From “Hogwarts for Europe's future female leaders” to Lifelong Bonds: My ELA’s journey.
To describe my experience in the first Women's Academy for Rural Innovation, I always use this quote from Margaret Mead: "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." because during that week I felt more empowered, inspired, and hopeful than I have ever felt in my life.
My entire life has been spent in a rural area. I applied to attend this school to actively contribute to making my rural community (and others) attractive to current and potential residents. Rural areas are not only places where our grandparents live; they are "the fabric of our society and the heartbeat of our economy" - Ursula von der Leyen. During one week, we had the opportunity to address many important topics, such as the use of new technologies in rural areas, keys to accessing funding as a rural entrepreneur woman, public speaking, innovation against gender-based violence, and much more! I won the "Rural Connectivity Champion", and I was so honoured because connectivity is the key for rural communities to innovate and thrive and will give power to the least connected group of all – women in rural areas.
In February 2023, I and the other three awarded talented women went to Brussels for another exhilarating experience, this time in the heart of the EU, in Brussels. I never anticipated that one day, as a rural lady from a household where no one holds a university degree, I would have this incredible opportunity. Together with some of the policymakers of the European Parliament and European Commission, we discussed our ideas about how to better the lives of people who live in rural areas and how we might give them power. We also met again with Nuno Machado Lopes, our amazing coach, who provided us with tools to continue our personal development.
In June 2023, I and three other alumnae delivered a speech at the Farewell Gala of the Summer School. Less than a year ago from that day, I never imagined being able to stand and speak to such a large audience. As a shy person, speaking up and sharing my thoughts was a significant challenge. However, everything changed thanks to the knowledge and empowerment tools provided by this school and the words of encouragement from the other #ChangeMakers.
I want to share with all of you three of the main takeaways that I took from ELA's family:
- Seize every opportunity that comes your way. (When we won the team award, I wanted to say something on the stage, but was too shocked and shy to do so. I deeply regretted not speaking up when I returned to my seat. Ten minutes later, I was called back to the stage to receive my individual prize. That time, I said what I wanted, but that second chance might not have happened, and I would regret it forever).
- "Young people can make the world a better place." (In the school, I met a Greek farmer who truly loves what she does and is applying technology to innovate in her field for easier, safer, and more sustainable production. She also uses her voice to change how young women are perceived in her sector. Another #ChangeMaker was driven to revive our landscapes and was very enthusiastic about the convergence of sustainable food systems and green infrastructures. Some #ChangeMakers were even founders of their own businesses or executives in fields like politics, education, food sustainability, and circular economy).
- "Never forget that empathy is your real strength, and it is your empathy that can help change this world for the better." - Berta Herrero.
The line "Today is the first day of the rest of your life" from a Portuguese song kept running through my head at the Farewell Gala of my school because there, surrounded by wonderful people with whom I had an incredible week, I truly felt that I had the power to create a positive change, to break barriers, and to inspire others. I left this Academy more confident, self-assured, and empowered, with more than half a hundred new role models. I improved my public speaking skills and developed a deep sense of empowerment and self-awareness. ELA has given me an invaluable support network and a platform for ongoing growth. I'm ready to use the knowledge and abilities I've learned from ELA as I move forward in my career to further my career goals. As we work to create a better future together, we will continue to encourage and support one another, leaving no one behind, like our absolutely amazing Director Berta Herrero always says.
Telma Alexandra Ribeiro Moreira on 06/10/2023