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Welcome to the No Ordinary Woman Newsletter, which helps you stay informed and be the smartest at the table. Send NOW's newsletter to your friends and help them get to the table ;)

Here's what we got today:

• Start-Up Story: Jumana Al Darwish, Founder of The Happy Box

• Bookclub: Founders at Work

• Inspiration: Spotlight on Leadership: Cleopatra Doumbia-Henry

• Opportunities: 2025 European Prize for Women Innovators,

• Speaking & Job Opportunities

OPPORTUNITIES

2025 European Prize for Women Innovators now open for applications…

The European Innovation Council (EIC) and the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) have launched a new call for applications for the 2025 European Prize for Women Innovators.

The annual competition celebrates the achievements of women entrepreneurs driving positive change for people and the planet through their innovative ventures.

There are three prize categories:

The EIC Women Innovators Prize was awarded to the most talented women innovators across the EU and Associated Countries. The winner is awarded €100,000, and two runners-up are awarded €70,000 and €50,000 respectively

The EIC Rising Innovators prize was awarded to promising young innovators under 35. The winner is awarded €50,000, and two runners-up are awarded €30,000 and €20,000, respectively

the EIT Women Leadership Award, made to exceptional women leaders from the EIT Community. The winner is awarded €50,000, and two runners-up are awarded €30,000 and €20,000 respectively

Eligibility:

Applicants must be established in an EU Member State, including overseas countries and territories, or a country associated with Horizon Europe.

The deadline for submission is the 25th of September 2024.

Click HERE To Apply

STARTUP STORY

Introducing Jumana Al Darwish: Visionary Social Entrepreneur

Meet Jumana Al Darwish, an award-winning social entrepreneur and philanthropist. She co-founded The Happy Box and founded The Happy Studio and Happy Hearts Global, all aimed at promoting creativity, family bonding, and education through fun arts and crafts.

Jumana's inspiration comes from her late father's humanitarian work, which touched the lives of many children and families worldwide. With a background that includes degrees from Concordia University, Oxford University, and INSEAD, she combines her extensive education and over a decade of experience in the public and nonprofit sectors to empower communities.

In 2014, she started her first entrepreneurial venture with her sister-in-law, creating The Happy Box to foster a love for art and creativity in children. By 2017, she expanded her efforts with The Happy Studio, a community space for arts and crafts workshops. Her philanthropic spirit also led her to establish Happy Hearts Global, a foundation focused on providing education and art therapy to children, especially girls.

Discover more about Jumana's inspiring journey and her impactful work by visiting her Entrepreneur profile and reading this feature article.

BOOK CLUB

"Founders at Work: Stories of Startups' Early Days" by Jessica Livingston is a collection of interviews with the founders of various successful tech companies. The book provides a behind-the-scenes look at the early days of startups, revealing the challenges, setbacks, and pivotal moments these entrepreneurs faced. Through these stories, readers gain insights into what it takes to build a successful startup.

Here are some key takeaways from the book:

1. Perseverance and Resilience:

   Many founders faced repeated rejections and failures before achieving success. Their persistence in overcoming obstacles and refining their ideas was crucial to their eventual breakthroughs.

2.  Innovation and Adaptability:

   Founders often had to change their business models or products based on market feedback. Being flexible and open to new ideas was essential.

3. Passion and Vision:

   Founders were deeply passionate about their ideas and had a clear vision for their companies. This passion drove them to work tirelessly and inspired others to join their cause.

4. Building a Strong Team:

   Surrounding oneself with talented and dedicated individuals was a common theme. Founders emphasized the importance of hiring people who were not only skilled but also shared the company’s vision and values.

Overall, each story is unique, but common themes emerge, such as the importance of perseverance, the ability to pivot, and the value of building a strong team.

Happy Reading!

INSPIRATION

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala: First African Female Director-General of the World Trade Organization

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is a prominent Nigerian economist and the Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO). She is celebrated for her extensive experience in global economic policy and development. Okonjo-Iweala began her distinguished career as a professor and later made significant contributions as Nigeria’s Finance Minister in two separate terms. She also served as Managing Director of the World Bank, where she focused on economic development and financial reform.

Throughout her career, Okonjo-Iweala has been recognized for her leadership in shaping global trade policies and advocating for economic reforms that support developing nations. Her appointment as WTO Director-General marks a significant milestone as she is the first woman and the first African to hold this position.

To learn more about her remarkable achievements and career, visit: Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala’s Wikipedia page.

OPPORTUNITIES

Driving Change By Empowering Women Impact Entrepreneurs…

The Cartier Women’s Initiative is a top global program designed to help female entrepreneurs. It offers important funding, expert mentorship, and valuable networking opportunities to support the growth and success of women-led businesses.

Whether you’re an experienced entrepreneur or just starting, this program offers the resources and support you need to advance your venture.

Apply now and join a worldwide network of women who are making a difference in their industries. Learn more and apply at Cartier Women’s Initiative.

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

• Google for Startups – Women Founders Fund 

• Call For Applications: GrowthX Accelerator – Cohort 5