Reconciling Expectations

Takwa Khelifi is a 2019 alumna of the Global Leadership Forum (GLF) at the Presidential Precinct.

Of my entire Global Leadership Forum experience, the Presidential Precinct helped me foremost to learn about the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). I am now better equipped to design collaborative solutions for social impact. The Forum was a good opportunity to develop my knowledge and grow my leadership and management skills, and it helped me to build and strengthen a professional network with international colleagues and institutions.

Lately, I’ve been working on some projects in the U.S. as well as in Tunisia related to education and career development for all. I am committed to support young girls in my community and provide them the professional tools and the communication techniques needed to be successful. Our latest project, involving partnership with some American NGOs, is equipping young students with STEM and soft skills that are critical for their future jobs – and for life!

I am proud that Tunisia has made strong advances in female education, but in our world that is universally in need of equality, I am trying to highlight the importance of involving new approaches in our educational system to make young girls more accepted and applauded in my community.

I have faced many challenges related to gender and often have to reconcile my own dreams with expectations of what I “should be”. My advice to young women beginning their careers or studies is to find a career they love and never, ever stop learning! It’s never too late or too early to find your path. Always stand up for what you believe in, and stay true to your morals. Never take the back seat and always know your worth. You have the ability to be whatever you want. Believe in yourself, be confident!

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This article is part of a series of alumnae spotlights in celebration of International Women’s Day in 2020. To read additional spotlights, visit https://presidentialprecinct.org/IWD/