As we celebrate International Youth Day, I am thrilled to share the extraordinary stories of ten inspiring women who have defied all odds and shattered barriers with their indomitable spirit. Each of these incredible individuals hails from diverse backgrounds and has left an indelible mark on the world. Their journeys are a testament to the transformative power of determination, courage, and resilience.

1. Angela Benton (USA)

Angela Benton’s inspiring journey is a testament to resilience and determination in the pursuit of positive change in the technology industry. Despite challenges growing up in North Minneapolis with limited access to education, her passion for technology remained unwavering. Leaving college due to financial constraints did not deter her; instead, she self-taught and founded her first startup, highlighting African American accomplishments in tech.

In 2011, she launched “NewME Accelerator,” addressing tech’s diversity gaps and empowering underrepresented entrepreneurs. Facing discrimination and bias, Angela pressed forward, working harder to secure funding for her ventures.

Despite being diagnosed with stage 2 triple-negative breast cancer in 2016, Angela refused to let her illness hinder her mission. She balanced her cancer treatments while continuing to uplift entrepreneurs through NewME Accelerator.

NewME Accelerator thrived, reaching entrepreneurs globally. Angela’s unwavering belief in technology’s power to break barriers inspires countless individuals, opening doors for underrepresented voices and fostering inclusivity in the tech world. Her journey proves that passion and resilience can drive transformative change.

2. Richa Kar (India)

Richa Kar’s inspiring journey is a tale of entrepreneurial courage and determination. Despite societal norms discouraging women from taking unconventional paths, she defied expectations and founded “Zivame” – an online lingerie platform in India.

Starting her career in the IT industry, Richa felt the urge to create something unique. In 2011, she identified a gap in the market and took a bold step to address it. Launching Zivame wasn’t easy; she faced skepticism and resistance from investors due to the taboo surrounding lingerie.

Undeterred, Richa persisted, securing initial funding and launching the platform. Zivame’s success challenged stereotypes and empowered women by providing them with discreet lingerie shopping options. Today, Richa stands among the most influential women entrepreneurs.

Her journey wasn’t without challenges, but Richa’s resilience and strategic decisions helped her overcome obstacles. Today, Zivame stands as a leading lingerie brand in India, and Richa Kar is an inspiration to aspiring female entrepreneurs, proving that breaking barriers and creating change are possible with determination and innovation.

3. Sahar Hashemi (UK)

Sahar Hashemi’s inspiring journey is a tale of entrepreneurship, innovation, and embracing change. Originally from Iran, she moved to London for a better life. After five years in her legal career at a prestigious London law firm, Sahar Hashemi took a bold step and decided to venture into entrepreneurship. She co-founded Coffee Republic with her brother Bobby, the UK’s first-ever US-style coffee bar chain. This courageous move marked the beginning of an exciting journey in the world of coffee and hospitality, where Sahar’s innovative spirit and determination paved the way for establishing a successful coffee brand in the United Kingdom.

Challenges arose, including funding hurdles and skepticism from established players. Nevertheless, Sahar and Bobby persisted, learning from mistakes and taking risks.

Their innovative approach paid off, and Coffee Republic flourished with over 100 stores. After this success, Sahar sought new challenges, eventually becoming an author, motivational speaker, and entrepreneurship advocate.

She was named “Pioneer to the Life of the Nation” by Her Majesty The Queen and “Young Global Leader” by the World Economic Forum. Additionally, she made the distinguished Maserati 100 list and was honored with an OBE for her contributions to the UK economy and charity work. Sahar’s achievements have left a lasting impact, garnering well-deserved recognition for her exceptional endeavors.

Her journey highlights the power of embracing uncertainty and stepping outside comfort zones. Sahar’s story inspires others to take risks, adapt to change, and pursue innovation and success. Her entrepreneurial spirit continues to inspire individuals worldwide to follow their passions and make a positive impact in their chosen fields.

4. Daisy Jing (USA)

Daisy Jing’s inspiring journey is one of resilience, self-belief, and a passion for making a difference. Raised in the United States, she faced the challenge of severe acne during her teenage years, affecting both her physical appearance and self-esteem.

Determined to find a solution, Daisy ventured into the world of skincare, experimenting with countless products without success. Undeterred, she took matters into her own hands, researching ingredients and concocting skincare formulations in her college dorm room.

In 2010, she founded Banish, her skincare company, with a clear vision of helping others dealing with acne. Daisy ensured effectiveness and safety by handcrafting each product with the finest natural ingredients.

Her authenticity and dedication struck a chord with many, and her YouTube videos chronicling her skincare journey gained a devoted following. Banish rapidly became a trusted name in the industry and is now a multimillion-Dollar skincare company. Daisy’s efforts were naturally recognized; an inspiring individual featured in a prestigious list such as Forbes 30 Under 30, Daisy was also invited as a TEDx speaker.

Today, Banish goes beyond skincare, promoting self-love, body positivity, and sustainability. Daisy’s transformation from acne sufferer to successful entrepreneur inspires others to embrace authenticity and positively impact the world. Through her journey, Daisy Jing empowers individuals to believe in themselves and find the strength to overcome obstacles on the path to success.

5. Cindy Mi (China)

Cindy Mi, a young girl in China, dreamed of a world where education knew no bounds. Cindy’s own struggles with learning English ignited a spark within her to change this disparity and create a better way for others to learn. Believing in the power of education, she co-founded VIPKid, connecting Chinese students with global English teachers. VIPKid’s success soared, bridging borders and nurturing understanding. Beyond business triumph, Cindy’s heart beats for empowerment.

Thousands of teachers found purpose, and Chinese students learned from diverse educators. But her mission reached beyond VIPKid’s success. Fueled by compassion, she supported underserved communities, extending the gift of education to all.

Her impact did not go unnoticed. Cindy’s visionary leadership and dedication earned her a place among the brightest minds of her generation. She was featured in prestigious lists and honored for her profound contributions to education and society.

Cindy Mi’s story serves as a beacon of inspiration to dream big, break barriers, and make the world a better place through education. A single individual’s passion can ignite a thousand others, fostering a world where knowledge, opportunity, and hope thrive for all.

6. Silvina Moschini (Argentina)

Silvina Moschini’s inspiring journey is a testament to the power of determination, innovation, and the pursuit of gender equality in the tech world, even in the face of formidable challenges. Hailing from Argentina, she is an entrepreneurial trailblazer who has left an indelible mark in the fields of technology and digital communication.

Silvina’s vision led her to co-found SheWorks!, a groundbreaking platform empowering women with flexible job opportunities in the digital space. Overcoming the hurdles of a male-dominated industry, she championed diversity and challenged stereotypes, fueling her unwavering commitment to empowering women worldwide.

She has positioned herself as a leading authority on the digital assets economy, women’s economic empowerment, and the democratization of investment opportunities worldwide. As the Founder and President of Unicoin, Silvina spearheads a next-gen, asset-backed cryptocurrency that is pushing boundaries in the financial landscape. Additionally, she is the visionary behind Unicorn Hunters, a pioneering business TV show. Through her groundbreaking ventures, Silvina Moschini continues to make a profound impact, championing innovation and inclusivity in the realm of investment and economic empowerment.

Her resilience and passion proved transformative, facilitating countless opportunities for women, fostering work-life balance, and breaking barriers in the tech industry. Silvina Moschini’s journey serves as a beacon of hope and empowerment, showcasing the immense impact of challenging norms, advocating for equality, and turning obstacles into stepping stones to success.

7. Roshni Mahtani Cheung (Singapore)

Roshni Mahtani Cheung’s inspiring journey is a powerful testament to the transformative impact of vision, determination, and media and technology in empowering families across Asia.

Hailing from Singapore, Roshni embarked on a mission to provide valuable resources and expert advice to parents through her brainchild, The Parentinc. This platform is a reliable resource for mothers in Southeast Asia, offering credible information on pregnancy and parenting. Leading the way among their brands is theAsianparent, a prominent content and community website and app in Southeast Asia with an impressive monthly user base exceeding 35 million.

In her entrepreneurial pursuit, Roshni faced significant challenges. Building a media platform from scratch and gaining credibility in a competitive landscape demanded unwavering tenacity. Adapting to diverse Asian cultures while overcoming cultural barriers required immense resilience.

Yet, fueled by her unwavering passion, Roshni forged ahead, fearlessly overcoming every obstacle that came her way.

Beyond her entrepreneurial journey, Roshni’s dedication to empowering women in tech and promoting diversity shines as an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs worldwide. Her story showcases how unwavering vision and determination can overcome challenges, creating a positive impact on families and communities. Roshni Mahtani’s remarkable journey serves as a reminder that with passion and perseverance, one can break barriers and turn dreams into reality, touching the lives of millions along the way.

8. Miki Agrawal (Canada)

Miki Agrawal’s inspiring journey is a remarkable tale of entrepreneurship, innovation, and social impact. Raised with determination and purpose, she ventured into finance but soon realized her calling to create something meaningful.

In 2005, Miki co-founded “Slice,” a sustainable pizzeria in NYC, showcasing her blend of business acumen with social and environmental causes.

Her second venture, “Thinx,” catapulted Miki to global recognition. Founded in 2014, Thinx produces innovative, reusable period underwear, promoting sustainability and breaking menstrual taboos.

Despite challenges and societal norms, Miki persevered, empowering women through Thinx and driving conversations about women’s health.

Her commitment to social impact extended to “Tushy,” co-founded in 2015, offering eco-friendly bidets to reduce toilet paper waste. She was named “Fast Company’s Most Creative People,” “Young Global Leader” by the World Economic Forum and INC’s “Most Impressive Women Entrepreneurs.” She is also the author of two No. 1 best-selling books: Do Cool Shit and Disrupt-Her.

Miki Agrawal’s inspiring journey exemplifies identifying societal needs and creating innovative solutions for positive change. Her ventures challenge norms and encourage meaningful conversations.

Through her entrepreneurial spirit, Miki inspires others to pursue purpose-driven businesses, leaving a lasting impact on society. Her story underscores the power of passion and innovation to drive transformative change.

9. Komal Ahmad (USA)

Komal Ahmad’s inspiring journey is a powerful example of one person’s dedication to combating food waste and hunger. Moved by the struggles of the homeless and hungry during her time at the University of California, Berkeley, Komal founded COPIA in 2011. With COPIA, Komal tackled two significant problems simultaneously: food waste and hunger. This tech-based platform connects businesses with surplus food to local organizations and individuals in need.

Through COPIA, Komal addressed both food waste and hunger simultaneously. The platform’s GPS technology matches food donors with nearby organizations, ensuring surplus food reaches those who need it most.

Under her leadership, COPIA has diverted millions of pounds of food from landfills, providing millions of meals to the hungry. Komal’s passion and innovative approach have earned her recognition and accolades, making her an influential force in the fight against hunger and food waste.

In addition to her notable achievements, she has been honored with several prestigious awards, such as the Forbes 30 Under 30, MIT Solver, Nelson Mandela Humanitarianism Award, 30 Under 30 Global Food Changemaker, and Social Entrepreneur of the Year Award.

Komal Ahmad’s inspiring journey showcases the power of a single individual to make a profound difference in the world. Her story is a testament to a person’s profound impact, inspiring others to create positive change in their communities and beyond.

10. Kavita Shukla (India)

Kavita Shukla’s inspiring journey began with a childhood memory in India that would shape her future as an entrepreneur. At just 12 years old, she accidentally drank tap water during a trip, leading her grandmother to give her a herbal mixture to prevent illness. This encounter with traditional wisdom left a lasting impression on Kavita.

Years later, while at Harvard, witnessing her friends fall sick after eating contaminated food ignited her desire to find a solution. Kavita’s research led her to discover the antimicrobial properties of certain spices.

With this knowledge, she created “FreshPaper,” a biodegradable paper infused with her spice blend. Determined to fight food waste and improve global food security, Kavita launched her venture.

Despite challenges, FreshPaper gained recognition as an innovative tool to combat hunger and promote sustainability. Kavita’s partnership with farmers, food banks, and organizations expanded the impact beyond India.

Kavita has shared her insights on the power of simple ideas at prestigious venues such as the White House, the United Nations, SXSW, the Global Entrepreneurship Congress, Harvard University, and MIT. Notably, she was also a featured speaker at the Women in the World Summit alongside prominent figures like Hillary Clinton, Angelina Jolie, Meryl Streep, and Oprah Winfrey.

Her story showcases the power of resilience and purpose. Kavita Shukla’s dedication to reducing food waste and addressing environmental challenges continues to inspire change worldwide. Let these incredible women’s stories ignite the fire within you. Their journeys exemplify the boundless potential we all possess to create positive change. From music to science, human rights to environmental conservation, and social justice to self-empowerment, their stories resonate across borders, inspiring us to be catalysts for transformation in our own lives and communities. Together, let us embrace our limitless potential and make a lasting impact on the world.