Women’s Day Seminar – Dare to be Different: Encouraging Unconventional Choices
On April 10th, the LUBM Women Empowerment Seminar: Dare to Be Different welcomed 80+ attendees for an evening of courageous stories, powerful lessons, and real connection built around one message: there’s no single path to success.
Seven remarkable women took the stage, each proving that unconventional choices can become extraordinary journeys. The energy in the room shifted instantly when Colonel Kimberly Boyd declared, “WATCH ME,” a bold response to anyone who ever doubted her ability. That moment set the tone for the evening brave, authentic, and unapologetically human.
Keynote speaker Aliyyah Koloc brought the theme to life as a living example of how belief and grit can overcome challenges. Her journey and achievements as one of the youngest, fastest racers today reminded everyone that resilience can accelerate dreams.
The panel continued to inspire with stories that broke stereotypes and redefined what’s possible:
- Fouzia Zahoor Vlogger shared how driving a 22-wheeler truck challenged assumptions and proved that capability isn’t defined by physical expectations.
- Meriem (Beekeeping Backstage) left the audience in awe with her determination pushing past doubt to build and manage two bee farms.
- Dawn Barnable highlighted her mission through The Mettle Set, creating space and visibility for female and Middle Eastern athletes.
- Taiba, a Nuclear Power Engineer, delivered a session filled with confidence, knowledge, and empowerment leaving attendees feeling capable and inspired.
- Luciana Kusaka, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt Coach (3rd Dan), shared insights from over a decade of experience training children, police, and military personnel, building programs that strengthen fitness, toughness, and discipline, and she also serves as an active international BJJ referee.
As each speaker shared her truth, the audience leaned in curious, moved, and motivated. The event sparked dozens of thoughtful questions, meaningful conversations, and a strong sense of solidarity across the room.
What united everyone that night was a shared belief: no work is irrelevant, and with support, courage, and the choice to be unapologetically different, lives can change.
Dare to Be Different wasn’t just a seminar it was a reminder that the boldest journeys often begin with the courage to choose your own path.
