Shirley Osei-Mensah, Student, blogger and Internet entrepreneur

I decided to speak at TEDxYouthInspire 2010 because I wanted to share my experiences in life and what I learned with young people like me and the whole world as a whole, to inspire them in living their lives.

I think the whole TEDxYouthInspire 2010 event was a great success and it was very inspiring and motivating.

Yawa-Hansen-Quao, Social activist and travel professional

It was a great honor for me to have been invited to speak at TEDxYouthInspire. I chose to speak on the topic “Redefining Empowerment” because I believe there needs to be more mainstream discussion on how BOTH genders need to change in order to see a future with fewer divorces, more successful female leaders & confident, responsible men etc. To me, the solution is easy; we need to help men and women build confidence, enhance skills and foster positive relationships.

Participating was definitely worthwhile and I would have loved more conversation/discussion time. TEDxYouthInspire was proof positive that there does exist a pool of vibrant young Africans whose voices should be heard.

For the future, we should remain in contact and perhaps meet periodically to share more ideas “worth spreading” and catch up on the progress of our individual initiatives.

Aboyeji E Iyinoluwa, Student leader and writer

I had a slightly different experience from everyone else because I was “virtually present”. It was about 5 am on the east coast and I must admit, I did nod a little but altogether it was very good from what I saw.

At first, I thought I would not have much to say but then I decided to use the opportunity to out a project I had been working on concerning entrepreneurship education and higher education.

It would have been great to be physically present. Pre-recorded videos are all good but they don’t make for the best TED talks.

All in all, I am glad that distance did not prevent me from connecting with all the wonderful people.

All in all, it is interesting and heartwarming to realize that TEDxYouthInspire was not only inspiring to the attendees but to the speakers as well. What remains is how to translate this positive outflow of youthful energy into concrete action.

Yawa Hansen-Quao

Asanti Dance Theatre

Esi Yankah

Mac-Jordan Holdbrookes-Degadjor

Shirley Osei-Mensah

All photos by Rodney Quarcoo. View more photos and stay update with TEDxYouthInspire on Facebook.

Born and raised in Ghana, Yawa is a graduate of Ashesi University. While there, she became the first female student government president at university level across the entire sub-Saharan Africa region.

Through her project, Leading Ladies Network, Yawa seeks to forge partnerships and sustain mentoring between women who want to learn more, be more and achieve more. She does so by focusing on skill-building, networking and creating support for and among women. Yawa also believes travel can be harnessed as a tool for personal development due to its ability to “transform people without permission”.

TEDxYouthInspire interviewed her about her work with youth in Ghana.

TEDxYouthInspire: What is your motivation for initiating and pursuing the Leading Ladies’ Network?
Yawa Hansen-Quao: There are two things that drive me. The belief that it is possible for a woman to be empowered, yet maintain strong and healthy relationships with men and other women and my own personal need of the support, mentoring and partnerships that LLN provides help me stay focused on building LLN.

TEDxYI: What has been some of your greatest challenges so far with the Leading Ladies’ Network project?
YHQ: There have been many challenges as well as a very steep learning curve. Up until I resigned my full-time job, I was always challenged with having the time to effectively coordinate LLN efforts. I am now free to dedicate the required time and energy towards growing this vision. I am also thrilled about the team that is forming to lead our efforts.

TEDxYI: What future do you envisage for the Leading Ladies’ Network?
YHQ: I envisage a future with numerous Leading Ladies’ groups operating at secondary schools and university campuses and even in people’s homes. I look forward to a future where every LLN member is involved in a tangible project that will bring positive impact to society.

TEDxYI: What has contributed to your successful so far?
YHQ: The same five things that I believe makes anyone truly successful – a personal relationship with God that causes you to recognize your purpose; a dedication to developing the skills and relationships necessary to fulfill your purpose; an audacity to press forward even when everyone, including yourself, thinks you will fail; a humility that reminds you that you are essentially no better than the next person; and compassion demonstrated by your consistent help of others.

TEDxYI: What sets entrepreneurs apart from everybody else?
YHQ: I believe that entrepreneurs are just people with the boldness to follow their dreams and force them into reality.

TEDxYI: Finally, what is your advice for young Africans who are looking to make and see a positive change in their world?
YHQ: Change, if it is going to be meaningful and lasting, must start with you. When you become a better African, then there is hope for a better Africa.