Growing up, I was inspired by the incredible strength and leadership of the women in my life—my mother and grandmother. Both were single parents who faced life’s challenges with courage, determination, and unwavering dedication to their families. They taught me that leadership is not about titles or positions; it is about resilience, sacrifice, and the power to inspire and uplift others.

Yet, I saw how societal barriers often stand in the way of women stepping into leadership roles. At a personal level, many women and girls struggle with low confidence and self-esteem, shaped by deeply ingrained stereotypes about what they can and cannot achieve. At a group level, opportunities for leadership development are often unevenly distributed, leaving women underrepresented in decision-making spaces. At a community level, cultural norms and expectations still dictate the roles women are “allowed” to play, silencing their potential contributions to society. These barriers limit not just individual women but the progress of entire communities and nations.

Driven by these personal experiences and the lessons passed down from the strong women in my family, I felt a calling to do more. My journey through prestigious leadership programs such as the Cordes Fellowship, Perennial Fellowship, Young and Emerging Leaders Project (YELP), The Gratitude Network Fellowship, and the Mandela Washington Fellowship further fueled my passion. These experiences opened my eyes to the importance of creating spaces where young women can test their potential, grow in confidence, and embrace their power as leaders.

That’s why I started Doyenne. Our mission is to empower adolescent and young girls in high schools and universities to realize themselves as the next generation of qualified leaders—because leadership has no gender. Through Doyenne, I hope to honor the legacy of my mother and grandmother and help create a world where every girl knows she has the power to lead.