In early March, I had the honor of being invited as a keynote speaker for an International Women’s Day event in Toronto, Canada organized by the Armenian Relief Society, Roubina Chapter. The invitation came as both a surprise and a privilege, as it offered me an opportunity to share my journey as an artist, entrepreneur, and advocate for women’s empowerment. What made it even more special is that I am a third generation ARS member and my daughter Sosse is 4th generation. The highlight for me came even before I started my speech because Sosse was chosen to introduce me to the stage. Her heartfelt speech was one of the crowning moments of my life as a parent. I was touched to tears hearing her reflections of me as her mother and role model.
The atmosphere in Toronto was electric, brimming with the energy of women from diverse backgrounds who had gathered to celebrate the progress we’ve made. As I stepped onto the stage, I felt an overwhelming sense of responsibility—not just to represent myself, but to speak on behalf of all women who have ever been silenced, overlooked, or underestimated.
I began my speech by reflecting on my journey. I spoke about the challenges I’ve faced as a woman in the arts and business world, the stereotypes I’ve had to break, and the persistent need to prove my worth in spaces that weren’t always welcoming. It was important for me to highlight the intersection of my identity as an Armenian woman and how that has shaped my perspective and resilience.
One of the key points I emphasized was the importance of mentorship and community. Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to have mentors who believed in me, even when I doubted myself. Another central theme of my speech was the idea of authenticity. As women, we often feel pressured to conform to certain expectations or to fit into predefined roles. I shared my belief that our greatest strength lies in embracing our true selves—in our passions, our values, and our perspectives. By staying true to who we are, we not only empower ourselves but also inspire others to do the same.
Being a part of the International Women’s Day event in Toronto was more than just an honor; it was a reminder of the power we hold as women. Together, we can create change, uplift each other, and continue to pave the way for future generations. As I left the event, I felt a renewed sense of purpose and commitment to the causes I hold dear, and I am excited to continue this journey with all of you by my side.
Here’s to the strength, resilience, and brilliance of women everywhere.
Here’s the link to my speech should you wish to watch it.https://youtu.be/ciZ79rRl9tw?si=izx8doMd9Ly_v5h0&t=203
