Just Finished Speaking At: United Nations

When I was a kid, I wanted to be a U.N. interpreter. Of course, I also wanted to be a singer-songwriter, a veterinarian, a famous writer, and a movie star, but U.N. interpreter was definitely among the things I wanted to be. Fast forward a bunch of years, and while I’m sure young me would be confused by what current me does for a living (“digital transform-what-tion?”), I’m pleased that I made it to the United Nations with a message of how technology and innovation can empower humanity on a global scale.

I was honored to be part of the #ActivateImpactSummit at the United Nations on Friday, with IMPERIA and 1M1B (1 Million for 1 Billion), talking about global empowerment with tech and innovation with an inspiring group of #YoungEntrepreneurs. So excited about what these young leaders are doing in the world.

My involvement in this event is thanks to my dear friend Jennifer Iannolo, who led a discussion on Innovation and Women in Technology at the United Nations and she featured myself and the also amazing Jeanette Bronée (another amazing and favorite person), as well TeLisa D. who was fantastic to meet. In case that didn’t sink in: my pal Jennifer organized a discussion at the U. freakin’ N. (!!!!) on innovation, and she populated it entirely with women. AND! she launched a new program at the close of the discussion. It was truly a day for the history books.

And I couldn’t love this thought more, of course:
“In this ever-changing world, the one constant is that we need human-centered leaders.”
— Manav Subodh of 1M1B (1 Million for 1 Billion) in his opening remarks at United Nations #ActivateImpactSummit today

It was an incredible honor to be included in yesterday’s United Nations hashtag#ActivateImpactSummit. The day’s highlight was hearing from so many young people innovating to solve problems in their communities and around the world, but I’m pleased to share a 13-second excerpt of my own comments on innovation and humanity:

Thank you for fulfilling one of my childhood dreams, Jennifer. So glad I got to share that with you brilliant women.