THE LEADERS OF TOMORROW
ATHENA & TELEMACHUS ALUMNI
2024
TELEMACHUS & ATHENA
Women Need to Be Strong in Demanding Their Rights and Privileges
Faithfulness in the Little Things
With Perseverance and Self-respect, We Can Endure More Than We Think
Mentors Encourage Constructive Feedback and Help Build Self-confidence
Embracing Change and Being Open to New Experiences Is essential for Personal Growth
A Mentor Plays A Crucial Role in Fostering My Development
Embrace the Journey
Perseverance and Hard Work Are the Keys to Success
See Hurdles As Opportunities for Growth
Never Lose Hope and Motivation, Keep Trying
A Mentor Provides Guidance, Support and Inspiration
Persistence and Hard Work Can Overcome Even the Toughest Obstacles
The World Will Not Change by Huge Steps, But with Gentle Steps, With Love and Care
Good Things Do Not Come Easily
Nothing Is Permanent and Everything Is Subject to Change
A Mentor Brings to the Fore the Blind Spots and Holds You Accountable
Mentoring Is Necessary for People of Any Age
Self-motivation Is Key to Achieving Your Goals
Failure Is not Failure But an Experience with A Lesson
Leave the World A Better Place Than I Found It
Focus on the Larger Context to Overcome Obstacles
Focus on the Positive Aspects of Others Rather Than Their Shortcomings
Treat Others the Way You Would Want to Be Treated
Never Give Up!
Despite the Tough Times, We Must Keep Going
2023
TELEMACHUS & ATHENA
If you really want something in life, you will work hard for it.
Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and learning.
Don't give up, work hard and pursue your dream.
It might be tough but with determination, you are bound to succeed
Embrace change and develop adaptability
Laughter is the best medicine
It is important the cooperation between the private and public sector to develop long-lasting impact projects
Women should be treated and respected equally in every aspect of society
My mentor is helping me navigate challenges and seize opportunities
Get out of your comfort zone and believe in yourself.
The power to create change lies within each and every one of us.
Never be afraid to try something new, no matter the outcome.
My mentor helps me to visualise my future.
Believe in yourself and add value to your life.
Be stronger and stand up for your dreams
Never give up!
Effort must achieve.
Education is the key to unlocking human potential
You are your future!
2022
TELEMACHUS & ATHENA
Think of an Inspiring Female Leader, then Add a Little Bit of Spice!
The Pandemic Reminded Me that Our Current Systems and Cultures Are Profoundly Unsustainable and Degenerative
Mentors Are Bridges that Connect Us from Our Current Stage to Where We Aspire to Be
In My Country, Women Are Victims of Discrimination in Decision Making, Forced Marriages, and Marginalization
My Society Experiences an Amalgam of Challenges that Stem from Undealt Structural Inequalities
The Pandemic Has Opened my Mind to Be Connected to the World Through Digital Platforms
Enjoy the Journey, Don't Wait for the Destination
The Key Challenge Is the Increasing Level of Intolerance among People
I Rise Up in a World of Men and Technology
Nothing Is Hard, It Is Just Unfamiliar, and You Can Learn
I Try to Uncover Different Patterns of Inequalities Rooted in the Country
Life Has Taught Me that Nothing Is Permanent. Life Can Change in a Second
Knowledge Is Power, but Knowledge About Yourself Is Self-empowerment
I Do Not Believe in Miracles but in Consistent Efforts, Networking, Collaboration and Hard Work
Being Unable to Look After Myself and My Daughter Is the Hardest Thing I Have Had to Deal With
Moving Out of Jordan Forced Me to Learn that Change Is a Learning Opportunity
The World Must Devote Research to Health and Science and Not Physical Might
Though I Am Still Struggling, I Am Learning More Digital Skills and Becoming Stronger as I Pave My Way to the Top
My Mother Has Been the Iron Lady and Matriarch of My Family, She Embodies Strength and Resilience
We Need to Have Stable Medical Systems to Combat Such Crises
My View of the World Is that We Are Living at A Time Where There Is A Need for Flexibility, Creativity, and Innovation
I Can Overcome Any Hurdle that May Come My Way With Sheer Dedication and Determination
Remain Grateful, Let Things Go, and Continue Being Kind
2021
TELEMACHUS & ATHENA
Don’t take things personally - life can be a beautiful experience
Anytime I get a no when I knock on one door, it just means that I need to look for another door
Don’t wait for others to cheer you on, instead cheer yourself on, encourage yourself
Mentors are like roadmaps; with their experience, they guide you through life’s journey by helping you avoid the mistakes they made
Patience, hard work and perseverance are important in life
It is time to start listening to the new generation
The pandemic has reinforced my belief in never taking anything for granted in life
Life has taught me that we write our own stories
I encountered a resilient version of myself where I knew that there is no limit to what I as a woman could achieve
Be determined, not just motivated
A mentor helps you to unleash your potential
A qualification can help open doors, but it is not an automatic gateway into your desired career
Without any expectations, help and do whatever you can to support people in need
I think the best lesson is that you should always keep learning, keep taking risks and be open to experiences
Exist in the present but also focus on, and enjoy, the process
Giving up is not an option for me
Focus on your abilities and start working on achieving your milestones without any fear. Only YOU can do it!
If we want our teams to feel safe and comfortable at work, we need to foster an environment that supports that safety and comfort
Community is everything.
Do something today that your future self will be thankful for.
I have learnt that there is no way I can make everyone happy around me, no matter how much I want to
If you let downfalls get to you, this will only put you down
The path towards excellence is dreaming big and planning well
Most times rejection is just a redirection
2020
TELEMACHUS & ATHENA MENA
No Matter Your Religion, Gender, Region Is; Success Is one Step Ahead
World Is One Family!
Be Perseverant in Your Beliefs and Ideas
Do not Give Up!
A Better World Is Where We Prioritize Human Above All
There Is no Limit of Who You Can Become in Life
A Mentor Provides Accelerated Wisdom
A Better World Is Shaped by People with Good Thoughts, Good Words and Good Deeds
A Mentor Is There to Elevate Ideas
Live Your Life to Its Full Extent
Living a Normal Life Is a Blessing
Life Is a Series of Exams
Always Seek Opportunity Especially Amidst Chaos
As Far as You Believe in Yourself Nothing Is Impossible
A Better World Is a Result of the Human Race Coming Together as One
2019
TELEMACHUS & ATHENA MENA
“Fruits of hard work and sacrifice will pay off”
"Mentoring is more of exchanging knowledge"
"Persistence will get you there!"
"My mentor helped me to have a clear vision of my actual goals"
“There is a culture against women with ambitions”
“The hope of a better world will allow the world to be better”
“Life is a raw material”
"True happiness comes from giving back to society"
"A mentor helps you to shape your thoughts towards the right path"
"You choose what you want to be"
“Nothing Should Be Taken for Granted”
“Through mentorship, I moved from theories to implementation”
"Experiencing kindness, it feels like a breath of fresh air."
“Mutual understanding, empathy and respect are the keys for a better world”
"Believe in yourself and in your own potential"
"The insight of a mentor is of tremendous help"
"Let your only limit be the sky"
“The best you can do is to be a good person”
“Always be resilient, challenges are part of life”
“Don’t wait for the big chances. Wake up and search for them.”
“Believe in yourself”
“Aspire to reach your goals but also to enjoy and savor the process”
“My mentor helped me reflect on how best to define success”
“Seize the opportunity, do not wait for perfect moments”
“Always try and don’t wait around for things to come your way”
“You can be anything you want in life, just dream”
“To become a leader you have to speak up”
“If your dreams don’t frighten you, they are not big enough”
“Rejections are not the end of the world”
“Diversity is a catalyst for dialogue and fosters joint solutions”
“Put yourself as a priority”
“In a better world everyone must be included and treated fairly”
“Do not judge things only by emotion”
“Choose a struggle and work your way up”
“Having good mentors for young people is crucial”
“There is always a new peak to conquer”
“Never give up, just do your best”
“Follow your passion and stand for what you believe”
“Take advice but make the final decision alone”
“A better world is when peace and sustainability flourish”
“Solidarity is prerequisite for achieving a more equal world”
“Work hard despite the challenges”
“There is always hope in life”
“No one is too experienced to learn something new”
“Accept people for who they are”
“Never give up!”
“Don’t make permanent decisions based on temporary emotions”
“Always help with no expectation of reward”
“Don’t fear failure”
“Trust the process, live in the moment”
“Every tear, crisis, failure and sweat will definitely pay off one day”
“Patience, integrity, respect and teamwork are the best way to lead”
“Dream big and let no one let you down”
“If we want, we can”
“Comfort zones are killers of ambition and progress”
“Be true to yourself and always listen to your inner voice”
“We just need a simple belief in ourselves”
“Happiness is an inside job, it comes from within”
“A good leader must listen and develop higher emotional intelligence”
“Never give up! Struggle until the last moment and the last breath”
2018
TELEMACHUS
"Finding joy in a world full of suffering is attainable."
"We are enabled to shape the future we want to live in."
"The concept of a better world, involves solidarity."
"Don't Think too Much and Just Do It!"
"There is no clear vision for young people in Sudan."
“Live According to Your Own Purpose, Ideas and Rules”
"A mentor helps me separate emotional sentiments from purpose."
"Try the thing that you’re always dreading!"
“Never Give Up and Always Keep Going”
"Political leaders have failed to deliver prosperity."
"As a girl I faced many negative social forms."
"Having my GTF mentor made all the difference in what I am doing."
"Mistakes Are Precious Life Lessons"
"There is a need to educate young people"
"We need to keep fighting as life is a big long fight."
"We are all engaged in the same thing: humanity."
"Poverty and unemployment are my main hurdles."
"One of the biggest lessons that life has taught me is to never judge, but listen."
"We as humans are very quick to criticize those who don’t share our opinions."
"Disparity in education and poverty are the two most important challenges in India."
"With platforms like the Global Thinkers Forum every individual has a potential to influence."
"Most Zimbabwean women suffer discrimination under the patriarchal social system."
"When people feel disenfranchised, they become less involved in political processes."
"People are fundamentally more similar than different."
"As a young person, the biggest hurdle was the stigma and discrimination because of sickle cell"
"The fear of dreaming big, creates small enemies within ourselves."
"My concept of a better world is one where everybody has equal access to opportunities and resources."
"The dominating element of the today’s world is complexity. However"
"The Nepalese society has to overcome challenges like underemployment, unemployment and girls trafficking."
"The biggest challenge in Ukrainian society is a post-soviet mindset."
"As an Asian woman, I was assumed to be and expect to be docile, obedient and easy to control."
2017
TELEMACHUS
"Let Your Dreams Be Bigger Than Your Fears"
“Not to Be Afraid to Take Risks in Life”
“Always Give Everything the Benefit of the Doubt”
“Each Decision Has More Consequences Than We Can Imagine”
“I Have Learnt to Remain Simple”
“We Need a Respectful Relationship Between People and Nature”
“Be the Change You Want to See in the World”
“Don't Give Up, And Grow a Thick Skin”
“Somehow Things Always Seem to Work Out”
“Respect and Cherish Diversity"
“It Is Very Important to Strike a Balance Between Leading Life And Letting Life Lead You”
“Everything in Life Teaches You a Lesson”
“Be Caring Towards the Others and Respectful of Other Cultures, Religions and Lives”
“I Learnt to Accept Diversity”
“You Can Fall Down, but You Can Still Get Back Up”
“Nothing Is Impossible In This World, Just Be Proactive And Hope For The Best”
“Personal Circumstances Have Taught Me How Valuable Mentorship Is”
“Start With What You Have In Your Hands To Achieve What You Aspire And Dream”
“Barriers To What You Can Achieve Only Exist In The Mind”
“Speaking Honestly About The Way You Feel Is Not A Sign Of Weakness But Of Strength”
“Now Is Always The Best Time To Make A Difference”
ATHENA
“Expect The Unexpected”
“Follow Your Dream And Set A Plan To Make It Real”
“Take Small Steps Towards The Bigger Goal”
“Be Open To Ask For Help”
“Everybody Is Unique And Special In Their Own Way”
“If You Really Want Something, Then It's Achievable”
“View All Challenges As Opportunities To Learn And Grow”
“Be Bolder And Less Afraid Of Failing”
2016
" Never Forget the People Who Stand Alongside You. "
" Life Is Sheer Brilliance, Always."
" The future depends upon what you do today."
" People need to have a change of behavior from the grassroots to the top level."
" I proved to all that I can achieve my goal."
" A better world starts when we are able to love everyone."
" Gender Equality is a Major Issue in Ethiopia."
" Our World Currently Is A Pyramid with Resources Unequally Distributed."
" Nothing Good Comes Easy, I Always Tell Myself."
" A Mentor is The Paternal Figure Equivalent of The Business World."
" If You Don't Like Something Don't Do It."
" Everyone Has Potential To Contribute Back To Society."
" It Is Important To Live For Something That You Are Passionate About."
" Each and Every One of Us Is Unique and Important, and No-one Is Insignificant."