L to R: Esperanza Garcia, Diana Cartaya-Acosta, Marie-Claudine, Cheryl Saban, Karen Yang
Today, was one of those life-changing
days. A month ago, I received an email from Richard Jordan, a mentor and 60th DPI/NGO Conference Chairman, expressing interest in setting-up a meeting with an influential
woman, by the name of Cheryl Saban, along with other young and accomplished women.
There was no particular agenda, the purpose was just to bring passionate and
accomplished women in one table to exchange ideas. I met these brilliant women
for lunch today.
Each interested in our own fields, Dr. Cheryl-Saban, while being a world-renowned author and US UN representative, she has a mission to help and empower women all over the world, Marie-Claudine, as a survivor of the 1994 Rwandan genocide, is running her own organization helping orphans from the genocide and HIV/AIDS, Diana-Cartaya Acosta after finishing her studies in climate change at Fordham is interning at UNEP, Karen Yang, along with being an international model and spokesperson, she is pursuing her studies at NYU, and myself, pursuing a career in business in sustainable development. Though our interests differ, we were brought together under the common ground of empowering global women. In our conversation, we discussed the importance of the need for more women leaders. Agreeing that a woman's natural nature to be nurturing is one of our greatest assets in creating a better community --and the leverage we have over men.
It was truly an honor to meet with these strong
and powerful women who are making the genuine difference in the world. For almost
three hours, we shared our stories, inspirations, dreams, and passion. Hearing
of these women’s struggles and achievements uplifted my spirits and I now feel
more empowered, inspired, and reminded about my purpose in life. We had an enriching and inspiring conversation, and I hope that we will use our experiences to work on something together that will help empower women. We women, we need to stick together.
HERE'S A GLIMPSE OF THESE WOMEN'S PASSIONS & ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
Dr. Cheryl Saban - Ph.D., is an author,
psychologist, philanthropist, advocate for women and children, and Senior
Advisor, U.S. Delegation for UN General Assembly (among many other things).
Dr. Saban is the author of several books, including What is
Your Self-Worth. Dr. Saban founded the non-profit organization “Women’s
Self Worth Foundation” (www.whatisyourselfworth.com) with a $10
million pledge to charitable organizations for the aiding, advancement and
empowerment of girls and women. She is President
of the Saban Family Foundation, which was established alongside her husband
Haim, to support medical, children’s and education programs. She serves
on the board of several organizations, including, the Saban Research Institute,
Girls Inc., Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, and Marc & Jane Nathanson
Mental Health Resource Center at UCLA.
The young women that
Richard brought together were all very excited to meet Cheryl. As soon as she
entered the Greek restaurant where we had all convened near Columbia University,
one can sense a strong force by her presence. Dressed simply and elegantly, she
exudes a natural sense of poise, strength, confidence, and wisdom. She shared
with us her stories about serving as a US UN delegate, along with her current
and future plans (in the lines of women empowerment). It is truly inspiring to learn from a woman who has the resources and ability to make a difference and does everything in her power to do so. Along with
that, keep a strong relationship with her husband and family. If there is one
woman who knows a thing or two about balance, it is Cheryl.
Marie-Claudine (Rwanda), Ambassador for Peace Award Winner/ Humanitarian
Achievement Award Winner/ an
orphan-survivor of Rwandan genocide
During lunch, Marie-Claudine shared her painful
story about going through the genocide, with her family and tribe members violently
killed around her. In her story, she shared that she had prayed to God and had
said to God, that if she would survive the genocide, that she would do
everything in her power to prevent the genocide from recurring and help the
people who were suffering through it. Given a second chance at life, she
started an organization called, “Kuki Ndiho Rwanda Orphans Support
Project” (http://www.kukindiho.org) a charitable organization dedicated
to helping orphaned children from the Rwandan genocide and HIV/AIDS. Marie
Claudine is a recipient of the UN Ambassador for Peace Award 2010.
Karen Yang (China)- International Model/Miss
Asia International/Spokesperson
At age 23, she has received
numerous scholastic awards with her outstanding grades and extraordinary
performance in activities. In the 18th Miss Asia International Pageant,
the seventeen year old Karen won the 1st Prize of USA and 2nd Runner-Up of
the Final World Competition. She continues to be actively involved in societies, and has been invited to national and international events since 2007.Tall, beautiful and smart, Karen is not only an emblem Asian beauty, but global beauty.
Diana Cartaya (Cuba)- young scientist/UNEP intern
Born and raised in Cuba, this 23-year old woman
has engaged herself in many global issues and studying to help find solutions
to these issues, ranging from AIDS to Climate Change. She is vocal, strong,
passionate, beautiful, and smart – just like every woman in the lunch table.
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| Richard Jordan (left), 60th UNDPI Conference Chair and master-mind behind this gathering, and Esperanza Garcia (right) |
