Leadership, Communication, and Community Impact

March is widely recognized as a time to celebrate International Women’s Day, and this year, I took a moment to reflect on my journey, one of impact, advocacy, and leadership, particularly within the community of female immigrants and youth.

Redefining Possible Through Leadership

I had the honor of co-hosting the Women Techmakers (WTM) IWD event, themed “Redefine Possible,” as a WTM and Google Ambassador. In this role, I led conversations on leadership and communication, equipping women in tech with the confidence to find their voices and step into positions of influence.
Additionally, I was privileged to serve as a panelist at the Femme Alliance Network IWD Event, themed “Reinvent and Rise.” There, I shared insights on breaking barriers and thriving in male-dominated spaces, emphasizing that reinvention is not about becoming someone new, but rather uncovering the strengths that have always been within us, not just to survive, but to thrive, soar, and rise to the occasion.

Toastmasters: A Platform for Empowerment

My journey with Toastmasters has shaped me into a confident leader, equipping me with the skills to advocate for myself, women, and youth. What began as personal growth has become a mission to help immigrant women and youth find their voices and elevate their careers. Through my leadership with the Navy League of Canada, Calgary Branch, and as the Founder of Qorral Consults (a consulting firm dedicated to confidence coaching, corporate readiness in the Canadian workplace, and effective communication), I have mentored countless individuals, providing public speaking training, confidence-building workshops, and career coaching to help them navigate leadership pathways and step into their full potential.

A Call to Action for Inclusion

For me, International Women’s Day is more than just a celebration but a call to action. It serves as a powerful reminder that when women uplift and empower one another, we shape the future. My journey is far from over, and neither is my commitment to creating opportunities for underrepresented voices to rise.

Honoring the Women—and the Allies

I’ll seize this opportunity to honor myself, every woman in Toastmasters, and the incredible male allies who champion our growth, amplify our voices, and create spaces for us to lead. To the women who step up, speak out, and continue to break barriers in leadership and communication, your resilience and dedication inspire change. To the men who advocate for equity and inclusion, your support is invaluable in building a world where leadership knows no gender. Together, we are shaping a future where every voice is heard, every leader is empowered, and every possibility is within reach. Here’s to rising, thriving, and redefining what’s possible today and always!

Arobo Ako
District 42 Administration Officer