The Team at The World Bank
In our second last day in D.C., we had the honor of meeting Laura Frigenti, the CEO of The Global Partnership for Education at The World Bank, and it was an experience that left a deep impact on me. As someone who has a deep personal and professional interest in the discipline of education and women’s empowerment, meeting Laura and learning from her experiences was incredibly motivational. From our discussion with her, I gained insights into her extensive professional background and current projects, as well as her advice on problem-solving, leadership, motivation, challenges, and careers.
One of the key takeaways from our discussion was the importance of collaboration and partnerships in achieving sustainable development goals. Laura stressed that the private sector and civil society can complement the efforts of governments and international organizations in promoting education and social impact. She also emphasized the need for equity and inclusion in education, particularly for girls and marginalized communities.
Laura's mindset for problem-solving and leadership was truly inspiring. She encouraged us to be innovative and creative in our approach to problem-solving, not just relying on traditional solutions. She also emphasized the importance of empathy and listening to others' perspectives, even when they may differ from our own. Her dedication to social impact and her commitment to promoting education left a deep impression on me.
Perhaps the one thing that stood out to me the most during our meeting with Laura was her acknowledgment of the fact that a lot of women have helped her and have played a crucial role in her professional success. She underscored the idea that she would not be where she is if it was not for the help of successful women who helped her. She encouraged us to be one of those helpful women and extend our support to women who seek it. She also mentioned that she was inspired by our small group of women who were dedicated and committed to making a positive change. This particular point made by Laura deeply resonated with me as I realized how lucky I was to have been a part of an institution and a group that had allowed me to meet so many hardworking, smart, and dedicated women. I know that whatever I do after graduation, I will have a string network of smart women, and I hope that one day I too am in a position to help younger women succeed in whatever path they choose. Her example of strong leadership and dedication to social impact left a deep impression on me, and I left our conversation feeling energized and inspired. I am grateful for the opportunity to have learned from Laura’s wisdom and expertise, and am inspired to continue working towards my goals of promoting access to quality education and creating a positive social impact. Her example of strong leadership and commitment to social impact will stay with me as I continue on my professional journey.