IWD 2021
International Women’s Day 2021 Theme is Choose To Challenge.
We can each contribute by challenging bias and inequality, and seeking a more inclusive world.
Friends from around the world are joining together in this 2021 initiative!!
SUSAN LEPLAE MILLER, FOUNDER PIECES OF I, LLC -
Chicago, IL (USA)
I #ChooseToChallenge the status quo by valuing each person for who they actually are, empowering their passion, and working for health equity. My mantra is “Know Your Value, Live Your Values”
Stacy casson, Founder of Things to think about, LLC - South FLorida (USA)
I try to make anything I post closed captioned, gender neutral, and also describe what is happening for my blind friends.
Sejal Thakkar, Chief Civility Officer for TrainXtrA -
S.San Francisco, CA (USA)
Training, public speaking, amplifying voices, educating, and leading groups on topics related to Inclusion. TedX talk on 3/27th is to foster inclusion!
Diane Wyzga, Founder of Engaged Storyism® -
Whidbey Island, Wa (USA)
My entire body of work is devoted to empowering women. My life purpose is to use my voice to help women untangle their knots so we can walk into empowered wholeness together. I call my company Quarter Moon Story Arts to invoke the feminine -and beginning anew. My blog: My Life as Compost is designed to help us understand that the coffee grounds & orange peels of life can be good fertilizer. My podcast: Stories From Women Who Walk was launched less than a year ago to invite us to share our stories, understand, be understood, hear and be heard. Collectively, my body of work is by a woman for women.
Sumara Meers, Freelance Voiceover Artist -
Woodstock, NSW, (Australia)
In the quest for a more inclusive world, I make a point of teaching my 3 children and 3 stepchildren to respect and care for all people. I emphasise respecting those who are otherwise disrespected, such as women, people of colour, and the LGBTQ community. I teach them that I, as a woman as well as their mother, have boundaries, wishes, plans, needs and a personality of my own, and that I am not limited by their desires for me or any other person's desires for me.
carmen G. west, Sr. global hr consultant & coach - Phoenix, AZ (usa)
I moderate a Panel discussion with 5 HR Leadership organizations here in AZ---Topic: The Evolution of Diversity - A discussion uncovering and understanding DE&I and the importance of "Why”. It's a series for HR and people leaders. Objective - To equip leaders on how to lead in the DE&I space in a way that unlocks Inclusivity & Belonging to bring about sustainable Change and Justice.
Rebecca Lawson, Personal Growth and Empowerment CoacH, Rebecca Lawson LLC - Bedford, IA (USA)
I work with survivors of trauma and abuse to help them let go of all the pain, weight and baggage left behind from trauma or abuse, by showing them how to take back their power, find their wings and THRIVE with my From Survive… to Thrive program.
Professor Pete Alexander, Stress Management Specialist- Greater SeattlE. WA (USA)
Encourage my community to better protect their health, handle challenging situations with grace and make a positive difference to others - no matter their race, gender or persuasion.
Marcel Coetzee, Trauma Pattern Specialist, Coach, Founder, Entrepreneur -(ireland)
Accelerating equality by providing a path towards a happier life. In addition to coaching, I have a free app (LifeTrack) to help grow self-awareness, and am cultivating human compassion through the Be and Become Project.
Ipek Williamson, Insight Coach, HWE Program Director, Listener, Ikigai Coach, Ho’oponopono Practitioner - Sarnia, Ontario, (Canada)
My mission as an Insight Coach is to create a spark in the eyes of everyone who comes in contact with me. I live to guide people from all walks of life and help them shine their light authentically and confidently.
Sylwia BorowY, Divorce, Empowerment, Relationship, Life Coach at NeWoman - (The Netherlands)
I help my clients rediscover themselves, who they truly are, and find their purpose in life. We all are unique and that’s beautiful. We all should follow our path to achieve our dreams and our goals. I am passionate about empowering women and helping them create their inner happiness after a breakup or divorce, so they can live with joy and passion according to their values and beliefs.
Joseph D’aranjo - (
Singapore)
Something I am doing for a more inclusive world is doing more volunteering and being more part of the community.
Joon Chang, Heart Collector & Digital Wise Owl🦉 - Sammamish, WA (USA)
I desire to inSpire, enCourage, and emPower my aspiring global friends to become the best version of themselves, aligned to treasures stored in their hearts 💚.
Simran Narang, Health weight loss, and lifestyle coach - (India)
In the quest for a more Healthy world my goal is to reach out to as many people to help achieve small lifestyle changes that are doable in their daily lives so people have a quality life and are fit and disease free.
rosemary karani, Certified ECD Teacher, Founder of Life skills Wellness Center, Director at Core mentors Association - (Kenya)
Her mission is to equip every parent, guardian and society with the knowledge essential for implementing the domains of child development.
Colin Smith aka The Listener - London (England)
My vision for a more inclusive world is that we all listen more deeply and empathically. If we all listened just a little better and a little more, the World would be transformed. “We are all dying to be heard, literally and figuratively, so Listen first, Listen all ways, always, because Listening Matters”. The Listener
Michele Gunn, Owner and Independent Coach at Cultivate and Thrive - Texas (USA)
Everyone is born with unique, innate talents. I empower women by helping them discover their unique, innate talents, by helping them understand their unique value and help them to utilize their unique strength professionally and in their personal relationships.
Carmen Blázquez,Freelance Language Specialist, Translator, Proofreader and Editor - Barcelona (Spain)
I choose language to make content more inclusive, to portray the changes of this constantly growing world.
Joseph Pollaro, Founder Efficacy Life Coaching- New Jersey (USA)
In my pursuit towards a more inclusive world through my daily travels, coaching, speaking, writing, and teaching I try to spark the Life Force of anyone I get to touch and to always be looking for small ways I can make a difference.
Jessa Jakobsen, Inspirational Mentor, Digital Business Owner - Bergen (Norway)
I strive to inspire people to help acquire the happiness they deserve. I elevate their energy to become motivated and take action towards their ambition.
Dr. Laila Al-Alwan, a Wholescence coach and a Neuroscientist - Montreal, (Canada)
I want to increase the awareness of people and guide them to understand how the human brain works and how to use it, so they can improve their relationship with themselves and others and lead a more fulfilling life.
Sam Senn, CEO/Co-Founder Dancing Shepherd, Leadership Development Services - Helena, MT (USA)
To support inclusion this year we intend to expand our regular practice of mentorship and sponsorship of diverse leaders (young and seasoned) who are making a difference in the way we lead. We believe we can be most impactful in helping to create a more inclusive, dignified, and loving world by developing and connecting leaders of conscience and purpose at every level and from every walk of life.
Alex Loh, Founder, Aviary & Co. - (Singapore)
My purpose is to help businesses and individuals in the fitness, health and wellness space lead with clarity; unlock fruitful solutions; experience growth; and achieve targeted success. By having podcasts to share stories to inspire, motivate and support individuals and communities that would find the content relevant and useful, I believe I am building a more inclusive world.
Enrique Acosta Gonzalez, CEO, Triad Leadership Solutions - Orlando, FL (USA)
I #ChooseToChallenge the status quo by unearthing the true leader in everyone, empowering their passion to lead, and working for development equity. My mantra is “Your leadership begins when you open up your eyes in the morning until the last person you impacted closes theirs.”
Anju Nadarajah, Managing Director, Inglasia Pharma Solutions - Surrey, (England)
I have chosen to challenge myself to erode my misconceptions about being a dark skinned woman. Although I have secretly loved the skin I was in, I had allowed others’ bias to creep into my psyche, to bring about a feeling of inferiority, which I now see as utterly idiotic. I now refuse to even acknowledge any bias or inequality. I create the world I am in. I create my self-worth. Change begins within. Dignity and self-pity are not bedfellows: they are mutually exclusive. A pure, clear conscience and unconditional love are my sources of strength. My children are taught that there is one race, the human race – when we use all our faculties for understanding people and serve selflessly, the rest will happen automatically! Our children are the key to creating a society that we can be proud of. I strive to use the lessons learnt in motherhood within the workplace. I have grown as a professional, because I am a mother and wife.
Loida Jerusalem, Artist, Poetess, Author of "Book Of My Heart", Inspirational Writer - (Philippines)
Empowering others with my poetic soulful words by writing inspirational poems. As an artist, with my arts and poetry, inspiring others to wear a "SMILE" no matter what they're going through.
Amina Alami, Real Estate Solopreneur - Rabat, (Morocco)
As an active member in an American International Organization , our mission is to empower women. We help them to get educated by taking illiteracy classes. This makes them understand their rights and the importance of education for their children. We also do some charity work by raising money to help support those who most need it.
Kelly Sharkey, Founder of Core Mentors Association - Fox Island, WA (USA)
There is so much power in letting women know that I see them or hear them and honor their truth; leading by example and offering support to all women, weak or strong.
Francisco Oller Garcia, Customer Advocate, Drift - Tampa, fl (USA)
Working on creating an employee resource group that celebrates all abilities through education and advocacy to create greater inclusion for individuals with disabilities.
Erika Bray, Connect the Dots Consulting - Columbus, OH (USA)
By day I work with a great group of women at an executive coaching firm who have a passion for developing and empowering women leaders. By night I make a point to teach my two young daughters to be kind and inclusive to everyone, no matter their race, gender or physical/mental disabilities.
Casey Jacox, Sales Coach, Podcaster, & Author - Seattle, WA (USA)
I'm focusing on bringing more diversity to my podcast to ensure I'm always learning and growing as a person. Additionally, I'm asking more questions of women and diverse audiences so that I learn and gain understanding. Learning is the BEST!
Jacqueline Yeung - (Taiwan)
I love to spread love, caring, support, and positive energy every day through different social media platforms; we never know who that message will be needed; humanity and love for all; grateful for everyone and share as much as I can.
Rabia Nasir, Peace Maker - Kuala Lumpur, (Malaysia)
From my late childhood and early teenage days, I saw myself supporting the idea and doing the best of my knowledge subconsciously. I did not know why I was more drawn towards the belief of humanity, beautiful cultures and people. But Now that I am getting clarity and things are making sense for me, all of those stories do make my belief more firm that this is something who I am and something I can call my true calling. I have been helping those people and individuals who are normally not treated very well in the society and we put certain labels and status quo such as janitors, security guards, waiters and those who don't have anything to survive for the day.
Toni McLelland, MD of 1st Life Consultancy Group - London (England)
Looking for & creating smiles- everybody smiles in the same language. Making sure everyone around the table can have their voices heard (before we bring more to the table). Working with leaders to recognise & act upon difference as no two people are the same. Working with leaders to prepare the foundations for those inclusive yet diverse conversations. Ensuring the right people are around the table & boards are representative of those they should be (not currently are) serving. Include the target group through co-creation & co production for sustainable solutions as they always know the answer- leaders don’t need to work in the dark whilst they think about intersectionality All of my best work has been when I involve, empower & inspire others that the matter concerns.
Gabrielle Botelho, HR Director for South America at CGG - Rio de Janeiro, (Brazil)
In my view, we cannot create an inclusive work environment if we do not practice equity first. To promote an equitable workplace for women to deliver their full potential, we start from inside. As an HR, my work is to support them to find their own voice and place in our company, and in a certain way, to fight for it. It is a daily exercise of, self-awareness, self-confidence and trust.
Jonaed Iqbal, Founder & CEO of NoDegree.com - New york, NY (USA)
I'm trying to make the workplace more inclusive for people without college degrees
Theresa miller - washington DC (USA)
I #ChooseToChallenge myself to continue learning and to find ways to address racism and ableism in our professional and social structures. I #ChooseToChallenge myself and my friends/family/colleagues to be open to acknowledging and addressing our mistakes and make space for continual growth.
Elyse Simon - Bristol, RI (USA)
Allow ourselves to be fully present and valuing all the pieces of I AM to find harmony when there is disharmony within a BEings mind/body/soul. This is the Challenge, I choose
Mike Vacanti,Catalyst for Positive Change, Speaker. Author. Founder HumansFirst - Minneapolis, MN (USA)
It’s more than what we accomplish – it’s who we become along the journey! My mission is to LIFT OTHERS, helping people discover their potential, embrace a growth mindset and achieve at inspired levels.
Joey Viola, Singer-Songwriter and Storyteller, Founder Spark Storytellers - Columbus, OH (USA)
I am cowriting and collaborating with Women songwriters and marketers. Women always add an amazing perspective that I appreciate and recognize. Acknowledging all the lovely women in my life today!
Silvia Li, Chief Growth Officer Altezza Advisory Group - Chicago, IL (USA)
I #choosetochallenge myself to more deliberately amplify the voices of others that get overlooked or not regularly included in meetings and conversations. I will also challenge myself to encourage others to give credit where credit is due rather than letting the most senior person always take the credit. So often, I see the introverts being passed over in meetings because they're not necessarily the wheels that squeak the most loudly. I have also unfortunately seen certain types of people's ideas and input being not as valued as others', or they get interrupted more often by "mansplaining", and therefore they're viewed as less confident or competent than their more vocal counterparts. I challenge myself to use my voice to help others express and amplify theirs!
Maxine Willocks - Toronto (Canada)
I support women to become unstuck from toxic behaviours and limiting beliefs. When women feel lost or uninspired I share my lived experience as a beacon of hope to guide them home. Mastering, nutrition, meditation and movement through self care is guide.
Tricia Kagerer, Author "The B Words; 13 Words Women Must Navigate for Success" - Dallas-Fort Worth, TX (USA)
I choose to challenge by living every day to the fullest and doing my part to create role models for the future generation of women.
Doug Miller,
Managing Partner, Embedded Solutions Consulting, LLC -
Chicago, IL (USA)
I #ChooseToChallenge myself to continue doing my part to make the world a better, more equitable place for our wives, daughters, mothers and sisters - and to encourage all those I interact with to do the same.
“International Women's Day (March 8) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women's equality.
IWD has occurred for well over a century, with the first IWD gathering in 1911 supported by over a million people. Today, IWD belongs to all groups collectively everywhere. IWD is not country, group or organization specific.”
#IWD2021 #ChooseToChallenge
For more information about the day, theme, and events happening around the world, please visit the website.