Own Your Voice, Lift Others: A Lunch & Learn at the University of North America

What does a bowl of pho have to do with finding your voice?

On March 17, 2026, in celebration of International Women's Month, Let Her Shine hosted a Lunch & Learn for the staff, faculty, and guests of the University of North America in Fairfax, Virginia — and by the end of the afternoon, everyone in the room knew the answer.

This wasn't a presentation. It was a shared experience — and it began with a question: think of one person who believed in you before you fully believed in yourself.

From there, the room came alive. The women in the room stood to a round of applause, in honor of International Women's Month and the voices, contributions, and leadership of women everywhere. And then the room applauded again — this time for the men who support, encourage, and stand alongside them. Because when we uplift one another, women and men together, we create stronger, more connected communities.

Participants paired up to share a moment when someone made them feel truly seen, heard, or supported — and discovered how much those small moments shaped who they became. Each person left with one simple commitment: to do one small thing this week to help someone else feel seen. Because culture isn't created through big moments. It's created through small, consistent actions.

And then came the pho.

A warm bowl of Vietnamese pho became the afternoon's living metaphor: broth, noodles, herbs, spices — each ingredient unique on its own, but together, something rich, balanced, and beautiful. Just like the community at UoNA, where walking through the halls means meeting the world: different languages, different cultures, different perspectives — one community. Education isn't only about what we learn from books; it's also about what we learn from each other.

Before the room broke for lunch, one final reflection: think of one person who is still becoming who they're meant to be — and ask what one small thing you can do to support them, encourage them, or simply see them.

Because sometimes the smallest encouragement becomes the reason someone finds their voice. And when one person finds their voice, it gives others permission to shine.

Want to bring a Let Her Shine experience to your organization or campus? Contact us — some of our most meaningful events begin with a single invitation.