In December’s Diplomacy and Dialogue, we sat down with two influential women, Rotem Cohen Kahlon and Uva Coles, and learned about how they’re advocating for Inclusive Leadership in their lives and what it’s like working to create space for the underrepresented.
Rotem talked about being a first-generation college student and growing up in Israel as the child of Jewish immigrants. She speaks candidly about the challenges and adversity that comes with being the only woman on Ramla City Council.
“We have no privilege to be just fine, we have to be excellent.”
-Rotem Cohen Kahlon
Uva shared this sentiment on the experience of being the only person in a room representing a community as an Afro-Latina woman who came to the U.S. from the Republic of Panama. Being the first often means fighting against preconceived notions about your community.
“My strategy has been that when I am the only one, my intention is that I’ll make such an impact that I won’t be the last one. That people will be compelled to open the door for people who look like me. I want them to know it was worth the risk. I call it a blessing and a burden. ”
-Uva Coles
Watch the full discussion here:
We want to thank Rotem and Uva for being amazing guests, and thank all of you for joining us!
