This week’s 3 wishes for a 20-something I took away from an amazing event I attended yesterday…the She’s The First Summit. She’s the First is a millennial founded non-profit that sends girls in underdeveloped countries to be the first woman in their family to go to graduate from secondary school…creating next generation leaders and economic growth. Tammy Tibbetts started this charity on her own and has grown primarily through leveraging the power Millennials and students have to end global poverty–”one small contribution at a time”.
She’s the First has independent chapters in high school and university campuses all over the country led by students. Once a year, these student leaders meet in New York City for three days of inspiration, networking, training, and skill-building that powers their goal: To achieve education equality worldwide in our lifetime.
I stopped by to see 40:20 Vision’s contributing editor Stephanie Florence speak on Millennial Success. I stayed and got to hear more mentors and the student leaders interact in the final keynote panel. These are 3×3 “gifts for a 20-something” that I took away:
From the mentors on the keynote panel:
1. Network with your peers about topics you are interested in. This will be valuable now and as you grow into your careers in years to come. — from Zeenat Rahman Secretary of State’s Special Adviser for Global Youth Issues at U.S. Department of State
2. Work for the job you want, not the one you have. SHOW–not tell–you are ready.— Terri Mccullough, director of No Ceilings: The Full Participation Project, a Clinton Foundation initiative led by Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton and Chelsea Clinton
3. Don’t wait for people to find you – go find the people you want to connect with” – Lindsey Pollack, millennial expert
From the millennial success panel:
1. Figure out a way to tell your story to as many people as possible. – Stephanie Florence, Edelman PR and 40:20 Vision’s contributing editor
2. Don’t ever accept no – Nicole Loher, pr & social media, Nanette Lepore
3. Don’t let intimidation hold you back – take a chance and apply for things you don’t think you are qualified for. – Marti Adam, First Deputy Press Secretary, Office of Mayor Bill de Blasio
Three favorite quotes from the mentor panelists:
“If you aren’t in over your head, how will you know how tall you are?” – T.S. Eliot via Nicole Goldin, consultant, expert in global development, youth, international affairs
“Successful people do things before they’re ready.” – Amy Poehler via Terri McCullough
“It always seems impossible until it is done.” – Nelson Mandela via Zeenat Rahman
And a lucky extra:
“Keep one part focused on what you are doing and one part listening to what your boss needs so you can anticipate when they need before they need it.” – A millennial guy n the audience building on Zeenat’s advice to “Manage up. Think about what your boss needs, not what you need.”
Find out more about She’s The First here: http://www.shesthefirst.org
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