Every transformative movement begins with a personal story—a spark ignited by adversity and nurtured into triumph. For Mona Lou Cherkaoui, the founder of Global Women of Impact, that story has been a lifelong journey of navigating biases, overcoming barriers, and creating spaces where women from all ethnicities and backgrounds can rise as leaders and entrepreneurs.
The mission behind SHE Echoes Globally isn’t just professional; it’s deeply personal. It stems from Mona’s own experiences and the realization that our voices, when united, can inspire change and break down the walls that divide us.
Why SHE Echoes Globally Exists
The idea for SHE Echoes Globally was born in a moment of rejection. After applying to two TEDx events with unwavering hope, Mona encountered silence from one and misplaced promise from the other. She was told her application was one of the best, and her topic, unconscious bias, was both timely and impactful. But weeks later, the response came: the topic had been “consumed.”
That rejection wasn’t just a setback—it was a wake-up call. As a woman with a unique name, accent, and background, she felt the sting of being overlooked for the very message she wanted to amplify: dismantling biases. In that moment, she realized something profound: the spaces that exist to elevate voices like mine were not always designed to include them.
Rather than let that define her, she turned disappointment into determination. Mona resolved to create her own platform—a place where women like herself, often marginalized or excluded, could share their stories. And as the saying goes: “If they don’t give you a seat at their table, build your own—just make sure it’s long enough for everyone to fit.”
Building a Platform for Resilience and Leadership
From 2022 to March 2024, that seed of an idea grew into a powerful conviction. Mona envisioned a speaking platform akin to a TEDx experience, but with one crucial difference: it would be explicitly designed to spotlight the resilience, brilliance, and creativity of women from all walks of life.
The project needed not only passion but also leadership that embodied its purpose. That’s when she saw the ideal fit in Vice President, Lea Tran—a talented Asian-American TEDx speaker who exemplifies what it means to rise from adversity to triumph. Entrusting her with this initiative not only empowered her to lead with confidence but also paved the way for others to follow suit.
The Theme That Unites Us: Adversity to Triumph
The theme of SHE Echoes Globally, Adversity to Triumph, is more than just a tagline—it’s a rallying cry. It reflects the journeys of countless women whose voices deserve to be heard.
On December 14th, this vision will come to life. Women from diverse cultures and backgrounds will take the stage to share their stories of resilience and transformation, proving that every challenge we face has the potential to shape us into stronger, bolder versions of ourselves.
Why This Matters
SHE Echoes Globally is not just about storytelling; it’s about rewriting the narrative. It’s about creating a world where no woman feels invisible, where every voice is valued, and where adversity becomes the foundation for triumph.
As we approach this incredible event, we are reminded of the power of community and the importance of building tables that are inclusive, expansive, and welcoming. Together, we can dismantle the barriers that hold women back and pave the way for a future where every woman’s voice echoes loud and clear.
Because when one woman rises, we all rise.
Learn more about Global Women of Impact (GWOI) & SHE Echoes Globally.
Written by Maha Chaudhry. Edited by Sav Olavarría.
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