Teachings I Learned from Meghan Markle
I have decided to try to learn to speak more Cantonese. For those of you don’t know, I am half-Chinese and Half-Indian. Growing up, I spoke broken Cantonese with my grandmother and I can understand more of the language than I can say. I wish I tried harder when I was younger because I had the opportunity to learn the language from my grandmother, but I didn’t value it then like I do now. So I decided after speaking with my cousin that I am going to try to speak more so I can hopefully teach Cantonese to my children someday. The Cantonese dialect is not as utilized in the world as Mandarin, but I even if I have to purchase children’s book, I want to be able to retain and build on this part of my heritage so it can live on with future generations.
Inspiration: Meghan Markle
I am inspired and follow Meghan Markle because she was one of the first people I heard publicly embrace her biracial identity. However, through following her I have learned and been exposed to so many great organizations, events, and issues that Meghan has contributed too. The following is an overview of what following Meghan has exposed me to and made me more passionate about:
Attended: Girl Up Global Leadership Summit
Meghan Markle was a keynote speaker for the virtual GirlUp Leadership a three day event that brings about change makers from around the globe committed to gender equality and empowering girls, “because when girls rise, we all rise.”
I was truly inspired by the speech Meghan Markle’s gave at the Leadership Summit. Here are some of my favorite quotes:
“Speak out for others who struggle to be heard.”
“Use your voices courageously.”
“Don’t underestimate your ability to push through the fear.”
“The hardest part is to chase your convictions with action.”
Meghan continues to inspire me to do my work and bring a voice to biracial women. Attending this conference also helped me personally because I am now working with the platform that the summit was hosted on for a conference I am hosting for entrepreneurship educators.
#SussexSquad
I am not the only person inspired by Harry and Meghan. A member of the Sussex Squad collaborated with Camfed to create education scholarships for girls in honor of Meghan and Harry’s birthdays. Not only was I exposed to a new community who are inspired by the work and passion of Harry and Meghan, but was introduced and donated to a charity that is helping with education opportunities for girls.
Fashion for a Purpose
I love fashion and following Meghan’s style. Through this I have been exposed to brands that help women owned businesses, are environmentally conscious, and products that are well made. The following are a few brands I now own because of Meghan: Rothys, Vejas, Madewell, Birdies, and Royal Jelly Harlem.
Smartworks Collection-Reflect on Myself
Meghan is celebrating the one year anniversary of her Smartworks capsule clothing collection, an initiative that helps women find employment with coaching tips and professional attire for their job interviews. For every item bought during the limited sale of the collection, another was donated to the U.K. charity, resulting in thousands of donations. Meghan continues to inspire me and the difference I can make in my own community. I am working on a collaboration with Dress for Success in Las Vegas to host an event at my organization. I already started receiving donations in spring 2020, but have to move the event to spring 2021 due to Covid-19.
Final Thoughts-Everyday Kindness
I truly believe that a small act of kindness like sending a handwritten post card and sending a quick text to a friend who you have not spoken to in a while can brighten someone’s day. Take 5 minutes today to drop a quick note in the mail to a family or friend you are thinking or and send a few kind words to the person you love the most and they will appreciate the thought that you are thinking of them.
Stay safe and healthy!
XOXO!
Nadine
