Reflecting on "The Power of ‘Yes’," I am reminded of the immense potential unlocked by embracing unexpected opportunities. Saying "yes" to my friend Jennifer Dixon, the Executive Director of World Chicago, has allowed me to step into experiences that have enriched my personal and professional journey in ways I hadn’t imagined. When Jennifer came to me to see if I would be a host for the Young Transatlantic Innovation Leaders Initiative, I had no idea what impact these experiences would have on me. Through each affirmative choice, I've encountered new collaborations, skills, and ideas, propelling my journey forward. Embracing the unknown has empowered me to make an impact far beyond the familiar, proving that even the smallest "yes" can drive profound transformation.

Introduction to WorldChicago and Exchange Programs

My introduction to WorldChicago began as a simple connection, but it soon transformed into a path that has brought incredible women, experiences and collaborations into my life. Serving as a Fellowship Host has been a fulfilling role where I’ve had the privilege of hosting international fellows from Spain and Bosnia and Herzegovina and supporting their growth while gaining invaluable insights. While I was initially concerned that the aspects of Marketing we were each in were not an “exact match” - that was never a problem. The experiences as a Fellowship Host also led me to serving as an expert panelist, expanding my reach in fostering cross-cultural dialogue and innovation with global entrepreneurs across many sectors. Through these engagements, I was honored to travel through YTILI to Madrid, Spain and Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, experiences that enriched both my life and work. My journey with WorldChicago culminated in the honor of becoming a Department of State Exchange Alumni. The testament to the lasting impact these exchanges have had on me is when Jennifer asked me again to participate, I said “Yes”.

Collaborating with Isabel Bustos and her company, Atlas Marketing, has been a transformative journey that connected us with other women business owners across borders, underscoring how collaboration at all levels can spark meaningful change. Working with a Fellow of another program who was a graduate student where I was inspired by her creative insights from her previous experience shaped new and effective marketing strategies for my clients, while her exposure to the experiential marketing approach at ADROC helped prepare her to excel in graduate school in Ireland. Most recently, my trip to Sarajevo with Sladja Bogdanovic of NostraLex helped us lay the foundation for a transatlantic mentorship network aimed at empowering women entrepreneurs in Bosnia Herzegovina. This collaborative initiative seeks to foster cross-border support, knowledge-sharing, and lasting growth for women-led businesses.

Programs like YTILI are vital for nurturing innovation, building international partnerships, and creating mentorship opportunities that shape the future of entrepreneurship. These “YES” experiences reaffirmed my belief in the power of shared knowledge, diversity, and collaboration as catalysts for personal growth and economic transformation.

Thank you, Jennifer Dixon and WorldChicago, for making it so easy to say “YES” to these life-changing opportunities. I look forward to deepening these connections and amplifying our impact on women-led businesses worldwide.