Day one down and wow, was it amazing. Despite having long flights and late arrivals, the emerging leaders were dressed and ready for breakfast at 7:30am this morning. Finally seeing all 17 women together was such a surreal moment for our staff.

In scheduling interviews, booking flights, and corresponding with mentors, we had written their names so many times on paper. We had researched their profiles and studied their photos. We had spoken with their embassies and poured over their accomplishments.

We knew they were amazing, but today we found just how amazing they are. The vision they have for girls and women in their communities is second only to the courage they have displayed in pushing for social change.

As part of today’s session, we were also able to surprise and pay tribute to our emerging leaders through a new video we created titled “Strong Women. Better World.”

We hope you are also inspired by this video and the strength found in connecting women from all over the world through sports.

A special thanks to the U.S. Department of State, espnW, and all of the Global Sports Mentoring Program mentors for making this program possible.