Speaking on the “Women in Politics” Panel – July in Washington, D.C.
- contactsamiashell
- Aug 15
- 2 min read
An Inspiring Gathering of Women Leaders
In July, I had the honor of speaking on a “Women in Politics” panel hosted by Her Rising Initiative in Washington, D.C. The event brought together an inspiring group of women from public policy, democracy advocacy, grassroots organizing, and Capitol Hill — and I was proud to share the stage with them.
The room was electric: over 100 young women filled the audience, eager to learn, ask questions, and network. Our discussion ranged from career pathways in politics, to taking calculated risks, to building skills that open doors for leadership opportunities.
Sharing My Journey from the UN to Congress
When it was my turn to speak, I reflected on my experiences as a United Nations Advisor working on international environmental and human rights law, my role in global legal campaigns, and my recent position as a Law Clerk in Congress with the House Committee on Energy & Commerce’s Oversight & Investigations Subcommittee.
These roles taught me about the power of legal expertise, the importance of global collaboration, and the impact of dedicated public service — lessons I wanted to pass on to the next generation.
A Humbling and Emotional Surprise
The most unforgettable part of the day came after the panel, when I met so many of my TikTok followers in person. Young women approached me with hugs, kind words, and even tears, telling me how my content had inspired them to apply to law school, pursue advocacy work, or simply believe their voice matters.
It was humbling, emotional, and a powerful reminder that what we share online can have a real and lasting impact offline.
Continuing the Work
Since that day, I’ve been even more motivated to invest in the next generation of women leaders. One way I’m doing that is through my Small Circles Mentorship Group, a free two-month program for young women interested in law, advocacy, climate, and human rights — which I share more about in another post.
That July afternoon reaffirmed something I deeply believe: leadership isn’t just about holding a position — it’s about using your platform to open doors for others. And that’s exactly what I plan to keep doing.
Comments