What a way to wrap up Q1 and the month of March, doing some of the things I love most.

Last Saturday, I had the honor of presenting my book Local to Global: My Career Mosaic of Growth Beyond Borders and speaking at the Lisbon Project ’s International Women’s Day celebration.

It was a beautiful gathering, an inspiring blend of women, cultures and community.

The energy in the room was powerful, and the conversations deeply meaningful.

For many of us in that room, though miles away from our home countries, it was a reminder that home is not just a place, it is something we carry within us. In that space, thanks to the Lisbon Project, it truly felt like home.

Here are 3 reflections I shared:

✨ What growth beyond borders means to me
It exists in two dimensions. The first is geographical, moving across countries, cultures, and all the highs and lows that come with it.
The second is more intangible, navigating internal borders. The courage to say no to expectations imposed on you, to challenge societal labels, of belonging, and to choose your own path.

✨ Identity is a living organism
Partly rooted, partly evolving. Living and working across cultures has taught me to be intentional, knowing when to dial up certain parts of my identity and when to dial them down, without losing my core and not shrinking to fit in.

✨ From balance to intentional alignment
I do not see ambition and family as something to balance, but to align. Life happens in seasons. There are seasons when career stretches you, and others when family needs you more deeply.
The key is not guilt, but clarity, knowing what matters most in the moment and showing up fully for it. Investing in boundaries and support systems is not a luxury, it is a necessity.
And over time, I have learned to define success on my own terms.

It was especially meaningful to hear from people in the audience how these reflections resonated with their own realities, not just in the workplace, but socially and in their parenting journeys as well.

Moments like this remind me of the power of shared stories and intentional spaces.

Thank you, Lisbon Project for the opportunity.

I look forward to Q2, more connections, more platforms, and continuing conversations beyond my book.