Tag: leadership

Commemorating Women Worldwide

“No more being afraid to speak the truth, no more fending off sexual advances from an employer or person in power, no more pay disparity. The time is now.” “We are not waiting to be saved. We are saving ourselves.” In a quest to find the stories and voices missing, Danai Gurira went to war-ridden places to learn from some of the women who had suffered the most. Gurira’s inspiration for her character and work was the bravery and strength of these women to carry on no matter what, and to continue to make a difference for those around them – to rebuild communities and nations, thereby becoming leaders in their own way.

Personal Story for Columbia SIPA’s 70th Anniversary

Going back to my Balkan roots, in 2016 I found myself in Kosovo for a mission with the United Nations. Touchdown in Prishtina felt familiar yet new, yet reminiscent of my childhood in Albania. Overall, the experience was a glimpse into a dream job to make a positive impact on the ground. Through it all, I met supportive colleagues, made lasting friendships, and formed a connection with the people in Kosovo.

On Travel and Living Abroad

Within 18 months, I lived in 4 (arguably 5) cities, within 3 countries, and 2 different continents. Such travel is not too rare among  those working in international affairs, like human rights or economic development. After this period, I write my most personal piece yet about living in different places and some of its associated challenge.

“Crossing Borders” Youth Leaders

In a Ted-ex-like format, Sciences Po students captivated the audience by showcasing how they traversed limitations through travel and exposure to different cultures. Piroshin, a member of the Indian community in South Africa detailed racial abuses in South Africa. Marianna started her own NGO at age 18 to assist victims of human trafficking in Latin America. Originally, from India, Nikita got the courage to cross to Pakistan, against all warnings from family. Indeed, some of the greatest borders are the psychological ones that we place on ourselves.

In Defense of Millennials

This generation is tasked with fixing the massive issues previously created – ongoing conflicts and wars, social security insolvency, an underway environmental disaster, economic crisis, and rigidification of social mobility. Millennials can be better generalized as a generation that thinks critically, is unafraid to challenge the status-quo, and is the most educated, travelled, and connected group. In the workforce, they defy business as usual by preferring to work under their own rules, use freedom and flexibility for innovation, and take risks for the greatest gains.

One Billion Rising

This Valentine’s Day at the #onebillionrising gathering in Paris’s Place de Trocadero overlooking the Eiffel Tower, students of Sciences Po, NGOs, and supporters gathered to denounce violence against women –  dancing in the rain in strength against one of the most oppressive situations that women face.