Celebrating International Women’s Day – Paying it Forward – NexGen Goodness
On this International Women’s Day, we celebrate the power of mentorship and the incredible journeys of women who invest in uplifting one another. Girls of Legacy, a program I founded in 2022 to support and empower young women through mentorship and scholarships, has been a witness to inspiring stories of perseverance and growth. Today, in honor of International Women’s Day, I want to highlight the journey of two remarkable women: a mentor, Kalpa and a Girls of Legacy mentee, Ranya. Kalpa is a first generation American and Ranya’s father came to America from Egypt in pursuit of the American Dream. Ranya has been part of Girls of Legacy for three years, while her mentor, Kalpashree (Kalpa) Gupta, has served for one year. A highly respected business leader in Austin, Kalpa is deeply committed to championing women in both their personal and professional lives.
Ranya’s Journey: A Mentee’s Perspective
Ranya, currently a junior at The University of Texas at Austin, is pursuing a major in Journalism with a minor in Statistics and Data Science, along with a certificate in Programming and Computation. As she transitioned into college life, she recognized the importance of guidance beyond her family and friends. Inspired by my own story, she joined Girls of Legacy in 2022 to gain mentorship and support during this pivotal time in her life. Each step of the way her family has provided her with a keen focus on the power of pursuing her education. I selected Ranya out of a highly competitive application pool from graduating seniors at a Title 1 school in South Crocket High School. Her story and journey were incredible and it caught the attention of our selection committee.
Through the program, Ranya has found not just mentorship but also financial assistance that has helped shape her academic and career aspirations. She envisions a future in the tech industry, aiming for roles such as Business Analyst, Data Analyst, or Data Scientist. Despite coming from a non-technical major, her determination to break into the field reflects the resilience that International Women’s Day seeks to honor.
“To me, International Women's Day is about recognizing the challenges women have overcome to reach where we are today and honoring their efforts,” Ranya shares. “I hope to inspire others by showing that perseverance leads to success.”
Kalpa’s Role: A Mentor’s Commitment to Empowerment
For Kalpa, mentorship is deeply personal. Her journey wasn’t typical—though her parents valued education, college wasn’t a given. It was her cousin who saw her potential and encouraged her to move to a bigger city, opening doors she hadn’t known existed. Without formal mentors, she sought guidance from those who inspired her, learning firsthand the power of having someone believe in you.
Her decision to become a mentor with Girls of Legacy was sparked by hearing my story at a women’s conference in New Braunfels where she was attending a VIP luncheon. Seeing my unwavering commitment to young women and learning about Girls of Legacy reminded her of all those who had lifted her along the way. Kalpa knew she wanted to be that person for someone else.
Mentoring Ranya has been one of the most rewarding experiences of her journey. “Ranya is a star. Watching her grow has been incredible. She’s so open to new ideas, always eager to learn. We’ve built a real bond, and that’s been the most rewarding part,” Kalpa shares. “She reminds me of myself at her age—ambitious, driven, wanting to make a difference. But she’s also so humble and grounded. It’s a joy to see her confidence blossom. I feel like I’m giving back in the same way others did for me, and honestly, I learn just as much from her.”
The Meaning of International Women’s Day
For Kalpa, International Women’s Day is a mix of celebration and reflection. “Honestly, I’ve always had mixed feelings about it. It makes me wonder, when will we just see women as equal? We are more than half of the population; we’re life-givers, nurturers, defenders, peacemakers…we have made a mark in every field you can think of, and yet our stories are rarely amplified.”
She acknowledges the ongoing fight for equality, emphasizing that true change must happen systemically. “It’s in how we raise our boys and girls, what we expect from partners, how we cheer on our sisters versus our brothers, and how we respect our parents’ careers. It’s about recognizing when we make excuses for men but judge women harshly.”
To every woman reading this, Kalpa shares an empowering message: “Please know you are worthy, you are loved, and you are not alone. Don’t wait for permission. Find your tribe, ask for support, and never, ever dim your light. We need your brilliance in the world.”
The Power of Women Supporting Women
Ranya’s journey is a testament to the power of mentorship, perseverance, and the unwavering belief that women can break barriers in any field they choose. Kalpa’s dedication to uplifting young women like Ranya reinforces the importance of programs like Girls of Legacy, where real change begins with personal investment and unwavering support.
I am distinctly honored that both of these women are a part of Girls of Legacy and have found a connection in the journey of mentor and mentee. As we celebrate International Women’s Day, let us recognize the strength of women supporting women. To every young woman striving to carve her path—your dreams are valid, and with the right support, they are entirely achievable. Here’s to a future where women continue to rise, together.
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