Last week, I had the incredible opportunity to facilitate a new session under Google’s initiative #IAmRemarkable, right in my hometown of Cambridge, and in person! This remarkable experience became possible due to the gracious support of the Cambridge Ethnic Community Forum, whose convening power made this event a reality.

As I stepped into the session, it struck me that this might have been one of the smallest groups I’ve ever worked with, but let me assure you, the impact was far from small. In fact, I left the room with overflowing inspiration and a sense of fulfillment.

The session’s doors were open to all refugee and migrant women in Cambridge, and from the very beginning, the room brimmed with the richness of diversity and the wealth of lived experiences. Among the attendees were a Ukrainian, a Bangladeshi, a Sudanese mother and daughter, a Sierra Leonean, a Turkish, a half Malaysian half English, and a South African mother and daughter – a true tapestry of cultures and backgrounds. It was a beautiful gathering, with women from different corners of the world. Their stories, challenges, and achievements were woven together, creating a tapestry of inspiration.

To me, creating safe spaces where people can come together, share their life stories, and uplift each other is a sacred act. It lies at the very heart of personal and community development. So, when I first came across the #IAmRemarkable initiative, I knew deep within that I wanted to be a part of it. The initiative’s simple yet powerful formula empowers facilitators to create safe, inspiring, and empowering environments where everyone can celebrate their own achievements unapologetically, and acknowledge their worth. It addresses the implicit biases both in society and workplaces and equips the participants to spot them and change the dominant narrative around them. It fosters upliftment and meaningful connections among participants, and I have to say, witnessing the genuine connections and the positive energy that usually flows during the session, I became an ardent admirer of this movement.

Let’s continue to cherish diversity, empower one another, and build meaningful connections as we embark on this journey of self-recognition, appreciation, and celebrating our remarkable selves!

 Find out more about #IAmRemarkable

Ready to bring this workshop to your organisation or community for free? Reach out to me at info@reemassil.com