Empowering Stories, Shaping Tomorrow: Insights from the 2024 B.You Conference
Empowering Stories, Shaping Tomorrow: Insights from the 2024 B.You Conference (My experience)
Hey girl! Listen up... WISDOM FROM YOUR FUTURE SELF – the
captivating theme of this year's B.You Conference. Hundreds of young women
gathered at the Palms Convention Centre between 9 AM and 5 PM of October 5th
to be inspired. From its inception to the very end, a wave of energy and
vibrancy filled the room, with sounds of inspiration, conviction, and a fervent
drive to embrace their individual stories echoing throughout.
In 2017, the phenomenal young woman, known across the globe
as Berla Mundi, embarked on a journey to unveil potential and inspire young
women to believe in the power of their narratives and take action to shape
their futures. As a PR and media professional, Berla champions the power of
storytelling, encouraging others to soar on the wings of their unique
experiences. A role model to many, she responded to the desires and calls for
mentorship, convinced that the time was right. Thus, she initiated the B.You
Conference, a platform for young women to connect, learn, and take control of
their personal and professional journeys.
At the Palms Convention Centre, young ladies trooped in with
smiles on their faces – some alone, others in groups. For many, this was their
first time attending the event; for others, it was a much-anticipated annual
reunion. Their expressions mirrored palpable excitement and high expectations. The long
queues that emerged were a testament to the hunger and thirst for inspiration,
serving as a beacon of hope for the next generation of leaders.
Media companies on the grounds eagerly captured moments for
their news stories. The registration team worked diligently and swiftly to
assist the beautiful attendees, ensuring they received their souvenirs and made
their way into the auditorium. Unlike many conventional conferences, the B.You
Conference is characterised by vibrant, energetic participants who cheer on the
speakers, engaging fully in the fun and educational sessions. The speakers
connect with the audience, fostering an interactive atmosphere throughout their
presentations. The lively ambiance of music and entertainment at the B.You
Conference is unparalleled.
Not forgetting food – coffee, and lunch breaks that the young
ladies eagerly anticipate, alongside the daring business owners showcasing
their creations at the conference. From food to clothing, merchandise to
personal care items, a wide array of items were exhibited for participants to
patronise.
As a first-time attendee, I was both excited and uncertain
about how the event would unfold. Despite my nerves, I looked forward to having
an amazing time, knowing Berla Mundi to be a fun-loving person. Upon arriving
at the venue, I connected with the crew on the ground and assisted with the
registration process. Soon, I had the opportunity to sit back and enjoy the
event. The program featured sections for dancing, presentations by this year’s
Ghana’s Most Beautiful finalists, music, spoken word, and insightful panel
discussions.
Dr. Mrs. Ellen Hagan, the founder and CEO of L’AINE Service Limited,
the first speaker, urged everyone to pursue their dreams with boldness,
emphasising the importance of dreaming big. She noted that if your dreams don't
scare you, they likely aren't ambitious enough. Dr. Hagan highlighted the
significance of networking and seeking mentorship while reminding us to enjoy
every moment along the way. She also stressed the importance of giving back and
creating a lasting legacy.
Mrs. Sandra Ayeh focused on the theme of purpose, discussing
the necessity of nurturing a relationship with our Maker and building enduring
networks through mentorship.
Norvisi Sopke's story resonated with me the most, as we share
a background in academia that diverges from our current professional
field—marketing. She emphasised that no skill or experience is wasted,
encouraging us to focus on the present and excel in our current roles, as many
skills are transferable.
Dr. Louisa A. Satekla shared her insight that passion can
lead to success, regardless of one’s background, using her own journey as a
testament to this principle. Meanwhile, Elsielund Ewudzie-Samson elaborated on
her Big Samps Market business, underscoring the need to establish a business
that thrives independently of the founder, one that empowers all team members
to reach their full potential.
Beyond the beautiful memories created at the conference, one
aspect that struck me was the stark disparity in attendance between females and
males. I could count no more than ten males amidst hundreds of women. While
this initiative is commendable, I can't help but wonder about the young men out
there who lack similar support. Can we create initiatives that equally
prioritise and empower young men?
In conclusion, I would like to congratulate Berla Mundi and
the B.You by Berla Mundi team for their remarkable efforts. I hope that the
empowered attendees will take charge of their stories and take action to shape
their narratives. I eagerly look forward to the next edition.
Email: imawulorm@gmail.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/isaac-game-mawulorm-735561215/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/isaac_game_mawulorm/
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