How Receiving the UN "Champion of Change" Award in Changed My Life
Introduction: A Moment of Honor and Intimidation
In 2018, I received an award that many people would consider the pinnacle of a lifetime’s work. The “Champion of Change” award from UN Women’s New York Metropolitan Chapter recognized my contributions to gender equality and women's empowerment. It was a huge honor—and an equally intimidating moment.
When I first learned about the recognition, I was overwhelmed by the enormity of it. I was the youngest recipient, and I wasn’t sure I deserved to be in the company of such accomplished women. To be part of an esteemed group who had impacted the world in significant ways felt surreal. Yet, the honor came with a sense of responsibility that I wasn’t fully ready for, but was prepared to embrace.
This award marked a major turning point in my career, and the experience itself taught me lessons about self-doubt, growth, and the transformative power of mentorship. As I reflect on that moment today, I realize it was the culmination of years of hard work and a journey that I had never anticipated would lead me here.
The Road to Becoming a “Champion of Change”
WERULE—the platform I founded—was always about connection and empowerment, particularly for women entrepreneurs. But when I first began this journey, I didn’t know how far it would take me. I launched WERULE with the belief that women deserved to have access to the right resources, mentorship, and opportunities, and over the years, it grew into a global community of over 2,000 female entrepreneurs, investors, and mentors from 30 different countries.
I had worked tirelessly behind the scenes to build relationships with powerful organizations like UN Women, The New School, and others, and I always had a passion for helping women gain the recognition they deserved. But receiving recognition myself—especially at such a high level—was something I never expected.
The award ceremony took place on May 18, 2018, at the SVA Theatre in New York City. It was part of a larger celebration by the Metro NY Chapter of UN Women, which honored 30 “Champions of Change” who had made significant strides in areas like women’s economic empowerment, gender-based violence, peace and security, and public advocacy. The evening was full of inspiring individuals whose work had made the world a better place for women and girls.
As I stood among the other honorees, it was hard to shake the feeling that I didn’t belong. The list of women who were receiving this award was full of remarkable leaders. Women like Leila Darabi, who worked with Planned Parenthood, Maria Hinojosa, a renowned journalist and advocate for diversity in the media, and Amy Hall, an advocate for sustainable development. Each of them had led groundbreaking initiatives and impacted thousands, if not millions, of lives.
The Feeling of Being Intimidated: Imposter Syndrome
Despite all my achievements and the work that had gone into building WERULE, I felt like a fish out of water. The imposter syndrome was real. I wasn’t yet fully comfortable in my own skin or with the scope of the impact I had made. The truth is, even with all the recognition, I wasn’t prepared for the responsibility that came with being named a “Champion of Change.”
As I made my way to the stage to accept my award, I couldn’t help but think: What if they made a mistake? I wasn’t ready to be standing there, surrounded by all these incredible women who had been on the frontlines of social change for years. I questioned whether I truly deserved to be among them.
But then, something shifted in me during the ceremony. As the audience applauded, I felt a sense of honor that I hadn’t anticipated. It was a deep sense of pride, not only for myself but for the cause I represented. Being honored for my work with women in business and my role as a mentor was a humbling experience, and it helped me realize the power of mentorship in shaping the future of women entrepreneurs worldwide.
The Honoring of Women Globally
The “Champion of Change” award was a recognition of my contribution to gender equality, economic empowerment, and advocacy for women in business. But it was also an acknowledgment of the work we still have ahead of us. At that point in time, I had already been dedicating my career to uplifting women and connecting them with the right resources and networks. But this award propelled me into a new stage of responsibility.
I recognized that women like me—who are lucky enough to be recognized—have an even bigger responsibility to continue pushing for the change we want to see. This moment was not just about me—it was about all the women I had the privilege of working with, from female entrepreneurs across the world to the mentors who helped me along the way.
The Responsibility of Being a Champion
One of the things I’ve learned from this experience is the weight that comes with being a recognized figure in a global movement. Being named a “Champion of Change” didn’t just mean a nice award on my shelf; it meant that I now had a platform to use for even greater impact. It meant I had a duty to continue advocating for women’s rights, gender equality, and female entrepreneurship at the highest levels.
At the ceremony, it struck me just how many important issues were being tackled by these champions. From gender-based violence to reproductive health rights to economic empowerment, the issues were vast and interconnected. But mentorship—something that I had always believed in deeply—was a thread that ran through many of these initiatives. Whether it was providing women with the tools to succeed in business or giving young girls the confidence to speak up for themselves, mentorship played a pivotal role.
Lessons Learned and Growing Into the Role
While I may have felt intimidated when I received the award, that feeling was the start of my growth. Looking back, I realize that I was being called to step into a role that I had prepared for but hadn’t fully embraced yet. The mentorship I had received from others—like Emilie Reynolds, Anna Reed, and countless others—helped me understand what it truly means to be a mentor, and that being a mentor is about more than just giving advice. It’s about believing in someone else’s potential and showing them that they have the power to create change.
Being a mentor has given me the opportunity to pass on the lessons I’ve learned to other women who are just starting out in their careers. Whether it’s guiding pre-seed founders on creating investment decks or helping women entrepreneursscale their businesses, the work I do today is an extension of everything I’ve learned through WERULE.
The Bigger Picture: A Call to Action for Women Everywhere
The "Champion of Change" award wasn’t just a personal honor. It’s a call to action. As women, we have the power to create immense change, not only in our own lives but for those around us. The global community is watching us. And for every woman who breaks barriers, there are countless others who benefit.
Mentorship, as I’ve learned, isn’t just about individual success. It’s about elevating the whole. By empowering one woman, we empower an entire network, an entire community, and an entire generation.
To anyone reading this who has ever doubted their potential or felt intimidated by a new opportunity, let me tell you this: You are ready. Even when you feel like you don’t belong, you do. Even when you feel like you’re not ready, you are. And when you take that step, you’ll find that the world opens up to you in ways you never expected.
Conclusion: Reflecting on the Journey
Being named a Champion of Change by UN Women was a transformative moment in my career. I wasn’t prepared for the honor, but I embraced it and used it as motivation to continue advocating for women and creating spaces where they can thrive. The award wasn’t just a recognition of what I had accomplished—it was a reminder of the impact that mentorship and women’s empowerment can have in creating a better world.
As I continue to mentor others and push for change, I am reminded that the work is never done. The journey to true gender equality and empowerment for women is a lifelong endeavor. But with every woman who steps up and takes on the mantle of leadership and change, we get closer to the world we want to see. Mentorship isn’t just a gift; it’s a movement.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the UN Women "Champion of Change" award?
The "Champion of Change" award is given by UN Women to individuals who make significant contributions to advancing gender equality and women's empowerment in various fields, including business, politics, and social activism.
2. How did you feel receiving the award at such a young age?
Receiving the award at such a young age was both an honor and intimidating. I felt immense pride but also doubt, as I was unsure if I truly belonged among such incredible leaders. Over time, I grew into the role and recognized the importance of embracing responsibility.
3. How has this award influenced your work?
The award has deepened my commitment to mentoring women entrepreneurs and advocating for gender equality. It gave me a platform to amplify the work I was already doing through WERULE and solidified my role as a global advocate for women.
4. How can mentorship impact women’s careers?
Mentorship provides guidance, support, and resources to help women navigate their careers and overcome obstacles. It’s a powerful tool for personal and professional growth, enabling women to reach their full potential and make
