Last week I had the incredible opportunity to attend the 2nd annual WIE Symposium, Women Inspiration Enterprise. This two day conference hosted by Arianna Huffington, Donna Karen and Sarah Brown was held in the heart of Soho NYC. Both days were full of awakening and motivational talks, as well as informative and problem solving workshops and info sessions that left you with a ‘can do’ attitude. Every panel consisted of amazing women (and a few men) all dedicated to raising the value of the girl. These women have done it, will continue to do it, and want every girl and woman in the world to know that they can do it too.
No matter what the field, there was something and someone for everyone. Education, fashion, entrepreneurship, media, the arts, philanthropy, motherhood, were all topics that I left knowing more about than when I arrived. The intimate setting gave one the opportunity to get in the faces of women who we otherwise would not have access to. Women we see on TV, in fashion magazines, women we read about in Forbes, or who come up in political debates, and women who took a chance and are still finding their way. They shared their lives, what they cared about, how they got where they are, and how we can be just like them or even greater. Being among such powerful, beautiful, and intelligent women left me with a new sense of strength and capability. The makeup, gourmet food, and massages definitely helped too!
June Sarpong and Dee Poku, the two founders of the WIE symposium and the WIE network are two women who have inspired me immensely. Thank You! For more about WIE, visit wienetwork.org.
In the spirit of our generation of women who are becoming more and more independent, inventive, proactive and productive, I want to share some words and thoughts that stuck with me and that I hope will do you some good in your journey.
1. You are a brand
Never doubt yourself. You are an individual, nothing and no one can add up to you. Be confident in this fact, and in yourself.
2. What is the best version of yourself?
Find this woman and nurture her. It takes us all time to get to know ourselves, but once you know that person take time to make them happy, healthy and fulfilled.
3. No Doesn’t matter
Many of us are just starting our lives and building our foundations. Whatever your home is made of, where ever it may be, don’t ever let anyone make you think you cannot have one.
4. Crazy = Innovative
Think higher, bigger, wider, deeper. Be bolder than you are comfortable with.
5. Ask Everyone
“A well known socialite once explained that her trick for the kind of networking that had made her into a household name was simply to go up to people and ask them their name.”
“All the water in the world cannot drown you unless it is inside you”
-Eleanor Roosevelt
*Image, Ayad Alkadhi, Hand of Fatima II, 2009
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