"Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma - which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of others' opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition." ~ Steve Jobs.

This quote means everything to me. As a Software Engineer turned social entrepreneur almost in a fortnight, courage and ambition are the two armors I wore to start my journey of leaving a footprint in transforming the world around me. I quickly realized, courage and ambition are not enough. But coupled with the right kind of knowledge, courage can be a formidable force that accelerates the speed at which I engaged with the real-world of change. The Bush fellowship has afforded me access to the best available knowledge, such as Stanford’s Social Entrepreneurship, and many technical knowledge including non-profit leadership and School of Philanthropy.

But to my surprise, what I enjoyed most and gained self growth from was the intersectional and transformational leadership training that focused on exploring in depth self from various perspective. Developing from the inside out requires understanding leadership as the way in which one lead and engage others and the impact one has on others. Without having a better grasp of what drives and motivates me and how I react in certain situations, I may have all the skills and competencies I need, but fail to use them effectively as I become reactive and defensive when triggered by particular people or situations.

By asking the question, “how do you show up in the world?” It helped me develop a greater clarity on my purpose and my leadership role as an immigrant woman of color and the unique pivotal perspective I bring. Women, especially women leaders, need a cadre of support outside of and beyond their local ecosystems. To be bolder and bigger in our leadership we need to know that others like ourselves are also practicing being bolder and bigger and that we have each other’s back. The webs we weave, and the chances we have to cross pollinate and co-support women's leadership wherever we go is vital. I have learned to listen to my inner voice and continue to develop its greater contribution to self. I am fully committed to being a courageous, inspiring, and intentional leader.