Leadership in action: Suzanne Ngo-Mandong and the global fight for equity

EmpowerHer, a series amplifying the voices of transformative women, welcomed Suzanne Ngo-Mandong to its stage to discuss the global fight for gender equity and human rights.

On a crisp November morning in Princeton, Suzanne Ngo-Mandong took the stage to share her story as part of the EmpowerHer series — a program dedicated to amplifying the voices of transformative women. With a calm yet powerful presence, Suzanne guided the audience through her journey from Cameroon to the global stage, shedding light on the challenges and triumphs that have defined her life

The room, filled with attentive men and women, became a space for deep reflection on resilience, gratitude, and leadership. Suzanne described her life as “a rainbow of colors, each representing challenges and achievements that together form a resilient and hopeful whole.

From Cameroon to the global stage

Suzanne was born in Cameroon, a country celebrated for its cultural diversity but burdened by deep inequalities. “In my region, we are known for our strong will and attachment to culture and social values,” she said. Her childhood was shaped by a visionary father who saw her potential beyond societal barriers. Yet, her journey was far from easy.

At age eighteen, Suzanne became a young mother in Moscow, where her diplomat husband was posted. “Balancing motherhood, marriage, and education wasn’t easy, but giving up was never an option,” she recalled. With discipline and community support, she completed her studies and became the first college graduate in her family. Her professional life began in diplomacy but truly flourished in humanitarian work, where she spearheaded key initiatives for the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

Challenges on the ground: Health, gender, and humanity

In her talk, Suzanne shared candidly about the harsh realities she encountered in her work, particularly in humanitarian crises. Her stories left the audience in awe, offering glimpses into the daily struggles of women and girls:

• The deaf and mute girl: A twelve-year-old survivor of rape who became pregnant, her resilience deeply moved Suzanne. “What struck me was her gratitude for not contracting HIV and her determination to continue her education to build a brighter future for herself and her son.”
• The woman with obstetric fistula: In Burundi, a woman lived for more than fifty years with this debilitating condition, which isolated her from her community. Thanks to UNFPA’s programs, she regained her health, dignity, and place in society.
• Displaced mothers: Suzanne described women who risk their lives gathering firewood, knowing their husbands might be killed if sent instead. “These women embody resilience,” she said.

Through these stories, Suzanne emphasized that sexual and reproductive health is not only a fundamental human right but also a cornerstone for gender equality and sustainable development.

Resilience and positive masculinity: The pillars of change

While celebrating the role of women, Suzanne highlighted the importance of male allies. “Positive masculinity is essential for advancing women’s rights. Men must not be bystanders but active partners in this journey.”

She expressed gratitude for the men who supported her, from her father to her husband, who stood by her choices. “Gender equity isn’t a favor — it’s a shared responsibility,” she affirmed.

A call to action: Inspiring future generations

For Suzanne, leadership goes beyond personal achievements; it’s about collective impact. “We can’t transform the world alone. We need communities that work together, leaders who inspire, and people who act with purpose,” she declared.

She closed her talk by encouraging attendees to reflect on their roles in creating a more equitable world. “Invest in younger generations. They need our stories, our guidance, and our example,” she said.

EmpowerHer seeks to do exactly that: unite voices, inspire action, and foster connections across generations. Suzanne Ngo-Mandong not only shared her story but also ignited a spark of commitment in each attendee, reminding all that meaningful change begins with small actions and big intentions.

EmpowerHer Speaker Series: Michele Tuck-Ponder on Resilience, Authenticity, and Community

At the Center for Modern Aging Princeton, our EmpowerHer speaker series was created to highlight the transformative power of women’s voices. Every month, we welcome a woman who has made a significant impact in her field and who embodies the spirit of resilience, authenticity, and leadership. In June 2024, we were privileged to hear from Michele Tuck-Ponder, a woman whose journey is as inspiring as it is instructive.

Michele Tuck-Ponder is a woman of many talents and titles: lawyer, journalist, former mayor, author, CEO, and, perhaps most intriguingly, a passionate quilter. Her talk at the Center was a beautiful reflection of how these diverse roles have woven together into the rich tapestry of her life. Michele’s story is one of adaptability, resilience, and the constant pursuit of authenticity.

The Art of Adaptation: Lessons from Quilting

Michele began her talk by sharing her love for quilting, an art form that has become a metaphor for her life. In quilting, as in life, things don’t always go as planned — colors may clash, patterns might not align, and sometimes, the whole project needs to be set aside and revisited later. Michele emphasized that this process of adaptation is not just necessary but beautiful. It’s about finding new ways forward, whether in quilting or in facing the challenges of being a Black woman in America. For Michele, and for so many others, success has required innovation and improvisation.

Resilience in the Face of Adversity

One of the most powerful themes of Michele’s talk was resilience. She shared personal stories of facing adversity — whether it was the loss of her hair due to an autoimmune condition, the challenges of navigating a career in a society steeped in racism, or the emotional toll of caring for loved ones with chronic illnesses. Michele’s message was clear: resilience isn’t just about bouncing back; it’s about rising every time we fall, even when the path forward is uncertain.

Embracing Authenticity

Michele also spoke passionately about the importance of authenticity, especially for women of color. She recounted her own experiences of being judged and underestimated, and how she has learned that true success comes from embracing one’s identity fully and unapologetically. In a world that often tries to silence or diminish the voices of Black women, Michele’s journey is a testament to the power of staying true to oneself.

Community as a Source of Strength

Service to the community has been a cornerstone of Michele’s life and career. From leading nonprofits like the Girl Scouts and women’s advocacy organizations to serving in public office, Michele has dedicated herself to making a difference. She reminded us that true leadership is not about power, but about lifting others up and working together to overcome challenges.

Looking Ahead: Continuing the Conversation

Michele Tuck-Ponder’s visit to the Center for Modern Aging Princeton in June was not just a lecture; it was an invitation to reflect, to grow, and to continue building a community that values resilience, authenticity, and service. As we look forward to our next EmpowerHer event, we carry with us the lessons Michele shared, knowing that each of us has the power to create beauty and strength from the challenges we face.

We are excited to announce that our next guest in the EmpowerHer series will be Leticia Fraga, who will join us on Monday, September 23, from 11:00 a.m. to noon. Leticia’s journey as a leader and advocate promises to be just as inspiring, and we look forward to welcoming you all to continue this important conversation.

The Inaugural EmpowerHer Speaker Series
A Recap of Dr. Emelia Timpo’s Inspiring Presentation

In May 2024, we proudly launched the EmpowerHer Speaker Series, a platform created to amplify the often-overlooked contributions of women worldwide. From the quiet resilience of caregivers to the leadership of international organizations, this series aims to highlight the significant roles women play in shaping our world.

It sometimes seems necessary to remind ourselves that women have played fundamental roles in society. I believe that many of the challenges we face today could be addressed by listening to the voices of mothers, daughters, grandmothers, and indigenous leaders.

Our first talk featured Dr. Emelia Timpo, who brings a wealth of experience in agriculture, HIV/AIDS, gender, and educational policy, with seventeen years of leadership within the United Nations. Her expertise in project management, monitoring and evaluation, and policy development, combined with her academic background and commitment to global development, makes her a remarkable addition to our series.

Dr. Emelia Timpo opened our EmpowerHer series, sharing invaluable lessons from her extensive career and personal journey. Here are some of the key takeaways from her powerful talk:

• Embrace Acceptance: “Since a very young age, I learned that not everyone is going to like you. You have to find a way to move on.”
• Value of Hard Work: “If you do the hard work, people are going to value it—not because it’s easy, but because it’s persistent.”
• Challenges and Opportunities: “Opportunities always come with challenges.”
• Positive Perception: “Believe and see the good in everyone.”
• Diversity as a Blessing: “Diversity is a blessing.”
• Embracing Change: “Change is going to happen, whether we like it or not. We have to be ready.”
• Positive Influence: “If we want to stop many of the problems we are facing right now, we have to make positive noise for our younger generations.”

Dr. Timpo’s insights set a powerful tone for the EmpowerHer series, reminding us of the strength and resilience found in diverse female voices.

We look forward to continuing this journey with you!

Note to Readers: If you know a woman whose inspiring story would make her a great guest for an upcoming EmpowerHer session, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. We are always eager to spotlight the voices and experiences that can inspire and uplift our community.