In connection with International Women’s Day, the British Embassy hosted the winners of its ‘Ambassador for a Day 2021’ competition on June 16.
A total of 17 girls aged 14-17 were selected from across the country and paired up with women ambassadors serving their countries in Denmark.
The theme was ‘Think Global, Live Local’ and the winners were asked to write an essay about what positive difference they would like to contribute to in their own communities.
CIS: A tour de force
The select group of winners included no less than eight girls proudly representing Copenhagen International School.
The eight CIS students who participated in the initiative were: Alice Meregalli, Anwita Karanth, Beatriz Silva, Ebba Wiklund, Freya Constable, Nour Makhlof, Marie Anna Storch, and Tarang Dalela.
Words of wisdom
Dalela was paired up with Norwegian Ambassador to Denmark, Aud Kolberg, who was quick to hand out some golden nuggets of leadership to her young protege.
“As a young woman entering the workforce, my main advice is to be positive and take the challenges and opportunities you can get,” Kolberg said.
“Say yes! Show that you are willing and that you want to learn. No one expects you to be perfect, but they do want somebody who is willing to stretch, to learn and finally grow into a leadership position.”
Following the event, Dalela sat down with CPH POST to shed some light on how the process was for her and what she hopes to achieve by taking part.
How did you learn about the Ambassador for a Day competition?
I first got to know about the competition from my school, when the principal sent out an email regarding it. I initially became interested by reading the title – ‘Ambassador for a Day’. I was curious as to what it would entail: signing papers all day, shadowing an Ambassador, getting training. I went to their website, and saw that they were offering to partner with the winners, for a joint project/activity in an area of the winner’s choosing.
What inspired you to take part in this initiative?
There was an opportunity to meet the Ambassador of the UK, other female ambassadors, and business and civil society leaders. I decided that I must participate. The prospect of being able to create awareness about the under-representation of women in the Tech industry, especially in leadership roles, has been something I feel passionately about, and this opportunity would make it tangible.
What do you hope to learn from this experience?
From this experience, I would like to learn more about leadership, and the skills needed to become a successful leader. I am hoping that I would be able to effectively convey my message across to people, and make them aware about the vast gender disparity in many industries, especially the Tech sector, which has phenomenally grown in the recent years.
Do you see yourself as having a future within diplomacy?
At this point of time, I am not sure if I would like to become a diplomat, but I would definitely like to be in a leadership position in my future work. I think that this program/experience will provide me with the relevant skill-set and mindset to become a successful leader.
