What does empowerment really take?
In this talk, the speaker opens by asking why Esther, a teenage girl from St. Teresa's in rural Uganda, cannot be given the same opportunities to thrive as more privileged youth. She highlights that all marginalized young people deserve access to the opportunities enjoyed by the audience, and questions what concrete resources—such as solar panels, microloans, or mentors—are needed to shift mindsets and empower under‑privileged youth. The speaker reflects on her own journey, noting that while the UN defines youth in a specific age range, her personal experience has led her to pause and consider the path that brought her to this moment and the work that lies ahead. Concluding with a call to action, she emphasizes that real change requires each person to be the change and to do their part.
