Advocating For Women's Issues at UNGA: A Global Celebration of Impact

Camille and I speaking on stage about AI x mentorship

It was an absolute honor to share the stage with such incredible women at the UNGA (United Nations General Assembly) panel hosted by the Centre for Economic & Leadership Development. The event was a global celebration of women making a significant impact in various fields, from finance and policy to engineering, VC, and AI.

First Lady of Guyana presenting about period poverty

I was particularly inspired by the First Ladies who shared their inspiring work in their respective countries. Aria Ali, The First Lady of Guyana, talked about her commitment to addressing (and solving) period poverty is a testament to the power of leadership in driving positive change. She made sure 100% of school girls in Guyana have access to menstruation products and education.

The event featured speeches given by First lady of Belize, First Lady of Uruguay, First Lady of Guyana and the Prime Minister of Uganda.

A special shoutout to Dr. Ibifuro Ken-Giami, the executive director of the Centre for Economic & Leadership Development,for curating such a powerful group of women and facilitating discussions on important topics.

We were fortunate to meet other remarkable women like Mary Ellen Iskenderian, Ms. Olive Birungi Lumonya, Ruthe Farmer, and Mansa Nettey, who are all making significant contributions to their respective fields. We were also amazed by the insights of our friend and fellow panelist Abby Huang, who is building Dime, which helps companies connect with the Gen-Z audience.

I was thrilled to discuss the importance of accessible mentorship, both globally and locally. I believe that making mentorship mandatory for kids in schools through policy and promotion of the mentorship concept, especially before they go to college, could have a profound impact on their future.

My business partner and Co-Founder of WERULE, Camille Jalandoni, emphasized the power of storytelling and representation in advancing women's goals. She highlighted the shift in media representation, from women having only 20% of stories to now having 80%.

We also discussed the importance of aligned efforts in driving change. While campaigns like #AllRaise have raised awareness about the lack of VC funding for women, we need to ensure that these efforts lead to tangible results.

Jonathan Imperial and Ebony Young with Camille and I

I want to express my sincere gratitude to Deputy Borough President Ebony Young for inviting us to speak at this conference and for her excellent moderation. I also want to thank Jonathan Imperial for his invaluable support.

Speaking at the UNGA panel in front of such an esteemed crowd was a truly humbling experience. It reinforced our commitment to building the first AI-powered mentorship app that works alongside local communities to build capacity and training. We believe that mentorship is a powerful tool for empowering women and driving positive change. Check out our work on WERULE!

Now, time for my favorite UN moment of all time:

Beyoncé's "I Was Here" at the UN: A Moment of Global Unity and Inspiration

Beyoncé's performance of "I Was Here" at the United Nations General Assembly in 2012 remains one of the most iconic and inspiring moments in the history of the organization. Her powerful rendition of the uplifting anthem resonated with audiences worldwide, sending a message of hope, unity, and the importance of making a positive impact on the world.

A Performance with Purpose

The performance was part of a special event celebrating the 67th anniversary of the United Nations. Beyoncé's presence served as a powerful symbol of global unity and the organization's mission to promote peace, security, and human rights. The song's lyrics, which emphasize the importance of leaving a legacy and making a difference, perfectly aligned with the UN's goals.

A Call to Action

Beyoncé's powerful voice and emotive performance served as a call to action, inspiring viewers to contribute to a better world. Her message of hope and unity resonated with audiences of all ages and backgrounds. The performance was a reminder that even small acts of kindness can have a significant impact on the lives of others.

A Personal Favorite

As someone who has always been inspired by Beyoncé's music and message, this performance holds a special place in my heart. It was a moment that reminded me of the power of music to unite people and inspire change. The combination of Beyoncé's incredible talent and the significance of the UN event created a truly unforgettable experience.

A Legacy of Inspiration

Beyoncé's performance of "I Was Here" at the United Nations continues to inspire and motivate people around the world. It serves as a reminder of the importance of working together to create a better future for all. The legacy of this performance will live on for generations to come.

Check the video out here: