to be nice, & to be on time." Although I know this quote is not one she made, it was something I and everyone in that room needed to hear. Displaying those three qualities will invite others into wanting to work with you, possibly even introduce you to their network of individuals. You have a choice in the matter, to use those qualities to create opportunities for yourself.
 |
| All the girls waiting for the next keynote speaker! |
The Keynote speech with The Women's March National Co-Chairs, Carman Perez & Linda Sarsour, was inspiring as well as powerful. Because of what these ladies do, both women felt safer with bodyguards escorting them into the room. I can not even imagine the world where I would need to have bodyguards around me at all times, but these women handle it with grace. They are bold, smart, powerful, and strong ladies that came together with many others to form the Women's March on Washington. Which became the largest mass mobilization in U.S. history with more than 5 million marching worldwide. They described themselves as standing in their own power, doing what they believe in. Every woman has the ability to stand in her own boldness, to be intentional about what she is doing, amounting in amazing outcomes. Taking away from both women was the question "Are we ready to say, we are right that all these horrible things happen, but this will no longer happen on our watch in our generation." Millennials, as well as the generations above and below us, need to take action to prevent hatred and bigotry while affirming women of all identities' rights as human beings.
Until next year!
It is not HIStory, it is HERtory.
