The Rise & Lead Summit 2019 was amazing. A two-day event fully dedicated to women and leadership. Attendees from all over the world. I’ve met so many inspiring women and had the privilege to inspire others in my workshop about leading the change by joining aboard. We, women, need to have a seat at the table for the benefit of business and society. That table can be in a corporate, non-profit or political setting; our voice matters wherever decisions and policies are made.

My biggest take away of the summit was a statement of a young woman who had the courage to step up and talk during the closing remarks. In tears, she stated that young women like herself are the future leaders and she has hope to really become one because of the female leaders of today.

To me, her message was not only a statement but also an assignment: a forest only grows from the trees we plant today.

I look forward to Rise & Lead 2020 and to collaborate with Ebere Akadiri in elevating women until we reach an equal level of leadership. I call men to join as well, as we need them in solving the problem of gender inequality.