Because of
my passion for global issues, I was honored to have the opportunity to travel
to New York City and attend the Sixth Annual Women in the World Summit in
April. Women from across the globe were there representing their culture and speaking
on important issues, whether it was the struggles they face everyday living in
a third-world country and simply trying to survive, or the challenges
confronting business women trying to balance family and work. Kicking things
off at the summit was the beautiful writer and editor Tina Brown, who
delivered a powerful and uplifting opening message. I was truly overwhelmed by
all of the amazing, influential women surrounding me—not just luminaries like
Meryl Streep, Angelina Jolie, and Hillary Clinton, but also everyday heroes who
crossed oceans to tell their stories.
Every
individual in that room was an extreme go-getter. The women I learned the most
from were those who had traveled thousands of miles from places where women must
fight for the most fundamental rights that we take for granted here in
America. Young Eunice Akoth, a 12-year-old from Nairobi, fights for her right
to an education and understands that she is made for greatness! She came from
nothing and is doing incredible things with her life. I was in awe as I listened
to Bushra Awad, a heartbroken Palestinian mother who has lost her
son, share her story with Robi Damelin, an Israeli mother who has
also lost her son and is just as hurt. Although uncomfortable, they talked
to each other and had a real conversation about what really matters
and how to deal with death—but most importantly, how they share the same pain. This
was a truly powerful moment, and one of the most engaging of the summit.
The Women in
the World Summit really opened me up to the many possibilities of what I can
become and all things I am capable of. I am so appreciative that Toyota
supported me, and I’m so grateful to Girl Scouts for seeing my true potential
and encouraging me to aspire to greatness.
All women
face challenging conflicts, and each woman handles them in her own unique way.
This summit taught me that I can do absolutely anything I put my mind
to. The more women join together and stand strong, the more likely we are to
eliminate conflict before it spreads.
