Over 250 Microsoft women are discovering their innovation essence while mentoring at-risk girls in the Global Give Back Circle.
January Highlight: Lani Phillips, Vice President US Channel Sales at Microsoft
“Mentoring Dominica has forever changed my life. It also deepened by empathy and curiosity for how I can be a part of the solution. Through our communications, I had to find new ways to learn more about what was going on in her life. Dominica also taught me that hope and positivity is a universal language. She left an imprint on my heart that is forever changed. She also demonstrated a courage and conviction to change her circumstances and outcome. I am forever changed as a leader and through this experience I learned that proximity, empathy, communication and courage to act are applicable in work and life.” – Lani
“I was one of the lucky girls in my village, having escaped a forced early marriage by running away from home just days before my ‘wedding’. I traveled by foot for days to find the Morpus Rescue Center. There I was protected and provided with an education– primary school and high school. I thought my education was going to end after high school, until I learned that Lani, a beautiful woman from Microsoft, agreed to be my mentor and my sponsor to attend college, so that I could become a teacher and play an important role in society. College was something I knew nothing about, because no one in my family of 20 siblings had ever attended college. I am from a polygamous family where girls were not brought up to think about things like college, economic empowerment and careers. Lani really inspired me and encouraged me on my journey to independence. Now that I am a teacher, I strive to be a role model like Lani, and inspire other girls. Because I escaped a forced early marriage, I am committed to helping girls know their rights and say NO to FGM (female genital mutilation) and early marriage. Thanks to Lani, and her belief in me, my future is bright.” – Dominica, Teacher, Morpus Academy
Mentoring makes a real difference in the life of an at-risk adolescent girl, by broadening her perspective and opening her eyes to what potential she holds. We are proud to share the impact our mentors have on some of the most at-risk girls around the world. You can make a huge difference in a girl’s life today. Consider joining the ‘Mentor Circle’ and giving back as a mentor.