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KIMBERLY CARNEY 12
NICOLE BUFFETT KIMBERLY CARNEY Founder & CEO | FashWire, GlossWire & PawWire Leading the Charge in Tech-Driven Retail Inaworldwheretechnologyevolvesrapidlyandconsumer expectationsshiftevenfaster,fewentrepreneursareableto anticipatetrends,harnessdata,anddrivedisruptionacross industries.KimberlyCarneyisoneofthoserarevisionaries.
AsthefounderandCEOof FashWire, GlossWire,andmost recently, PawWire,Kimberlyhasnotonlycreatedtransformativedigital platforms—she'sreimaginedhowbrandsandconsumersengageinfashion,beauty, andlifestylespaces.
Whatmakesherleadershipstandoutisn'tjustthetechinfrastructureshe'sbuilt,but thethoughtful,deliberatestrategythatunderpinseachdecision.As Exeleon Magazine spotlightswomenshapingthefutureforits2025Women'sHistoryMonth issue,Kimberlyexempli iesanewkindofentrepreneur—onewhoblends technological luencywithemotionalintelligence,andmarketinsightwithadeep commitmenttoempoweringbothbrandsandconsumers.
Planting the Seeds: From Concept to Launch
Kimberly irstenvisionedFashWireasfarbackas 2009,longbeforefashion-techwasarecognized category.Atthetime,sheownedasuccessfulretail storeandrecognizedaglaringgapinhowbrandsand consumersinteracteddigitally.Butthejourneyfrom concepttolaunchwouldtakenearlyadecade—one shapedbybothresilienceandre inement.
“Ittooksixyearsoffundingmyretailstoretogettothe pointwhereIcouldstartFashWire,”Kimberly explains.In2016,shetooktheleapbyhiringher irst developer.Butwhentheinitialcodeturnedouttobe unusable,shewasforcedtostartfromscratch.What couldhavebeenamajorsetbackinsteadbecamea
pivotalturningpoint.“Thatdelayallowedustomeet HoomanHamzeh,theCEOofDevelopingNow,andgave ustimetoreevaluateourvisionandgathermeaningful feedbackfromfashionbrands.”
Thiscollaborativeprocesshelpedherhonenotjustthe functionalityoftheplatform,butitscorepurpose.By thetimeFashWireof iciallylaunchedin2018, Kimberlyhadbuiltmorethanjustanapp—shehad createdascalableecosystemgroundedinreal-time data,brandstorytelling,anduserengagement.Itwas, asshesays,“theperfectmomenttolaunch.”
A Real-Time Revolution in Consumer Intelligence
WhatsetsFashWire—anditssisterplatforms,
GlossWireandPawWire—apartistheirabilityto connectbrandsandconsumersthrough real-time data and insights.Inaworlddrivenbyfastfeedback loopsandhyper-personalization,thisfeaturehas proveninvaluable.
“Ourplatformsallowbrandstogatherinstant feedbackontheirproductsbasedonhowconsumers interactwiththem,”Kimberlyexplains.Eachswipe, click,andlikefeedsintoafeedbacksystemthatgives brandsaclearerunderstandingoftrends,preferences, andcustomerbehavior.
Butthebene itisn'tone-sided.Consumersreceive tailoredrecommendations,accesstoexclusive launches,andcuratedcontentthatalignswiththeir personalstyleorbeautyroutine.“It'saboutcreatinga
dynamic,responsiverelationshipwherebothsidesfeel seenandheard,”Kimberlysays.
Thisreal-time,reciprocaldatamodelcreatesa virtuouscycle.Brandsstayagileandinformed,while consumersenjoyamorepersonalizedandengaging shoppingexperience.
Making Data Digestible—and Actionable
Evenasbusinessesaccumulatemoredatathanever before,manystruggletotranslatethoseinsightsinto meaningfulstrategies.Kimberlydesignedher platformsspeci icallytoaddressthatchallenge.
“Brandsoftenfeeloverwhelmedbythevolumeof consumerdata,”shenotes.“Ourplatformssimplify
thatbyofferingclear,actionableinsights.”FashWire, GlossWire,andPawWireallowbrandstonotonly trackconsumerpreferencesinrealtimebutalso segmenttheiraudiencesandadjustaccordingly.
Whetherit'schangingamarketingstrategy,re ining aproductline,orplanninganinventoryshift, Kimberly'splatformsempowerbrandstobe proactive.“Younolongerhavetoguesswhatthe consumerwants—youknow,”sheadds.Andina worldwheretimingandrelevanceareeverything, thatclaritycanbeagame-changer.
Post-Pandemic Consumer Shifts: Digital, Mindful, and Personal
SincelaunchingFashWire,Kimberlyhasobserved signi icantchangesinhowconsumersapproach shopping—especiallyinthewakeofthepandemic. Themostnotableshift,shesays,istheacceleration of digital- irst behavior.
“Consumersnowexpectconvenienceand lexibility,” sheexplains.Mobileshoppinghasbecomethenorm, andbrandswithoutastrongdigitalpresencerisk irrelevance.Butit'snotjustaboutbeingonline—it's aboutbeingmeaningfulonline.
Anothershifthasbeentoward mindful consumption.Shoppersareaskingmore questions—aboutsourcing,sustainability,andethics. They'reseekingbrandsthatalignwiththeirvalues. “Peoplearemoreconsciousofwhatthey'rebuying andwhothey'rebuyingfrom,”Kimberlyobserves.
And inally,personalizationisnolongera luxury—it'sabaselineexpectation.Consumerswant productsandexperiencestailoredtotheirtastes, andplatformslikeFashWiredeliverexactlythat. “Brandsthatpersonalizeandadaptinreal-timeare theonesseeingthemostengagementandloyalty,” shesays.
The Anatomy of a Standout Brand
Inanincreasinglysaturatedmarket,Kimberly believesa strong brand identity isessentialfor standingout.It'snotjustabouthavingagood product—it'sabouthavingastory,asoul,anda strategy.
A LEGACY OF LEADERSHIP Asawomanfounderintech—a spacestillchallengedbygender disparity—Kimberlyunderstands theimportanceofrepresentation. Herjourney,builtonself-funding, resilience,andrelentlessiteration, servesasaninspiringblueprintfor otherwomeninbusiness.
Herleadershipstyleis collaborativeyetdecisive,visionary yetgrounded.Sheempowersher team,valuesfeedback,and embraceschange.“Leadershipis aboutlistening,adapting,and liftingothersasyouclimb,”she says.
Kimberly'simpactisn'tjust measuredbytheplatformsshe's builtorthebrandsshe'shelped grow—it'sinthespaceshe's createdforinnovation,authenticity, andpurpose-driven entrepreneurshiptothrive.
“Consumersarelookingforauthenticityand transparency,”shesays.Today'sshoppersaredrawnto brandsthatsharetheirvaluesandactwith integrity—whetherthat'sinsustainability,diversity,or socialimpact.
Sheoutlines ivekeypillarsthatmakeabrandtruly standout:
1. Authenticity and Transparency:Aclear commitmenttoethicalpracticesbuildstrust.
2. Consistency Across Channels:Fromsocialmedia topackaging,coherenceintoneandvisualsreinforces credibility.
3. Personalized Customer Experience:“Themorea brandunderstandsitsaudience,themoreloyaltyit earns.”
4. Innovation and Agility:Brandsthatevolvewith trendsandtechmaintaintheirrelevance.
5. Emotional Connection:Storytelling,sharedvalues,
andcommunity-buildingarepowerfultoolsforbrand loyalty.
InKimberly'seyes,brandsthatembodythese principlesarewell-positionednotjustto compete—buttolead.
Tech as the Growth Engine for Entrepreneurs
Foremergingfashionandbeautyentrepreneurs, Kimberly'smessageisclear: embrace technology early and strategically.Inanincreasinglydigital economy,technologyisnotjustanoperational tool—it'sagrowthengine.
Hertopadviceincludesinvestinginscalablesystems, leveragingdatatopersonalizecustomerexperiences, andstayingagilebyexperimentingwithemergingtech likeAR,AI,andvirtualtry-ons.“Digitalmarketingand socialmediaarealsocritical,”sheadds.“That'swhere youraudiencelives—soyourpresenceneedstobe strongandconsistent.”
Perhapsmostimportantly,Kimberlyurgesfoundersto
EXPANDING THE VISION Enter PawWire In2023,Kimberlylaunched PawWire, extendinghermulti-platform ecosystemintotheboomingpetcare market.Thenewplatformappliesthe sameprinciplesofdata-driveninsights andbranddiscovery—thistime tailoredtopetwellness,fashion,and lifestyle.
thinkbeyondshort-termwins.“Buildatech infrastructurethatgrowswithyou,”sheadvises. “That'showyougofromstartuptosustainable success.”
Sustainability: From Trend to Expectation
Assustainabilitymovesfrombuzzwordtobaseline, Kimberlyseesitbecominganon-negotiableinthe fashionandbeautyindustries.“Consumersaremore environmentallyconscious,andthey'reholdingbrands accountable,”shesays.
Herplatformsareevolvingtosupportthisshift, offeringfeaturesthatallowbrandstohighlightecofriendlymaterials,ethicalsourcing,andsustainable packaging.Toolsthatletconsumersexploreabrand's sustainabilitypracticesorcerti icationswillbecome increasinglyimportant.
Beyondtransparency,Kimberlyforeseesinnovationin logistics—carbon-neutralshipping,circularfashion models,andbiodegradablepackaging.“Sustainability won'tbeaniche,”sheemphasizes.“It'llbean expectation.Thebrandsthatadoptitearlywillshape theindustry'sfuture.”
It'sanaturalextensionofKimberly's vision:creatingdigitalspaceswhere brandsandconsumersmeetin meaningful,personalizedways. Whetherit'sfashion,beauty,ornow petcare,herplatformsre lecta commitmenttocommunity, innovation,andconnectivity.
Looking Ahead Astechnologycontinuestoreshapecommerce, Kimberlyremainscommittedtostayingatthe forefront—evolvingherplatforms,expandingher reach,andempoweringmorebrandsandconsumers toconnectinrealtime.
Herfocusforthefutureincludescontinuedinnovation insustainabilitytech,expandingglobalpartnerships, anddeepeningpersonalizationtoolsacrossher platforms.Butattheheartofitall,hermission remainsthesame: to give brands the tools to grow smarter and give consumers the experience they deserve.
“Intheend,”Kimberlyre lects,“it'saboutcreatinga spacewheretechnologyandhumanconnectionwork togethertoelevatetheexperienceforeveryone.”
As Exeleon Magazine honorswomenbuildingthe future,KimberlyCarney'slegacyisclear—she'snot justfollowingtrends.She'ssettingthem.
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The CrownKing’s An Interview with Award-Winning Cosmetic Chemist –Ginger King Asanaward-winningcosmetic chemistandthefounderofGrace KingdomBeauty,aNewJerseybasedcosmeticproductdevelopment irm, GingerKinghasdedicatedhercareerto creatingbeautybrandsfromconceptto launch,includingformulation.
Withmultiplepatentsandawardstoher name,King'sexpertiseandcontributions tothebeautyindustryhavebeen recognizedbysomeofthemost prestigiousorganizationsandpublications.
ShehasservedasAlluremagazine's BeautyJudgeforBreakthroughProducts since2017,receivedYahoo'sDiversityIn BeautyAwardin2018,andjudgedthe BeautyPackagingAwardin2019.Her
insightsarevaluedinNewBeauty Magazine'sBrainTrustsince2020,andshe hasbeenanIconicFragranceJudgeforElle MagazineandanIconicSkinProductJudge forShapeMagazinein2023.Additionally, sheisaNEXTBeautyAwardJudgefor BeautyMatterin2023.
What prompted your interest and subsequently your foray into the beauty space?
Iwasbornintobeauty,asmymomwasthe irstwomantobringaShiseidoboutique fromJapantoTaiwan.Ineverrealized thoseearlyin luencesuntillater.
IcametoAmericawhenIwas16yearsold andstartedwearingmakeup.Originally,I
wantedtobeamakeupartist,but beingAsian,Iwasexpectedtohave aPhDoratleastamaster'sdegree. So,Idecidedtomajorinchemistry andeventuallybecameacosmetic chemist.
You emphasize a 360 approach to beauty business. Could you elaborate on what this approach entails and how it sets you apart in the industry?
Mostcareersinbeautyinvolve workinginsilos.Ifyouarea chemist,youmaynotbefamiliar withmarketing,andviceversa. Sincemyearlyinterestinbeauty,I haveworkedineverysingleaspect oftheindustry,startingfrombeing abeautyconsultantatacosmetic counterwhereIlearnedwhat consumerswant,toR&Din formulationandmarketingonhow topromotetheproducts.Ieven workedasacosmeticrawmaterial salesperson,soIunderstand whereinnovationcomesfrom.
Youcandreambig,butifyoudo nothavetherawmaterialsto supportit,itwillnothappen.Ialso workedinmanufacturing,soIam oneoftheveryfewwhohave360degreeexperienceinbeauty.That iswhatIbringtomyclients,where Icreatetheirbeautybrandfrom concepttolaunch,includinga formulationtheycanown.
Tell us about your latest venture, FanLoveBeauty, a clean vegan beauty brand. How did the inspiration from mentor Daymond John of Shark Tank shape this venture, and what
goals do you aim to achieve with it?
IwaswithDaymondJohnatan event.Hetookoutalipbalmand useditinfrontofme.Ithought,if it'ssomethingthatclosetohim,in hispocket,onhislips,itmustbe mine.
Hehadsomehealthissues previously,andwhathewasusing, Iactuallyfrownedupon.So,I createdaveganlipbalmwithhim inmind.
He'sabusinessmogulwhoinspires people,soIdedicatemylineto entrepreneurswhowanttobeas greatashim.Ifyouusemylip balm,youcan speak like a shark.
As a mentor and inspiration to others, what advice would you give to aspiring cosmetic chemists, entrepreneurs, and individuals looking to make their mark in the beauty industry?
Ifyoureallywanttobeinbeauty, takewhateverjobyoucanget, becauseeventually,youwillrealize howeverythingisconnected.Only whenyoutrulyembraceevery aspectofthebeautyindustrycan youbemoreef icientandcreative increatingthenextbestthing.
What emerging technologies or trends in skin treatment, color cosmetics, fragrance, hair, and personal care excite you the most, and how do you stay ahead in incorporating them into your work?
Therearemoreandmoretalks aboutlinkingwellnessandbeauty tobeholistic,andtherearealso scienti icadvancesinnewpeptides thattargetspeci icconcerns.Igo toalotoftradeshowsandamalso aspeakeratseveralbeauty conferences,asIbelievetheday youstoplearningisthedayyoufall behind.
What are your future goals for Grace Kingdom Beauty and FanLoveBeauty, and how do you envision your impact on the beauty industry evolving in the coming years?
ForGraceKingdomBeauty,Ireally enjoyworkingwithindiebeauty brandsthathaveapurposeful mission,andseeingtheirsuccessis mysuccess.
ForFanLoveBeauty,itstartedasa petproject,butIwanttohavea strongerimpactonaspirational beauty,asbeautyshouldnotbe justonthesurface.FanLoveBeauty isobsessedwithinspirationsfrom ourdailylivesandcreating meaningfulproductsthatbene it mankind.
AMarsha Stone Leading the Way in Addiction Recovery stheCEOoftheFoundationStoneFamily ofPrograms,MarshaStonesharesher personaljourneythroughaddictionand recovery,sheddinglightonthechallengesshe facedasasinglemotherofthreewhile navigatinglawschool.
Asaleaderinthismale-dominatedsector, Marshaalsodiscussestheuniquechallenges andopportunitiesshehasencounteredinher leadershiprole.Throughhercandid re lectionsandadvice,Marshaoffershopeand guidancetoindividualscurrentlyfacing addictionandmentalhealthchallenges,while outliningherfutureaspirationsforthe FoundationStoneFamilyofPrograms.
Can you share a bit about your personal journey with addiction and recovery, especially during your time in law school and the challenges you faced as a single mother of three?
Re lectingonmylawschooldaysasasingle momwiththreekids,IfeltlikeIwas
constantlyintheeyeofastorm.Aglassof winehereandthereseemedharmlessatthe time.Everyonearoundmewasdoingit,andI wastryingtokeepupwithmystudieswhile raisingmykids.Ididn'treallyknowmuch aboutalcoholism,thegeneticsofit,orhow stressandtraumacouldmakethingsworse.I kepttellingmyself,"It'snotabigdeal.I'llgetit undercontrolonceI'mdonewithschool."
BeforeIknewit,Iwascaughtinthiscycle whereanyexcusewasgoodenoughfora drink,whetherIwashavingabaddayor celebratingsomething.Ididn'tseethetrapI waswalkingintountilIwasalreadyintoo deep,drinkingdailyandwatchingitmessup myworkandmyrelationshipswithpeople.
Myrealwake-upcallcameafteraseriesof triesandfailures.Startingin2002,itwaslikeI wasonthismerry-go-roundoftreatment, detox,andthenfallingrightbackintoit.Itwas rough,dealingwiththeshameandseeinghow mystruggleswerewearingoneveryone aroundme.
Butsomethingclickedin2008.I wasjustfedupwiththewholecycle andrealizedifIdidn'tmakesome seriouschanges,itwasonlygoing togetworse.That'swhenIdecided togivethetreatmentanothershot, andthistime,itstuck.Ihaven't touchedadrinksincecomingoutof thatlasttreatment,andwhileI'm superproudofhowfarI'vecome,it wasjustthestartofawholenew journeyformeinunderstanding andworkingwithinthetreatment industry.
Talk to us about Foundation Stone Family of Programs. How did your experiences in the treatment industry shape the vision for this organization?
FoundationStonebeganafterIhad a10+yearcareerofdeveloping programsforsubstanceuse disorder.Overtime,myteamandI begantorecognizethatmental health,trauma,personality disorders,etc.,werebecoming moreandmoreprevalentincases wheresomeonewasalsosuffering withsubstanceusedisorder.The termforthisisco-occurring disorders,andovertimewebegan tobemoreawareofthe complexities,theclinical complexitiesofcases.
Andwhenwemadethedecisionto startanewprogram,wedecided thatfromtheverybeginningwe weregoingtocollaboratemoreand notlookatdifferentdiagnosesor differentbehavioralissuesinasilo. Ithinkit'simportantthatasour understandingofsubstanceuse disorderandmentalhealth continuestodevelopovertime,that webecomeaccustomedtoevolving andupdatingourprogramsandour policies.
Being one of the few female CEOs in the recovery industry, what insights can you share about your experiences and challenges in this leadership role?
Navigatingthemale-dominated behavioralhealthindustryasa femaleCEOhasitschallenges,but it'salsoopenedalotofdoorsthat wereonceclosedtome.It'sso importantforwomentorecognize theirpotentialtolead,especiallyas personalexperiencesmayuniquely positionthemtoexcelincertain areas.
Myapproachhasbeentostaytrue tomyvaluesandinsightsinto businessdynamicsand relationships.Thejourneyto leadershipasawomancanbelong andattimesisolating,but inding andnurturingasupportiveteamis key.Buildingloyaltywithinthese relationshipsisessential,asitcan betoughbeingoneofthefew womenintheroom.
Re lecting on your entire journey, what advice would you give to individuals currently facing challenges with addiction and mental health?
Oneofthemainprinciplesinvolved intherecoveryprocessishonesty. Honestycanbeespeciallydif icult whenyou'redealingwithintimate partsofyourlifeandpeopleclose toyou,becausepriortorecovery, mostpeoplespendalotoftime makingexcuses,de lecting,or tryingtohidetheirstrugglesfrom peoplethatareupcloseand personalwithyoueveryday.So,to reallybegintolivealifethatis basedinauthenticityandhonesty andtransparency,beingabletobe honestaboutyourowndesireto
participateinrecovery,is somethingthatIwouldrecommend earlyon.
Youalsoneedtorememberthat yourrecoveryandyoursenseofself issafeandsupported,whetheritis completelyapplaudedbyeveryone. Ithinkthatthemostimportant thingthatIwouldsuggest,basedon thepeoplewhoIhaveseentobe themostsuccessfulovertime,isto indasupportsystemandprocess thatworksforyou.Thereareas manywaystorecoverandasmany waystodorelationshipsasthere arecolorsintherainbow.Some peoplethatareinlong-term
recoverynevergoto12steps. Instead,theygotoyoga ivedaysa week,ortheygotochurch,orrun marathons.I'mnotapersonthat wouldeverfaultsomeonefor indingadifferentpaththathelped themtogetintorecoveryandto reallyhaveabetterrelationship withthemselvesandtheirfamilies.
Having created the Foundation Stone Family of Programs, what are your future aspirations in terms of helping individuals struggling with mental health and addiction?
WhenweopenedourFoundation StoneFamilyofPrograms,we alwaysknewthatwewantedtobe inthebusinessofhelpingpeople.At bothAmendWellnessandThe Pearl,wecontinuetoexpandour servicesandevolveourofferingsto includeholisticpracticesand wellnessprograms.
Sinceopeninglastyear,our FoundationStonefamilyhas expanded,andthebondswe've formedwithourclients,partners, andthebroadercommunityhave becomethecornerstoneofour mission.Weareeagertoexpand ournetworkofprogramstobecome
notjusttreatmentcenters,buta communitydedicatedto transformationandrecovery.
Katrina Sriranpong Human Rights Advocate and Change-Maker Despitewhichwalkoflifeyoucome from,everyonehasthepowerto makeadifference–thisisthe philosophyKatrinaSriranponghasfollowed fromhercareerasalegalentrepreneurto herfull-timepursuitofphilanthropyand activism.
KatrinaSriranpongisasocialadvocatewho hasmadeherlifelongmissiontomakea positivechangeintheworld.Formerlythe onlyThai-speakinglawyerinherhomeof Vancouver,BritishColumbia,shespenta signi icantportionofhercareerassisting immigrantsandrefugeesnavigatecomplex Canadianlawandpolicy.Asalawyer,shehas representedhumanrightsactivistsfrom SyriaandUkraineinclaimingrefugee protectioninCanadaaswellasotherrefugee claimantsfromIndia,Pakistan,Turkey, Mexico,ElSalvador,Honduras,Somalia, BotswanaandAlbania.Shealsoprovidedfree legaladvicetolow-incomemigrantworkers atriskoflabourexploitationandvictimsof humantraf icking.Sriranponghasadeep interestinassistingvulnerablepopulations aswellasadvocatingfortherightsof childrenincon lict-affectedregionsand
supportsprogramsaimedatrehabilitation, educationanddevelopmentalaidfor children.
Today,inconsiderationoftheon-going con lictbetweenIsraelandGaza,wewill discussthetopicofhumanrightsandexplore activismsinthecurrentgeneration.
What are your thoughts regarding the current con lict between Israel and Gaza?
KatrinaSriranpong:Iamextremelysaddened bytheOctober7,2023,attackoninnocent Israelicivilians,includingchildren.Iamalso equallysaddenedfortheretributive bombingsoveroneofthemostdensely populatedcitiesintheworld,Gaza,withover 2millioninnocentPalestiniancivilians,half ofwhomarechildren.
It'scrucialtogivecontexttohaveacomplete understandingofthesituation.Israelhas beencommittingveryserioushumanrights violationsagainstPalestiniansfordecades, whichhasbeendocumentedbyinternational rightsgroupssuchasAmnestyInternational andHumanRightsWatch.Forthelast75
years,Palestinianshavelivedunder oppressionandbrutality.75years ago,morethan750,000 Palestiniansbecamerefugees, almostovernight.Thismass displacementofpeoplefromtheir ancestrallandinordertocreate IsraelisknownastheNakba (meaningcatastropheinArabic). Approximately15,000Palestinians, includingwomenandchildren, werekilledbytheZionistmilitary forcesinthemassacres.
AftertheSix-DayWarin1967, IsraelillegallyoccupiedEast JerusalemandtheWestBank.Since then,Palestinianshavebeen targetedbyIsraeliauthoritieswho usediscriminatorylawstosteal Palestinianlandbyforcedevictions anddemolishtheirhomessothe landcanbegiventoJewishIsraelis. Theyhavetoliveinconstantfearof losingtheirhome.Theirlifeis illed withhumanrightsabusesanddaily discrimination.
Morerecently,Gazawasreferredto astheworld'slargest“open-air prison.”Since2007,Israelhas deprivedmorethantwomillion residentsofGazaanopportunityto abetterlife.Israel'sclosurepolicy blocksmostGazaresidentsfrom travellingtotheWestBank, preventstravellingabroadvia Israel,restrictstheirrightstowork andaneducationandprevents residentsfrompursuing opportunitieswithinPalestine. IsraelcontinuestocontrolGaza's territorialwaters,airspace,andthe movementofpeopleandgoods, exceptwhereGazaborderswith Egypt.
WhenPalestinianstriedtoorganize apeacefulprotest(the“Great MarchofReturn”from2018to 2019),over200unarmed
protestorswerekilledwithsnipers (including40children)andover 8000wereinjuredbybulletsand over150hadtohavetheirlimbs amputated.
Palestiniansarearrested,detained, andtorturedwithoutchargeforan inde initeperiodoftime,whichis allowedunderIsraelimilitarylaw. Theminimumageofcriminal responsibilityisonly12yearsold. AccordingtoHumanRightsWatch, detentioncanberenewed inde initelybasedonsecret information,whichthedetaineeis notevenallowedtosee.Many childrenaredetained,tortured,and keptfromseeingtheirfamilies simplyforthrowingrocksatIsraeli soldiers.Israelistheonlycountry intheworldthatsystematically prosecuteschildreninmilitary courts,whichlackfundamentalfair trialrightsandprotection.
Ofcourse,Iwanttoemphasizethat theactionsbytheHamason October7,2023,werehorri icand inexcusable.However, demonstratingsupportforthe innocentciviliansofGazaand supportforPalestinianliberation shouldnotbeseenassupporting Hamasorantisemitic.Itisnot simplyaboutreligion,butthe violationofhumanrights.Harvard's formerexecutivedirectorof HarvardHillel,theUniversity's JewishCenter,Mr.BernieSteinberg, stated“forthesafetyofJewsand Palestinians,stopweaponizing antisemitism.”Asaleaderinthe Jewishcommunity,hearguesthere iscurrentlyacynicalweaponizing ofantisemitismbypowerfulforces whodesiretointimidateand silencelegitimatecriticismofIsrael andAmericanpolicyonIsrael.This takesplaceintheformofbullying pro-Palestineorganizersand
anyonethatdoesnotshow deference.Steinbergmakeshis positionclearbystatingthat“itis notantisemitictodemandjustice forallPalestinianslivingintheir ancestrallands.”Hegoesonto explainthatifIsrael'scaserequires categorizingitscriticsas antisemitic,thenithasalready admitteddefeat.Thisdoesnot implythatantisemitismdoesnot exist,itsimplymeansthatitcannot beusedtosilencedissentofIsraeli policies.Fabricatingfaircriticismof Israelipoliciesasantisemiticalso underminesthe ightagainst genuineantsemitismintheworld.
Unfortunately,Israelhascriticized AmnestyInternationalas“biased” andaspokespersonfortheIsraeli MinistryofForeignAffairshas statedpubliclythat“Amnesty Internationalisanantisemitic organization”simplybecausethey claimedwarcrimeshadbeen committedby“allparties.”Amnesty Internationalhasalsolabelled Israel'streatmentofPalestiniansas apartheidandacruelsystemof dominationandacrimeagainst humanity.TheUnitedNationshas evenbeenlabelledasantisemitic simplybecausetheydemanda cease iretopreventfurthercivilian casualties.
It'simportanttounderstandthat thelawsinIsraelaredesignedto discriminateanddispossess Palestiniansoftheirlandand repressanydissent.Thisisan apartheidascon irmedbyevery majorinternationalhumanrights organisationincludingtheUnited Nations.Itviolatesinternational lawandbreacheshumanrights. Palestinianswantatwo-state solution.Netanyahusaid,“Israelis notastateofallitscitizens[but rather]thenation-stateofthe
Jewishpeopleandonlythem.” Regardingthecurrentwaron Hamas,thequeenofJordanstated thatyoucankillthecombatants, butnotthecause.Theremustbean endtooppressionandapartheid. Wherethereisoppression,there willalwaysberesistance.
How are human rights being affected during the war?
KatrinaSriranpong:Duringan armedcon lict,therespectfor humanrightsbecomesevenmore essential.Childrenstillhavethe righttoattendschoolduringwar andpeoplestillhavetherightto healthcare,foodandcleanwater. Thestatesinvolvedstillhaveaduty torespectandprotecttherightsof allindividuals.Certainhuman rightsaresoimportantthatthey canneverbesuspendedor changed,evenduringanarmed con lict.Forexample,therightto life,prohibitionagainsttorture, prohibitionagainstslavery, requirementsofafairtrial,freedom ofthought,conscienceandreligion oryourbelief,prohibitionsagainst takinghostages,andmedicalcare aswellasaccesstofood,shelter, andsafewaterareessentialhuman rights.
Therefore,evenintimesofwar, statesareboundbyhumanrights duties.However,intimesofwar, otherlawswillbegintoapplyto regulateallparties:international humanitarianlaw.International humanitarianlawareasetofrules toprotectciviliansorpeoplewho arenolongertakingpartinthe ightingorhostilities.It'salso importanttoemphasizethat internationalhumanitarianlaware non-reciprocal,meaningthatthe violationoftheserulesbyoneparty doesnotjustifytheopposingside
breakingtheirownobligations underinternationalhumanitarian law.
Internationalhumanitarianlaw outlinesfortheprotectionof civilians,children,hospitals,and schools.Italsorequirespartiesto respecttheprincipleof proportionality,wheretheharm causedtociviliansbecauseofa militaryattackshouldnotbe excessiveinrelationtothedirect militaryadvantageexpected.In otherwords,disproportionate attacksisconsideredawarcrime. Further,internationalhumanitarian lawrequiresthepartiestoabideby theprincipleofdistinction,where theymustensuretargetsare militaryandnotcivilian.Attackson civilianssuchasdoctors, humanitarianaidworkers, journalistsandchildrenaswellas civilianobjectsareconsideredwar crimes.
Israelinstructed1.1millionpeople wholivedintheNorthofGazato evacuateduringintensebombings whilecuttingoffelectricity,food, water,fuelandhumanitarian assistance.Theyviolated internationalhumanitarianlaw. Theseevacuationordersagainst wholecitiesorregionsarenot consideredeffective.Israel disregardedtheobligationto distinguishbetweenmilitary objectivesandcivilianobjectsas wellastheprohibitionon indiscriminateattacks.These “evacuations”areaformof collectivepunishmentandviolates internationalhumanitarianlaw, whichmayamounttowarcrimes.
HumanRightsWatchhasalso documentedtheuseofwhite phosphorusbyIsraelinGaza,which isnotallowedtobeusedatorin
closeproximitytopopulated civilianregions.Whitephosphorus createsadensesmokescreenand causesexcruciatingburnsputting civiliansatriskofseriousandlongterminjuries.Theuseofwhite phosphorusbyIsraelinsucha denselypopulatedareamagni ies theriskofciviliancasualtiesand injuriesandviolatesinternational humanitarianlaw.
Also,evacuatingciviliansfroma regionwiththeintenttoclearing theareaandpreventingresidents toreturnhomeafterthecon lictis consideredawarcrimeandcrimes againsthumanity.Inotherwords,if thepeopleofGazachoosetoleave theirhomeduringthewar,they mustbeallowedtoreturn.
Understandably,manyciviliansin Gazaareworriedtheymaynotbe abletoreturnhomeastheywere forcefullydisplacedintheNakbaof 1947to1949.Ithinktheworld needstokeepacloseeyeonthis situationtoensureitdoesnot happenagain.
UNICEFof icial,Mr.JamesElder, reportedthehiddendangerof“safe zones”inGaza".Forsafezonestobe safe,theymust,bylaw,provide water,food,shelter,andmedical supplies.Also,UN'schildrelief agencystressedthatforsafezones toprovideprotection,peoplehave tobeabletosafetygettothem. Unfortunately,throughoutthewar onGaza,theIsraelimilitaryhas repeatedlyinstructedPalestinians toevacuatetothese“safezones,” andthenlaterbombthoseareasas wellastheevacuationroutes.Asa result,UNICEFbelievesthatonlya cease irecansavethechildrenas thereisnosafeplaceinGaza.
Recently,AmnestyInternational's investigationhasrevealedthat therewerenomilitaryobjectiveson somesitesthatwerebombed, whichraisesconcernsthatsome strikesweredirectattackson civiliansoroncivilianobjects. Further,AmnestyInternational arguesthatindiscriminateattacks ordirectattacksonciviliansor civilianobjectsmustbe investigatedaswarcrimes.In addition,starvationisbeingusedas aweaponofwaragainstGaza civilians.Hospitalshavealsobeen targeted,preventingthousands fromgettinglife-savingmedical care.TheWashingtonPostfound therewasnoevidencebehind Israel'sassertionthatHamasused Al-Shifahospitalasacommand center.ANewYorkTimes investigationcon irmedthatIsrael bombedsafezoneswhereittold civilianstoevacuate.Forensic Architecture,aresearchagency basedattheUniversityofLondon investigatinghumanrights violationsaroundtheworld, revealedthathospitalsinGazawere beingsystematicallytargetedby Israel.
OverathousandchildreninGaza havehadtheirlimbsamputated withoutanesthesiaduetothelack ofmedicalcare.Gazahasbeen turnedintoaslaughterhousein thismilitarymismatch.Todate (December2023),over20,000 Palestinianshavebeenkilled,with approximately8,800ofthembeing childrenand6,300ofthembeing women.However,thereismore than7,000missingandbelievedto beundertherubble.
Mr.CraigMokhiber,formerDirector oftheNYOf iceoftheUNHigh CommissionerforHumanRights wrotethatthesituationinGazaisa “text-bookcaseofgenocide.”He arguedthe“European,ethnonationalist,settlercolonialproject inPalestinehasenteredits inal phase”towardtheexpedited destructionofthelastindigenous PalestinianlifeinPalestine.He foundithorri icthattheUnited States,theUnitedKingdom,and muchofEuropewascomplicitto thisassault.Thesecountriesarenot onlyrefusingtomeettheir obligationsfortheGeneva Conventions,buttheyareactually providing inancialsupport, intelligence,andpoliticalcoverfor Israel'satrocitieswhileIsraelis committingwarcrimes.
Israelhaspubliclystatedtheir intenttokillinnocentcivilians, whichhasbeenwelldocumented. MeiravBen-Ari,anIsraelipolitician, said,“ThechildrenofGazahave broughtthisuponthemselves,”and DanielHagari,IsraelDefenceForces AdmiralandIDFspokesperson, said,“Theemphasisisondamage andnotaccuracy.”AstheformerUN HighCommissionerforHuman Rightsstated,usuallythemost dif icultpartaboutproving genocideisintentbecausetherehas
tobeanintenttodestroyinwhole, orinpart,aparticulargroup.But, inthiscase,theIsraeli government'sintenthasbeen publiclyandexplicitlystatedbythe primeminister,bythepresident,by seniorpoliticians,andbytheir militaryleaders.It'sonpublic recordandthereforeveryeasyto prove.
IbelievethatPalestineisadaily testfortheconscienceoftheworld. Genocideisnotself-defenceand genocidecanonlypersistthrough silence.Bysharinginformation,you sparkconversationandencourage peopletoawakentheirmoral conscience,compellingthemto speakupandadvocatefor humanity.
How do you think the voice of the younger generation is affecting our society in consideration of the current situation?
KatrinaSriranpong:Well,whenwe discussthevoiceoftheyounger generation,it'simportantto understandtheimpactofthedigital age,whichhassigni icantlyaffected thespreadofinformationandthe abilitytomobilizeacause.The digitalagehaschangedsocial activismforever.
Ide inemyselfasamillennialasI wasthe irstgenerationtogrowup withtheinternet.We'reconsidered the irstglobalgenerationand heavilyrelyontheinternet,mobile devicesandsocialmedia.Digital technologyhashadadramatic impactonpoliticalengagement. Ordinarypeoplecanbeacatalyst forsocialchangeandparticipatein thepoliticalprocesswellbeyond voting.Theycanmobilizeothersto getinvolvedbysharing information,raisefundsfora
speci icmovement,andorganize protests.However,thedigital environmentcomeswith consequencesthatwemustallbe awareofsuchas“fakenews,” misinformation,disinformation, andhatespeech,whichiscommon inthedigitalpublicsphere.For instance,Israelisocialmediaspace hasbeenabreedinggroundfor anti-Palestinianmovement referringtoPalestiniansas “animals”or“dogs”withoutthe historicalcontext.TheIDFis postingtheirownkillings,showing bodies,togainsupportfortheir lackofprogressinthewar.Whereas thesamevideosmaybeusedto documentwarcrimes.
ThewarinGazahasbeena signi icantpointforthemedia ecosystem.Socialmediaallowsus toseethebrutalityandgenocideof innocentciviliansinGaza,manyof themchildren,directlyfromthe source.FamiliesinGazaaresharing personalstoriesofpainand sufferingaswellasjournalistson thegroundcoveringtheatrocities, andbeingtargetedbyIsraelfor doingso,asreportedbyAmnesty InternationalinDecember2023.
Theyoungergenerationhas learnedtoquestionandbecritical ofsourcesofinformation.The complicityofsomanyWestern newsoutletsarebeingrealizedas theyhavebeenrepeatedlyexposed forfailingtoquestionIsraeli propagandabeforespreadingthe disinformation.Thereisan abundanceofdisinformation publishedtodefendthe indefensible.AlthoughIsraelisa democraticcountry,therehas alwaysbeenaseverelimittofree speechofpro-Palestinianviews. Israelhasalsoimposed communicationblackoutsinGaza,
whichpreventspeoplefrom sharinganddocumentinghuman rightsviolationssuchas disproportionateforcebythe military.Imposinginternet shutdownsandrestrictionsarea humanrightsissue.
Currently,over80percentof democraticvotersintheU.S.wanta cease ireandtheyounger generationfeelthatpoliticiansare notlisteningtotheirconcerns.The youngergenerationisalso cognizantofthefactthat weaponizingantisemitismhas becomepartofapoliticalgameto silencedissent.YoungerCanadians aremoreinclinedtoviewIsrael's offensiveinGazaasexcessiveand disproportional.Socialmedia in luencershaveprovidedour generationwithanewun iltered lensontheGazawar.Theybecome themediawiththepoweroftheir phonetoin luencemillions.They helptoshapethenarrativesand signi icantlychangedour understandingandperceptionon warsandcon licts.Socialmedia platformsprovideanew perspectiveofreal-time,un iltered contentthatisimmediate, uncensored,andoftenveryraw. TheseplatformssuchasInstagram, SnapchatandTikTokallowviewers worldwidetowitnesscon licts throughadifferentviewpointthat traditionalmediadoesnotcover. Thischangehasrevolutionized grassroots-levelnarrativeand activisms.
Forinstance,JewishVoicesfor Peacehashadastrongpresenceon socialmediaandhasincreasedthe amountoffollowersexponentially inthelastseveralyears.Theyare thelargestprogressiveJewishantiZionistorganizationintheworld. Theyfocusongrassroots
movementstosupportthe Palestinianstruggleforfreedom. ZionismsuggestthatJewsrequirea supremacistnationstatetosecure thesafetyofallJews.However, JewishVoicesforPeacearguethat Jewsbelongeverywhereinthe worldandshouldbesafe.They advocatethatrealsafetydoesnot growfromguns,checkpoints,walls oramilitarystate.Theybelieve truesafetyforJewsisbuiltby forgingrealsolidaritywithallthose ightingforamoreliberatedworld.
In1997,NelsonMandelasaid,“We knowtoowellthatourfreedomis incompletewithoutthefreedomof thePalestinians.”Hewasachange maker.However,Iwouldde inea changemakerasanyonewhois willingtoimplementandadvocate forchangeregardlessofthe consequencesitmayentail.These mayincludebloggers,scholaractivists,andsocialmedia in luencerswhoareabletoshape thenarrativeofIsrael'swaronGaza andexposethetruthofthe systemicoppression,domination, dispossessionover ivedecadesof occupation,the16-yearblockade onGaza,theapartheidregime, humanrightsabuses,andwar crimes.Thecrimescommittedby Palestinianarmedgroupson October7,2023cannotjustify Israel'scollectivepunishmentof indiscriminateordisproportionate bombingofinnocentciviliansin Gaza,halfofthembeingchildren. Thereisnojusti icationforwar crimes. www.katrinasriranpong.com
Art, Technology and Groceries By Nicole Buffett
Upon irstenteringtheWeb3spacein
early2021,I,likesomanyofus, embracedthegreatunknownwitha healthycombinationofbraveryand insecurity.Allofushadnoideawhatwould happennextpersonally,politically,or spiritually.
Atthistime,Irealizedthattheagitatingforce ofuncertaintyofferedanimmensegiftof changeandtransformation.Wewereall alreadyoutofourcollectiveandpersonal comfortzone.Wehadenteredanewterritory ofgenuinepossibility.
Beingatraditionalpainter,Irolledupmy sleevesandinsteadofmixingpaint,Iwent evenfartheroutofmycomfortzoneand createdatwitteraccount.Thetwitteraccount wasmyproclamationtomeettheworld halfway--leadingwiththeintentiontoconnect andresisttheforebodingisolationofthe pandemic.
Myworkasapainterupuntil2021hadbeen naturebasedandverymuchcenteredon organicphysicalmateriality.AsIbecame awareofNFT's,Iimmediatelyrealizedthe
functionandphenomenathattechnology couldplayandcreateingettingmyworkinto theworld.Iexperiencedthisnewdigital platformasameanstoanend-orreallythe meanstoabeginning.
The irstphaseofthiseraofembracing technologyasatraditionalpainterreliedupon mywillingnessto GROW beyondevenmy ownhighlydevelopedidentityasatraditional painter.IrealizedthatwhatIfoundthemost fascinatinginitiallyabouttheworldofNFT's andWeb3wasthisnewemboldened communityofpeopleinvestinginnew conceptsofhowwedomoney.
Asyoucanimagine,moneyisasubjectthatis broughtupofteninmyfamily,howevernotin thetypicalsense-butinthespiritualsense. Onethingweallrealizeisthatwherethereis money,thereisprivilegeandthereisagency. Thereisthefreedomtoinvest.Thereisthe capacitytochoose.Thereisthepowerto create.Theironyisthatagency,freedom, power,andcreativitydonotcomefrom money.Wecannotpurchaseorbuythese qualities.We assign valuethroughourmoney system.Moneyistheagreeduponexternal
objectofvalue.Moneyallowsustoactuponthevalue systemthatexists within us
AsIembarkeduponlearningandnavigatingmyway intothenew-ish systemofcryptocurrency,Iwas instantlyinspiredandstartedtomeditateontheorigins ofourmonetarysystemsandhowtheyfunctionto re lectouridentityashumanbeings.
Thisconsiderationledmetocreatetheconceptofmy genesisNFTcollection,TheSpiritCoin.Iwasinspiredto createaseriesofcircularhandpainteddesignsthat capturedaspectsofourselvesthatcomefromtheinner sourceofourownbeing.
TheSpiritCoincollectionrepresentstheequityof connectionversustransaction.Thesecondphaseinthis newdigitalerawastheinvitationto SHARE more. Becausemyworkwasnowbeingseenonacomputer screen,thestoryandthecontentchangedand developedsothatthemessagecouldbefullyreceivedby theviewers.
Eachdigitalscanofeachphysicalpaintingonpaper becameaspecialstorytotellandanenergytotransmit. Thedesiretostayconnectedtomyownartmaking practiceandtoalsoshareitwithothersmotivatedmeto reachwholeheartedlyintothisnewmediumand embracetheillusionofconstraintthescreenseemedto pose.Thedigitalspaceopenedandexpandedthe storyline,themeaningandthemulti-dimensional qualityofmywork.Istartedtoanimatemyworkand createsoundpiecestoaccompanytheimages.The additionallayersofmovementandsoundbroughtmy worktoanevengreaterlife.
WhilecompletingmyMFAatTheSanFranciscoArt Institute,aprofessorpresenteduswithaconceptIcarry withmeintomypracticeasaprofessionalcreativeto thisday.Heaskedustoconsidertheextentofgenerosity inourwork.Heaskedustoconsiderifwewere allowing ouraudienceinsideofourwork.Werewebeing generousandallowingouraudiencetoseeexactlywhat itisthatwearecreating?Orwerewetreatingour audiencelikeoutsiders?Hethenproposedasimple,yet paradoxicalquestion:Doesthispieceofarthavejoyful complexity?Whatisjoyfulcomplexity?Joyful complexityistheactofembracingourinherent in luenceandcontrolalongsideourtotalsurrenderasto
howsomethingturnsoutwithacommitmenttokeep goinguntilthereisjoyinthe inishedproduct.Joyful complexityisaboutthebalancebetweenwhatweknow andthebeautifulmysterythatdrivesustoknowmore.
Oneofthemostintensetimesofuncertaintywas midwayintothepandemic,noneofusknowinghow longitwouldgoonandwhattheoutcomewouldbeor howwewouldcollectivelysurvive.Irememberthe simpleactofgoingtothegrocerystoretookonanew levelofjoyformelikeneverbefore!Thiswasoneofthe mostexcitingpartsofthedayforquitesometime!So, wecometoour inalstage, EASE. TheWeb3space catapultedmyvisionnotbecauseofinitialnecessity, constraint,ortechnologicaladvancement-Ihavebeen catapultedintonewlevelsofcreative, inancialand personalful illmentbecauseofpeople.
SomethingIletgoofistheideathatIhavetodoitallby myself,orthat I have doneitallbymyself.IntheWest, thereisgreatemphasisonthecultureofhyper individualismandvalidationthroughsingularpower structures.InWeb3,anyoneandeveryonewhoisinthe spaceknowsthatwenotonlyneedeachotherbutwe thrivewhenweworktogether.It'saboutcelebrating communityandconnection.Thewillingnesstopartner andcollaboratewithothersinbusinessisoneofthe mostimportantevolutionaryactsthatwecanmakeas artists,companies,brandsandbusinesses.Learningto trustinthedynamicexchangeandopeningtothecocreativeforceisanactoffaithinourneedtobetogether, toworktogetherandtolivetogether.Beingtogetheris oneofourbasicneedsashumanbeings.Weneedeach otherlikeweneedgroceries.
Togethernessandgroceries,likeallbasicneedsare meanttobemet.AsIplacedmyfullyloadedgrocery bagsintomycarpackedtothebrimwithbeautifulfood onerecentevening,Iwasstunnedatthedepthofmy goodfortune.Itwasthenatthatmomentofdeep gratitudethatI heard and realized thewordgroceries.I hearditjustasIwriteithereinthesethreewords:grow, share,ease.Itissimple,powerfulandtrue:Whenwe grow,wecreatemoreto share andwhenweshare,we createan ease basedupontheabundanceofconnection.
The Importance of Mentorship for Female Leaders Wri en by Malika Begin
Intoday’sdynamicand complexprofessional landscape,mentorshipshinesasan inspiration,guidingindividuals towardsuccessandnurturingtheir growth.Italsogivesthema competitiveadvantageifpursued strategically.Amidsttheintricacies ofmodernworkplaces,mentorship isn'tjustadvantageous;it's essential,especiallyforfemale leadersbreakingbarriersand challengingsocietalnorms.
AstheFounderandCEOofBegin Development,I'vepersonally witnessedtheprofoundimpactof mentorshiponfemaleleaders' journeys.I'vebuiltmentorship programsatmultipleorganizations becauseIbelieveinandsee irsthandtheimpactonjuniorand mid-careeremployees.
Transitioningfromacontributorto establishingmyownwomen-led irm,I'mcommittedtocultivatinga
thrivingcareerinpeople developmentformyselfandothers. Mentorsandmentorship communitieshaveplayedan invaluableroleinthissuccess.
CREATING OPPORTUNITIES FOR GROWTH Oneoftheprimaryfunctionsof mentorshipistocreategrowth opportunitiesthroughguidance andwisdom.Femaleleadersface complexchallengesinthe workplace,rangingfromgender bias,work-lifebalance,mentalload, andlackofrepresentation.
Amentorcanserveasaguide, offeringsupportandperspective duringcrucialtimes.Atonepointin mycareer,Iwasaprimecandidate toleavetheworkforceduetomy age,gender,andnewlyadded children.Myinsightfulmaleboss allowedmetohavea lexible
scheduleandworkfromhomeasa workingmother.Whenheretired, thecompanynolongerallowedthis policy.Though,Ididn'twantto leave,Ichangedmytrajectoryto moveonbecauseitwasdif icultto imaginebeingthekindofmomI wantedtobewiththecommute, travel,andlonghours.
Thisledmetostartmyown company,BeginDevelopment.Ihad akeyfemalementoratthatpivotal momentthatencouragedand enforcedmetomakethatleapof faith.
Momentsliketheseillustratethe possibilitieswhenwomenhave greatmentorsbyoursideversus whenthecorporatestructures continuetopromotegender inequalitywithintheworkplace.
EvenasIstartedonmy entrepreneurialjourney,I
continuedtoutilizethepowerof mentorship.Iwasabletonavigate theobstaclesofentrepreneurship moreeffectivelyanddevelopthe con idencetopursuemyambitions asaFounder.
Witheffectivementorship,women cancontinuetothriveandgrow, progressingonthesameearning potentialpathasotherswhilealso providingaspacetochampion otherwomenintheworkplace.
BREAKING THROUGH BARRIERS AND STEREOTYPES
Inmale-dominatedindustries, breakingbarriersandstereotypes isanongoingbattleforfemale leadersorwomenworkingtheir wayuptheleadershipladder. Mentorshipprovidesaplatformto challengethenormsandcarveouta spaceforwomenatthetable.
Byconnectingwithmentorswith challengeslikemine,I'vebeen exposedtoawiderangeof expertise. showthat Studies mentorshipincreasescon idence levelsamongfemalementees, helpingthemnavigatechallenges
withresilienceandself-assurance.
Accordingtotwostudiesbythe HarvardBusinessReview, employeeswithmentorsaremore likelytoreceivepromotionsand salaryincreasescomparedtothose withoutmentors.
Around71%ofexecutiveschoose tomentoremployeesofthesame genderorrace.Therefore, mentorship,self-awareness, con idence,andpositiveself-talk fosteracultureofinclusivityand diversity,furtherhelpingpavethe wayforgreaterrepresentationof womeninleadershiproles.
PAYING IT FORWARD: MENTORSHIP AS A CATALYST FOR CHANGE Asfemaleleadersprogressintheir careers,wemustpayitforwardand mentorthenextgenerationof aspiringleaders.AstudybyCatalyst foundthatfemaleemployeeswith femalerolemodelswerelikelierto aspiretoleadershippositionsand stayinthem.Mentorshipcreatesa rippleeffect,catalyzingpositive changewithinorganizationsand
About the Author MalikaBeginisapeopleandorganization developmentleaderandthefounderofBegin Development—abusinessconsulting irmthat workswithcompaniestobuildstrong,healthy cultures.Builtoveradecadeofexperienceinthe peopledevelopmentspace,Malika'ssignature styleanddedicationtoteamhealtharepowered byherbeliefthatleaderswhoinvestintheir employees,excelincon lictandcommunication
communities.Byservingas mentors,weaswomencan empowerotherstoreachtheirfull potential.
CONCLUSION United,women,andmencan dismantleoutdatednormsand relentlesslypursuetheobliteration ofglassceilingshinderingwomen intheworkplace.Withmore advocatingforbettersystemsand lexiblewaysofworking,wecreate moreopportunitiesfortalent, especiallywomen.
Mentorshipemergesasa formidableinstrumenttochartour courseforward.Ittranscendsmere ascenttoleadership;itembodies theethosofupliftingothersonour journey.Thetimehascometo embracementorshipasan indispensablecornerstonefor cultivatingthefuturegenerationof womenleaders,pavingthewayfor amoreradiant,inclusivetomorrow foreveryone.
skills,andfostercollaborativeteamsarethe biggestassettoasuccessfulorganization.
Malika'sworkspansthatofstartupsandbrands intech,media,marketing,andentertainment, andherclientsetincludesabreadthof companiesfromMagnite,BOND,andCreatorIQ toSKIMsandGoodAmerican,andevenDelta AirlinesandYPO.
What You Don’t Know About Women Entrepreneurs in Developing Countries Wri en By Donna Rosa
Women'sHistoryMonthushers womenacrosstheglobeinto thelimelightandadvocatesfor women'sequality.Yet,we're overlookingmillionsofwomenasif theywereinvisible: female entrepreneurs in developing countries.Theyareunseenand unheardoutsidetheinternational aidcommunity,buttheyareaquiet, hardworking,andproductiveforce.
I'vecometoknowtheirstoriesand sorrows,strugglesandsuccesses. I'mabusinesscoachfor entrepreneursinemerging economies,andbeforeIdiscovered thiscalling,Ineverknewitwasa thing.I'dspentthebulkofmy careerinthecorporateworld, wantingtogivebacktosocietybut notknowinghow.OvertimeI realizedthatI'daccumulateda measureofbusinessexperience,
andIcouldeitherdiewithitinmy headorshareitwiththosewho wouldmostbene itfromit.
Eventually,Ifoundmywayinto internationaldevelopment, supportingmicroenterprisesin low-incomecountries.Isawakey successfactorbeingoverlooked: whilesmallbusinessownerswere providedtechnicalsupportand sometimes inancing,theywerenot beingtaughtday-to-daybusiness managementorplanning.SoI steppedinto illthegap.
Ilovethisworkbecauseittakesso littletomakeamassivedifference inpeople'sbusinesses--andlives. AndIloveentrepreneursbecause theyarelikesponges,eagerto absorbeverythingtheypossibly can,andgratefulforthehelp.They areexceedinglystrongandresilient,
andtheydon'trealizeit.Theyare myheroes.
THE ENTREPRENEURIAL LANDSCAPE Whenyouthinkof entrepreneurshipinpoorcountries youmightenvisionawomanselling craftsorvegetablesinalocal market.Ofcoursethere'sthat—a lotofit.However,entrepreneursfall alongacontinuum,fromlowincomesolopreneurstosmall establishedbusinessestohigh-tech innovatorsseekingglobalventure capital.Allarefoundinthe developingworld,buthereIfocus onthoseIworkwith, microenterpriseswith1-10 employees.
WhileweintheWesttendtoglorify entrepreneurship(especially
startups)it'sjusttheoppositein manypoorcountries.Steadywagepayingfull-timejobsarerareand prestigious.Sincetherearefewjobs availableevenfortheeducated,the onlywaytomakealivingisto igureouthowtosellsomething. Suchbusinessownersarecalled “entrepreneursofnecessity.”
Iworkwithbothmaleandfemale entrepreneurs,andmanyofthe problemstheyfacetraversegender. Ifyouthinkentrepreneurshipis hard,trydoingitinadeveloping country.Theydealwith innumerableannoyingobstacles thatshouldn'tbeissues,likelackof (orintermittent)electricityorclean runningwater.Iftheyarefortunate enoughtohaveaccess,it's expensive.Everydaytheycopewith poorinfrastructure,extremely limitedresources,littleornoaccess tocapital,unpavedroads,expensive distribution,oldequipmentthat constantlyneedsrepair,and unreliablesuppliersandlabor.It's lonelyatthebottom.
Underlyingallthisisthemost insidiousproblemofall:asthey mostsimplydon'tknowhowto manageabusiness,howeversmall. Howcouldthey?TherearenoSmall BusinessAdministrationsthatgive freeassistanceandadvice. Unstable,under-resourced governmentsburdenbusinesses withregulationsandredtapeand thwartbusiness-enabling environments.Aidagencies,NGOs, andsocialbusinessesdoprovide inancial/resourceaidandtechnical training,butthere'sjustnotenough togoaround.
WOMEN’S WORK Sometimeagotheinternational
donorcommunity iguredoutthat whentheyenablewomen,they enableentirecommunities.Turns outthatthere'samultipliereffect forresourcesspentsupporting them.Whenwomenacquireskills anddevelopincomes,theyusea greaterportionofthatmoneyfor theirfamiliesandcommunities thanmendo.Thatmeansbetter educationandhealthforchildren, aswellaspovertyreduction.With thatkindofROI,aidhasfocusedon supportingwomeninmanyways, includingbusiness.
Withtheresultingattentionon women,I'vehadtheopportunityto workwithbothindividualfemale businessownersandwomen's groups.Ienjoyboth.Imarvelat howwomenseemtocometogether naturallytosupporteachother, especiallyindif icultcircumstances.
IvividlyrememberagroupI workedwithinruralKenya,where thewomentookituponthemselves toimprovetheircommunityaftera boywasfounddeadinanopen sewerpit.Theybeganreporting opensewerstothehealth department,andwiththatsuccess, initiatedallsortsofactivities. Projectsincludedsanitation improvement,protectingthelocal river,advocatingforchildren's' rights,promotinglocaldroughtresistantcrops,assistancefor youngparentsonfamily,maternal andchildissues,gender sensitization,trainingsinadjacent communities,andhelpingwomen generatesustainableincomes.
Iwasequallyimpressedbytheir businesssmarts:theyacquired somegrantfunds,andinsteadof simplydividingthemoneyamong thememberstheychosetocreatea
smallenterprisetogenerate ongoingincomeforall.
FEMININE BUSINESS BURDENS Therehasbeensigni icantprogress forworkingwomenandwomen's rightsoverthepast50years.World Bankdataindicatesthatinmost countries,womencannowsign contracts,openbankaccounts,and registerbusinesses,althoughaccess tocreditisstillaproblem.
Still,womenfaceobstaclesthat mendonot.Someareculturaland othersaresimplydiscriminatory, buteitherway,womenare systematicallyexcludedfrom economicopportunities,andit preventsthemfromdeveloping theirbusinesses.
Theunevenplaying ieldstartsin theplayground:girlshaveless accesstoeducationthanboys. Whentheymarrytheirneedscan besubordinated.Ifawomandoes managetocreateasmallbusiness, sheaddsthatontopofher responsibilitiesforchild-rearing andrunningthehome.
Itcanbedif icultfor businesswomentoaccessmuchneededcreditinthedeveloping world,whichisinterestingsince womenarefarlesslikelythanmen todefaultonloans.Areportbythe WomenEntrepreneursFinance Initiative(We-Fi)statesthat “Seventypercentofformalwomen ownedSMEsindeveloping countriesareeithershutoutof inancialinstitutionsorcan'tgetthe capitaltheyneed.”Thatmakes women'sbusinessessmaller,less pro itable,andslowergrowingthan theirmalecounterparts. Understandably,theytendtobe
moreconcernedwithbusiness survivalratherthangrowth.
Legallywomenareroutinely discriminatedagainstinfamily,land rights,andlaborlaws.These regulationscanbeworsefor womenentrepreneursthanthe businesslaws:theydetermine whetherwomencanmake independenteconomicdecisions, entercontracts,orown,manage,or inheritassetsandproperty.Loans, forexample,usuallyrequire collateral.Becausemencanown landandotherassetsandwomen oftencan't,theyareimmediately excludedfromopportunitiesto borrow.
Otherfactorsplayarole,too. Womenfrequentlylackthe businessnetworks,contacts,and accesstomarketstobuild successfulbusinesses.Theyopen
businesseswithoutmanagement skills,education,training,or experience.
BUSINESSWOMEN RISING Despitetheuphillbattle,Ihavehigh hopesforwomenentrepreneursin developingnations.Theyareboth determinedandundeterred.Ifwe armthemwithskills, encouragement,andfundingthey havea ightingchance.They deservenotjustsupport,but admiration.
It'simportanttonotethat developing-countryentrepreneurs needtherightformofassistancefor theirbusinessestothrive.I ind theydobestwhentheylearnkey conceptsinthecontextoftheirown businessesratherthanlargescale, one-offgeneralizedtraining;it's dif icultforthemtogohomeand
applywhattheylearnaftera workshop.That'swhyIpreferoneoneorsmallgroupcoaching,which enablesmetolearntheinsandouts ofeachbusinessandprovidethe handholdingandencouragement theyneedtodevelopselfcon idenceandachievepro itability.
Ifyouarepartofabusinesswitha socialmission,CSRprogramorESG mandateconsiderlendingsome braintrust, inancing,or mentorshiptodeveloping-country womenentrepreneurs.Yourknowhowcanmakeabigdifferencewith evenasmallinvestment.
FormoreinformationonDonna andherworkvisit www.efourenterprises.comand www.donnamrosa.com
