SILKMentoring.com, Bonifacio Global City Taguig, Taguig (2026)

15/05/2026

and the

How do we know someone is strong and whether they use their strength to change the world positively?

In 2000, the singer came to my attention through the album Can't Take Me Home. I felt her mental strength in the choice of words she used to describe independence, self-acceptance and . I saw her physical strength in the dance moves she had and the build of her physique. It was years later that I realized the depth of her emotional and spiritual strength in how she spoke to girls to rise, how she addressed her daughter's uncertainties and how she calls the rest of us out to step up.

One of her most striking quotes to me is this: “That girls embrace their power and their worth and their value in their youth, and not sell it or barter it for anything and have to buy it back later in life.”

There is so much strength I see in her and we can all learn a lot from her on how to show up and speak up in our communities - with the kind of strength that builds and sustains, and does not destroy anyone around.

this is

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pink_(singer)

11/05/2026

and the

We are all living in turbulent times yet must remain hopeful that peace will be realized in our lifetime.

As we all strive to do our part in the building of a peaceful world, allow me to shed light on an exemplar for Peacebuilding -
Ilwad Elman. She "briefed the UN Security Council on the Protection of Civilians debate in 2015. It was at this meeting that the annual thematic debate focused on women's empowerment and participation .... through the combined effect of the grass-root programmatic interventions she designs as well as her global advocacy, she has sparked national movements internally and garnered international attention externally to yield action towards durable solutions for the human suffering and protracted crisis in Somalia." (wikipedia extract)

“To me, peace is not just the absence of war,” says Ilwad Elman. “Peace is and ... and the freedom to be a part of the processes that ensure your own wellbeing.” (https://genevasolutions.news/peace-humanitarian/ilwad-elman-on-rebuilding-peace-processes-for-the-21st-century)

🌟Agency and autonomy🌟 and let's add to that something more powerful and lasting from ʻAbdu'l-Bahá:

"Children are educated by the women. The mother bears the troubles and anxieties of rearing the child, undergoes the ordeal of its birth and training. Therefore, it is most difficult for mothers to send to the battlefield those upon whom they have lavished such love and care. Consider a son reared and trained twenty years by a devoted mother. What sleepless nights and restless, anxious days she has spent! Having brought him through dangers and difficulties to the age of maturity, how agonizing then to sacrifice him upon the battlefield! Therefore, the mothers will not sanction war nor be satisfied with it. So it will come to pass that when women participate fully and equally in the affairs of the world, when they enter confidently and capably the great arena of laws and politics, war will cease; for woman will be the obstacle and hindrance to it. This is true and without doubt." (https://reference.bahai.org/en/t/ab/PUP/pup-51.html)

This is .

07/05/2026

and the

Gratitude is the we feel about the value of people, moments or learnings in our lives. Its expression can be seen in how we appreciatively speak about the instances that have helped mold us. Gratitude is also expressed in how we speak about the impact and contributions of others to us.

is a good example of an individual who frequently emphasizes gratitude, describing it as a core feeling regarding her life, career, and personal growth. She has spoken of the influence her family (specially her father) has on her and how she also values professional recognition for her contributions in an industry that does not have many spaces for women.

In my opinion, it is easier to be grateful when we are in a "good", "safe" or "successful" space. To show gratitude when things aren't working our way, when we have before us people who are not "good" or "positive", or when facing a "test" or "calamity" - is when being grateful really counts.

This is .

04/05/2026

and the

Emma Watson is a wonderful example of an individual who believes in the "equality" of human beings and who at the same time speaks openly about the advancement of women and girls. She is a prominent activist for gender equality and is a UN Women Goodwill Ambassador. Her quotes often highlight that feminism is about choice, equality, and inclusion, urging men to participate in the campaign. She encourages us to consider the value of pay equality and a different understanding of rigid gender roles, and most importantly, the belief that equality is a human right, not just a women's issue.

this is .

02/05/2026

and the

How do we remain present and show up day after day to serve the advancement of women and girls without "happiness"? Does this quality make a difference in how we serve?

Angelique Kidjo is an example of an individual who is vigilant in her practice of inner and her music reflects her . She says: “... I know that many people struggle to find joy, especially when there’s so much to worry about in our world today ... I wanted to put some fire back in people’s hearts, and show how much we need that joy and hope to keep our humanity going" (https://redlightmanagement.com/angelique-kidjo-turns-joy-into-a-revolution-on-new-album-hope-out-now-on-parlophone-warner-music/)

Other than her music... In 2006, Kidjo founded the Batonga Foundation with the stated goal of empowering and educating adolescent girls in sub-Saharan Africa. Kidjo invented the word "Batonga" as a child as a response to those who told her that girls did not belong in the classroom. Later, it would become the title of a hit song for her. The foundation has provided girls in five African countries (Mali, Benin, Sierra Leone, Ethiopia and Cameroon) with scholarships and in-kind support, supplied 8,727 students access to wells and latrines across seven schools in Benin, and offered 222,000 students in Benin's poorest regions Toms Shoes for the walk to school. In 2015 and 2016, Batonga began to focus on education programs aimed at excluded young women and girls, providing girls with safe spaces and mentors, equipping them with life and financial literacy skills, and helping them start small businesses. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ang%C3%A9lique_Kidjo)

Happiness is realized in many ways. It is felt as inner joy and to others, happiness is seen in our radiant faces or demeanor - they experience our radiance. We must strive to become happy, if for no other reason than to serve where we can, and serve as long as we can.

this is

30/04/2026

is an important quality in service or work towards the .

Decisiveness is the capacity to take an action, without hesitation. It usually stems from an understanding of unfulfilled needs in certain demographies. In the case of Rachel Cargle, the discrimination and prejudice towards people of color has become the purpose behind the work she does. She is known for her efforts in and in the social spaces she engages in.

I would like to highlight that she purposefully speaks about what it can mean to pursue a personal renaissance that stems from a decisiveness to break out of oppressive systems or structures in the quest to foster a truer identity; to use creativity to live in alignment with our highest values; to reimagine the self, solidarity, and womanhood in a more positive light.

this is

29/04/2026

and the

to me is about alignment - inner belief with outer actions, spiritual principles with material life, and the daily coming back to "center" - doing things over and over until it becomes habit.

A simple example of the practice of consistency towards a social cause is seen in the work of who promotes the zero-waste movement by fitting years of her trash into a single mason jar 🤔😉 but fundamentally advocates that sustainable living is simple, cost-effective, and impactful, something everyone can do. She has documented her personal journey and shares how she does it consistently, which is really, small changes at a time.

So how does "consistency" contribute to the advancement of women and girls? Its value lies in how we have to consistently take action that allows us to habitually act on principles that promote or advance the well-being of those denied their equality and equity.

This is

27/04/2026

and the

In my opinion, , who plays a lead role in the show Law and Order: , is an example of an individual who has helped redefine what responsibility can look like. Just look at how she has matured in her role on the show over almost 3 decades, specially in how she speaks of women's issues and causes; how she encourages open conversations and intentionally breaking the silence around sexual assault, human trafficking, child abuse, domestic violence, crime, clients (not called victims anymore), the ills of society, the long term impact of trauma, psychology, participation, etc., and what these words mean in the context of our ever changing world; how we can all lend our voices to assist humanizing, protecting and safeguarding those who experienced these blightful circumstances and at the same time, those who serve in these spaces.

The responsibility to take action outside of her workspace is seen in her advocacy work with www.joyfulheartfoundation.org which focuses on: Survivor healing programs; Public awareness campaigns; Policy and legislative advocacy, Ending stigma around sexual assault, etc.

Her great value to me was in the realization that we cannot divorce ourselves from the learnings of our workspaces - that while we become more educated and more experienced, we slowly begin to shoulder the responsibility to contribute to changes or shifts which need to happen so that the of everyone is safeguarded. What I have come to understand is that "responsibility" is not only being accountable for what we say we will do and the consequence thereof, rather it translates also building social trust.

this is nobility.

24/04/2026

is an important quality in or work towards the and the

This share is very personal.

My marriage to Alain Noghiu brought with it the gift of Ildico Noghiu . Her life story is complex and I will not be able to give it the time and space it requires. Allow me however to share a little bit about the work she does because when I think of Justice (the process or result of using laws to fairly judge cases, redress wrongs, and punish crimes), she comes to mind.

Ildico is gifted with the capacity to speak multiple languages. This capacity which was used in educational institutions in the earlier part of her life, found voice in the apprehension of individuals who trafficked women and girls and building cases to punish those found guilty by the Justice system. I remember her telling me how tedious it was to sit and listen to telephone conversation after telephone conversation and transcribe them as the cases were being built. I also remember how she shared on multiple occasions the excitement she felt when she witnessed the capture of a criminal because the team she was with built a solid and just case against these criminals who have harmed another maliciously or arbitrarily, so as to warrant an exemplary punishment.

I remember her face when she speaks of the women and girls, how she is uplifted when they save one... and when they capture a "ring", you should see her smile. With Justice, she helps save some even if it is a slow and long game.

This is

23/04/2026

is an important quality in service or work towards the .

Dr. Joanne Liu of Médecins Sans Frontières. shared this quote: "People inspire me. Every day, I meet amazing individuals in the field. When I see a mother who has walked for three weeks to come to a MSF clinic, with two kids on her back and her belongings on her head, facing intimidation and physical abuse on her way, I am inspired by her resilience - her desire for life". Although the quote reveals the raw experiences of work, it points to the awe felt that comes with the realization that those being helped are in fact the ones who most times show the greatest strength.

The charitable efforts given by those with skill and capacity towards those in need, is reciprocated by the charitable gift of those receiving the assistance, because they allow those who want to serve, be given the opportunity to serve. in its truest form is a two-way stream and it is devoid of pride. This view highlights the and humanity of the aid worker and the resilience and humanity of they who have endured the blights of life - like the mother she refers to in her quote.

how we perceive charity in service or work towards the advancement of women and girls is so important - it redefines who is serving whom; it reshapes how interconnectedness should be thought of and it highlights that without each other, we all become frail.

this is nobility.

SILKMentoring.com

15/05/2026

11/05/2026

07/05/2026

04/05/2026

02/05/2026

30/04/2026

29/04/2026

27/04/2026

24/04/2026

23/04/2026

Address

Website

Alerts

Contact The Business

Shortcuts

Share

Listing takedown request