Power to Change Stories

By Burcin Advani

People who succeed in education are driven by a passion for unlocking opportunities. I learned this firsthand when I launched my first venture, an English-language tutoring service in Turkey. Despite the challenges, our commitment to student success kept us going.

Just as I started doubting, our first student enrolled. Six months later, they passed their English exam with flying colors, gaining a passport to a world of opportunities. This success led to referrals, eventually supporting hundreds of students in passing exams and accessing the world. The experience reaffirmed my belief that with perseverance and dedication, it's possible to build something transformative in education.

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By Aaliyah Thompson

As a dynamic entrepreneur, I understand the power of resilience and determination in carving one's path to success. In the evolving landscape of the beauty industry, I stand as a beacon of empowerment, challenging norms and championing inclusivity.

At the tender age of five, I faced the diagnosis of autism, a label that many perceived as a barrier. Yet, with the unwavering support of my family, I transformed this challenge into a source of inspiration. Fueled by my passion for beauty, I fearlessly pursued my dreams, defying stereotypes along the way.

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By Lena Jungst

In 2016, during my undergraduate studies at the University of Design in Schwäbisch Gmünd (Germany), the idea for what would later become known as air up® took root. Together with my co-founder Tim Jäger, I delved into the fascinating realm of retronasal olfaction—how scent influences taste. This exploration sparked a question: Could scent be the key to merging healthy choices with delightful experiences?

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By Nadine Hack

Having been ‘advancing women’s rights’ since the 1960s as part of larger social justice movements, I would’ve liked for us to be further along than we are in 2024. You might imagine that I’m a bit fatigued, even
disheartened six decades later. To the contrary, I’m as fired up as ever. I’m especially inspired by young activists around the world who are tackling myriad interrelated issues in new, dynamic, exciting ways. It’s called “intersectional organizing.”

They integrate addressing gender inequality into calls for an end to violent conflicts; enlivening the climate change debate; demands for economic equity; actions for racial justice; demonstrations for LGBTQ rights; protests for gun control; all part of a fervent appeal for a more inclusive, sustainable world.

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By Rosina Racioppi

Since I entered the workforce more than 30 years ago, I have seen the number of women in leadership roles increase tremendously, but it’s still not enough. As managers and mentors, what can we do to encourage our female employees to grow and step into more influential roles? 

As managers, we play an important role in coaching female employees as they prepare to express concerns or ideas to foster success, helping them understand how to position ideas to be heard. We can support them by taking their ideas and putting them into action. This approach encourages women to contribute insights and enables them to see their company values them

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By Marie Clark

I recently led a group of female skydivers to achieve a Women’s Wingsuit World Record. A wingsuit is a specialized suit that allows skydivers to fly through the air like a glider.

Our international squad from across the U.S., Canada, New Zealand, South Korea and Brazil aimed to create a pre-declared formation starting at 13,000 feet while flying at approximately 110 miles per hour.

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By Bryetta Calloway

As a woman who has navigated the complexities of various industries, from entertainment to entrepreneurship, I've discovered profound truths that extend beyond my personal journey and resonate with the broader truth – your life is trying to teach you something.

Lesson #1: In a world that often demands conformity and homogony, I've learned that my power lies in being unapologetically myself. My refusal to be confined by societal expectations propelled my success, helped me develop hidden talents and abilities, and became a catalyst for change within the spaces I inhabited. 

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By Poonam Bouichar

What if I told you that I am grateful for all the mistakes that I have made in life because they have led me to discover who I am and to the true beauty of this life?

By profession I am an attorney. I am not a therapist, I am not a psychiatrist, I am not a healthcare professional. Yet, I have authored a top-selling book, SAFE From the Pain: How to Lead a Life Free, Happy and Good. I am an emotional wellness advocate, and have led many retreats that focus on well-being. I came to this path after experiencing decades of emotional trauma; realizing and recognizing my pain; and successfully addressing my issues to live my life in peace, filled with joy.

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By Hyacinth Tucker

In my professional journey, a pivotal moment fueled my commitment to equity. In a diverse team, I witnessed a colleague unfairly overlooked for leadership. Addressing this inequity head-on, I spoke up, leading to reconsideration and their deserved role. This taught me the power of advocacy.

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By Danna Okuyama

Before I hit 30, I already lived in four countries and come to appreciate the cultures and vibrancy of the world. Today, when travel isn’t an option, social media can be a powerful tool to connect with others around the globe.

I always wanted my son to become a global citizen, however, when he entered pre-school, he was excluded and faced unfair judgments simply because of his appearance. I learned that not everyone thinks the same and knew I had to make a change.

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By Natalie Suppes

When I was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease in 2007, I wasn't sure how that would affect the plans I had for my life. I was about to start university and had big dreams for my career and personal life. 

Little did I know, I wasn't alone. My dream of being a business woman who happens to have a chronic illness is not a singular story. There are many people out there with chronic diseases or disabilities who want to be their own boss, and my passion now lies in empowering them to achieve that.

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By Noga Sapir

Anxiety has been my companion for as long as I can remember, lurking in the corners of my mind and making its presence felt in the very core of my being. I have always been aware of it, but it wasn't until it started to manifest physically through increased heart rate and panic attacks that I knew I had to find a way to confront and conquer it.

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