My Experience During the International Women’s Day Innovative Challenge - Team Mura

“I am a Woman Phenomenally. Phenomenal Woman, that’s me.” — Maya Angelou

A success story doesn’t always begin with a quote, but this one does. Last year, on International Women’s Day, I shared this same line, and today I feel compelled to share it again with the hope that another woman will read it and see herself, phenomenally.

I had the privilege of attending the two-day IWD 2025 program hosted by Miss Aminat Abdulsalam, alongside eight brilliant women who spoke passionately about their journeys. They shared how they thrived in hostile environments, discovered passions against all odds, and tackled societal challenges head-on. Listening to them reminded me that only I can define the limits of my greatness. I learned the power of strategic communication, that impact must be made, even if my voice trembles. My opinions are not meant to stay silent; they deserve to be heard.

One highlight was a team session where we designed a product every woman needs. Together with two innovative women, we created Mura: an AI stylist for effortless fashion, a project that eventually won first place during the competition. Mura addresses fashion challenges by offering personalized styling, saving time in outfit decisions, providing budget-friendly options, and enhancing self-expression. I served as Financial Planner and partly as Innovation Strategist. My role involved researching similar products to estimate costs for building a website where users could interact with Mura, shop for affordable clothing, and subscribe for premium features.

This experience sharpened my communication skills, deepened my appreciation for teamwork, and reinforced my belief that anything I set my mind to is achievable. It emboldened me to take action, embrace technical challenges, and step confidently into leadership roles.