Today we’d like to introduce you to Farhana Hasan.
Hi Farhana, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Being a girl in the part of the world I was born in, I did not see my full value as a whole human. The cultural restrictions I faced because of my gender were so extreme that it was impossible to break free and realize my true potential. Fortunately, I was able to immigrate to the United States at a young age and experience many of the things I was denied previously. I thought my problems were over forever, and I would finally be able to claim my space in the world. However, I quickly realized that at some fundamental levels, women had the same barriers to equality in different forms, even in this land of the free. In career, leadership, motherhood, healthcare, and other areas of life, women are lagging lightyears behind.
Here too, there is no checklist for success that considers women’s unique situations, choices, and lifestyles. There is a scarcity of mentors, role models, and champions for women to follow or look up to. There is also no prescribed process for women to get to the next levels in life and leadership. To make things worse, in the majority of instances, it is the women themselves who lack awareness that their place in the world is subpar. I did not see a lot of women being highlighted for their efforts and their successes in a world where recognition can make or break one’s career.
The U.S. gave me the human dignity and the value I was seeking in my childhood, but along with that came the harsh reality that I was a woman of color, and my fight for recognition here is as much of an uphill battle as my fight for basic rights in my youth in my country of birth. I also acknowledged that I was privileged to get the recognition, exposure, and diverse leadership experience I personally received in my career.
I decided to use my professional experience with technology, data, leadership development, and cross-functional knowledge base to create a unique social enterprise to empower women, which ultimately led me to leave other career opportunities to fully concentrate on HerWILL. My vision was to build a community of highly talented women to succeed in different professions and stages of life. I wanted an organization that establishes a work culture that is unique to women’s circumstances that sets an example for Future of Work (FOW) to other organizations.
Therefore, I felt a growing desire to address the gaps and fill them with the opportunities I was privy to and create an organization that contributes greatly to achieving gender equality. The truth is that I did not start a “business” I ignited a revolution.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My journey has been far from smooth, but it’s these challenges that have fueled my determination and commitment to HerWILL and the cause of gender equality. In addition to what I mentioned about the cultural limitations in my country of birth, and then facing the social realities of my country of choice, I realized that women’s struggles were universal. We all faced formidable barriers to equality, albeit in different forms.
Building HerWILL from the ground up also presented its share of challenges. Securing funding, developing innovative programs, and creating a community of empowered women required relentless effort and dedication. Maintaining a delicate balance between financial prudence and seizing new opportunities still is a continuous challenge.
Additionally, raising awareness about the importance of gender equality and rallying support for our cause in a world where “feminism” is a misunderstood phrase, turned out to be a constant battle. But every obstacle has only strengthened my resolve to continue this revolutionary journey.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
HerWILL is not just a nonprofit; it’s a movement dedicated to advancing gender equality through education, advocacy, technology, and innovation. We’re known for empowering women from all walks of life and creating opportunities for them to thrive.
It’s essential to understand that HerWILL isn’t merely a platform for discussions; we are strong proponents of action. Our belief is rooted in the idea that beyond raising awareness about gender disparities in life and leadership, creating tangible economic opportunities that propel women to the pinnacle of their chosen fields is the pivotal catalyst for driving systemic change.
What do you do, what do you specialize in / what are you known for?
Data Science and AI Leadership Development: We’ve pioneered a program in the United States and designed to empower women of color in the tech industry, bridging the gender and racial gap in this dynamic field.
Innovative Use of Social Media: Leveraging cutting-edge platforms, we advocate for women, amplify their voices, and globally highlight their success stories, harnessing technology’s power for change.
Global Impact: HerWILL transcends geographical boundaries, sponsoring activities and coordinating community efforts worldwide. We strive to increase STEM-career opportunities for those disadvantaged by gender or racial injustice, becoming a global force for change. We are currently working in four countries with our innovative virtual reach.
Unique Work Culture: Our pride lies in our work culture, thoughtfully tailored to accommodate women’s unique circumstances. We’re not just advocating for the future of work; we’re setting the example at HerWILL.
Character-Driven Leadership: Beyond tech education, we foster character-based leadership. We offer leadership development and experiential learning by global experts not found in traditional academic curricula. We believe character forms the foundation of great leadership.
Team-Centric Culture: Our team is our first cohort, learning and leading by example. We cultivate a work culture where human dignity comes first, with flawlessly executed workstreams and decentralized decision-making.
What sets you apart from others?
What sets us apart is our holistic approach to empowering women. We’re not just about education, and employment, entrepreneurial, and leadership opportunities; we’re about character development, leadership, and creating a unique work culture that puts human dignity at the forefront. We use technology innovatively to amplify our message globally.
What are you most proud brand-wise?
We’re most proud of our brand’s association with innovation, inclusivity, and enduring impact. Our brand signifies a transformative movement dedicated to achieving gender equality.
What do you want our readers to know about your brand, offerings, services, etc.?
We want readers to know that HerWILL is not just an organization; it’s a community of empowered women, mentors, global experts, decision-makers, and champions working together to establish a world where gender equality is the norm, not the exception. Our offerings and services are designed to uplift and empower women from all backgrounds. We’re here to make a real and lasting difference in the world.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
What many people may not know about me is that I made a 360-degree shift in my career. I transitioned from a highly lucrative corporate leadership role in commercial aviation to the world of development work. My life philosophy revolves around continuous growth, which means constantly venturing into entirely new areas, even starting at the very bottom of my learning curve.
I dive headfirst into new domains, immerse myself in learning, drive substantive change, and then eagerly move on to the next exciting adventure. This unwavering commitment to continuous growth and embracing new challenges is what keeps me alive and thriving, even when facing the unknown.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://herwill.org
- Instagram: herwill_global
- Facebook: facebook.com/herwill.org
- Linkedin: linked.com/in/farhanahasan1
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@herwill-global
- Other: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/13lUWEtLoRYYzJo2A7g6mC5NEd5h-esl7 and https://herwill.org/giving-tuesday
Image Credits
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/13lUWEtLoRYYzJo2A7g6mC5NEd5h-esl7
