Beyond Limits – Celebrating Women’s Journeys of Strength

On a bright and inspiring day in celebration of International Women’s Month—and in honor of International Women’s Day— at The Village, A Chance In Life hosted a forum, Beyond Limits: Women’s Journeys of Strength. This event was conducted entirely by women, it was offered in English and Spanish, and gathered over 50 attendees for an afternoon of connection, learning, and transformation.

The event kicked off with an opening speech that resonated deeply with everyone in the room. Introduced by Clara Chahwan, Senior Vice President of A Chance In Life, the session set the tone by sharing the story of Rehimush, and how through education, she was empowered to secure a brighter future. Clara also emphasized the importance of celebrating women’s achievements and the urgent call to action needed to accelerate progress toward gender equality. Clara highlighted A Chance In Life’s commitment to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 5: Gender Equality and how internationally, through local organizations, A Chance In Life supports girls’ access to quality education— empowering girls and laying the foundation for a brighter future.

The heart of the event was captured in the words of the moderator, Michelle Bascome, Director of Programs and Development of Nonprofit Staten Island. Michelle, with over 15 years of dedicated service to the Staten Island community, shared insights from her own journey—from teaching in classrooms to leading disaster response during Superstorm Sandy and beyond. Her inspiring message underscored that authentic leadership isn’t about perfection but about stepping up, being vulnerable, and allowing our true selves to shine. Michelle reminded the audience that true leadership often starts with quiet, personal acts of courage that ripple out to empower others.

The panel featured dynamic discussions centered around two key questions:

How has your personal journey shaped your perspective on resilience and strength?
What advice or key lessons would you share with other women facing similar challenges?

The speakers offered powerful narratives across various facets of life:

Carol Olivieri (Mental Well-being & Resilience), an experienced mental health professional, shared her journey in the healthcare field and emphasized the importance of mental well-being and resilience.
Cristina Fernandez (Motherhood & Building Support Networks), opened up about her experiences as a new mother navigating life without immediate family nearby in a new country, reflecting on the critical importance of forging and relying on supportive networks.
Lisa Vega (Health & Wellness), a courageous breast cancer survivor, captivated the audience with her story of overcoming adversity and finding strength through community support.
Narmada Tissera (Financial Independence & Stability), a seasoned finance professional, delivered practical financial management strategies designed to help women secure economic independence and build a stable future.

The afternoon was more than just a forum—it was a call to action. In her closing remarks, Michelle urged everyone to recognize that while global frameworks like the Sustainable Development Goals and observances like International Women’s Day are vital, true change happens on the ground. Whether it’s mentoring a younger woman, advocating for policy change, or simply being a supportive neighbor, every action counts.

At A Chance In Life, our commitment extends beyond hosting events. We actively work to dismantle the barriers that hold women back, advocating for policies that foster equity and support, and providing educational opportunities for girls around the world. It is through these collective efforts that we continue to push the boundaries and break the glass ceilings that persist in our communities.

Beyond Limits: Women’s Journeys of Strength was a testament to the power of community-driven action. It was a reminder that when women lead authentically, they inspire others to rise, too. Each story shared was not only a narrative of overcoming adversity but also a beacon of hope for what is possible when we unite with purpose.

Thank you to everyone who joined us on this unforgettable day. Your presence, stories, and commitment to change continue to inspire us all to keep pushing forward—together, we are breaking barriers and building a future where every woman and girl can truly thrive.

Author
Elser Llanos

Beyond Limits – Celebrating Women’s Journeys of Strength

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