Project Grow has been such a wonderful experience for me, along with the fact that I am passionate about girl/female empowerment and the importance of girls’ education. It feels very empowering to be connected to so many successful women, along with future industry leaders (my fellow students); never before have I been immersed in an environment where it feels so comfortable to discuss what it means to be a woman either entering or working in the workplace. Hearing that so many successful and competent women have dealt with many of the same insecurities I am fighting really made me feel as though I am not alone. I loved having the opportunity to candidly face issues that are typically swept under the rug, such as confidence and imposter syndrome.

Pass the Torch has challenged me to overcome obstacles that would block me from otherwise becoming the upcoming professional that I will be in today's workforce. For instance, they taught me the skills that I would need to have in order to land an interview. First, by teaching me what companies look for on resumes, how to properly dress for an interview, and once I land the interview, how to translate my skills and talents that I posses to match what companies are looking for. They even took it to the next level by teaching me that once I land the job, how to make sound financial decisions, and how to manage my money.

Pass the Torch planted the first seeds of professional development for me. I remember a time when I didn't necessarily want to attend some of the seminars as a Project Grow student. Sometimes it was a bad or overwhelming day at work/school and other times I just didn't feel like it. But showing up always paid off. I left with information and an experience that I would not have otherwise gained. The Pass the Torch mentoring program really made an everlasting impact and impression on my professional development. The phone meetings and check ins that I had with one of my mentors really helped carry me through a difficult time during my PhD training. It was so impactful because she spoke from experience and although we were two different women, at completely different ends of the spectrum in terms of position (I was a graduate student in the biomedical sciences and she was a leading engineer at a very prominent company) I could really relate to her background and advice. The mentorship and advice I received was very authentic and relevant to where I was at the time.

The moment my mentor and I had our first conversation, we immediately clicked! It was a perfect match that enabled us to have fluid, fun, and intentional conversation.

I love the Pass the Torch for Women Foundation’s mission. They believe women all over should have access to professional growth and I do as well. I learned you don’t have to do everything alone. You have the right to find a mentor that will encourage you and uplift you towards your professional & personal goals. Being apart of the program, always enables the opportunity to inspire the next person which is my passion. My story is forever changing but my experiences remain powerful.

Pass The Torch for Women Foundation has impacted my college career and personal life so positively that I’d love to share with other women in the community. I love the Foundation and all the people that are part of it. It made me realize how important mentorship is and how much I needed it for different aspects of my life. Pass the Torch has provided me with tools that have improved my confidence and professionalism in ways that I didn’t even think of.

Project Grow has given me more confidence that I could truly excel at bringing my best self to the table. I now have a deeper motivation to see that my aspirations come to fruition. I am inspired now more than ever.There are so many young women that are to be touched by this amazing organization. The benefits are overwhelming and truly a blessing for aspiring leaders and their mentors.

I learned that it is very important to share our stories because it helps open someone up to share their stories can inspire them in return. This can motivate us to take action and do something productive, whether it be something completely new or something we have been thinking about it. Project Grow helped me in many ways - through mentorship and representation.

Project Grow is helping to empower me as a woman by encouraging me and the other women to feel strong by telling us that we can do everything that we want to do. Women can work outside their home, have an opportunity to make up their mind. Women should not be depended on men. They can earn money to support their family by working through their abilities. In this women’s group, empowerment is a part to encourage women to feel strong by telling us that we can do everything that we want to do. I am encouraging my friends and family in Africa that as women we can work outside of the home, and have the opportunity to make up our mind. Women should not be depended on men. They can earn money to support their family by working through their abilities. I used to be not confident to work in a hard condition or a high position because I was raised to think that it’s not a women’s job. I was asked to apply for a job and I did, and I start next week.