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July Newsletter, 2024
Letter from the Director
So thankful for our end-of-June rains, my peach tree is overladen!!And the same for our programs, June was a very busy month, July is time to nurture our roots and then pick the fruit of our labors.No International Visitor Leadership Program visits this month, but IVLP will ramp up in August, so be ready for lots of opps to host dinners or tag-along.We do have a group of 8 young adults visiting us from the Republic of Korea at the end of the month, thank you to our members who have volunteered to chaperone them and/or host dinners!
Wow! This is why we do what we do. One of our 2023 YTILI fellows, Mariam Toroyson, was back in ABQ last week to launch her new app, Safe You “an innovative technological solution in the form of an application and web platform created to fight Gender-Based Violence with over 28,000 users”. Mariam had already launched the app in her home country of Armenia and several other European countries (winning the prestigious French Cartier Foundation’s Women's Initiative Award), but was here to launch the app in the U.S.!! Through her placement in our city, she developed strong partnerships with the Domestic Violence Resource Center, the ABQ Police Department, the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Department and other partners, to make this powerful app available to victims of domestic violence. It will serve as a pilot for other states in addressing the support needs of these victims. We are so proud of Mariam, please read more about her below!
If you’re not yet a member, we’d love for you to become one!Being a member gives you the opportunity to be a local “Citizen Diplomat” and meet the world.To learn more about being a member, go to https://www.globaltiesabq.org/join/.Also, scroll down to read FAQs on dinner hosting!
Lastly, mark your calendars, we’re having another Pub Quiz, Thursday, July 18, from 5:30-7pm.Come have fun, meet like-minded souls, drink great beer (there’s wine too) and test your knowledge on international affairs!See below for more details.
Melora
Empowering Women Globally: A Conversation with Mariam Torosyan, CEO & Founder of Safe YOU
By Alma Kassim, Community Engagement Officer
The power of professional cultural exchange is exemplified in the inspiring journey of Mariam Torosyan, CEO and founder of Safe YOU, a groundbreaking application designed to combat gender-based violence. As a 2023 Young Transatlantic Innovation Leaders Initiative (YTILI) Fellow, Mariam's work underscores the transformative potential of international collaboration and innovation.
Mariam Torosyan's Safe YOU app is a comprehensive platform dedicated to supporting women through multi-stakeholder collaboration, case management, awareness tools, and artificial intelligence. The app, which currently serves over 28,000 users, is a beacon of hope for women facing gender-based violence, providing them with resources, support, and a network of professionals ready to assist.
Creating Safe Spaces Through Technology
Mariam's vision for Safe YOU is clear and compelling. The platform is designed to support organizations that provide services to women, creating an ecosystem of support that includes case management and awareness-raising tools. A standout feature of Safe YOU is its AI-based data analysis, which, crucially, does not use personal identifiable information. This ensures user privacy while helping to identify patterns and trends to inform preventive policies and programs.
"The goal at the end of the day is not only to protect women but also to prevent cases of violence," says Mariam. "Women can send up to seven free SMS notifications to their contacts, family, friends, service organizations, and even the police department in case of incidents."
Mariam's commitment to both protection and prevention, recognizes that true safety involves proactive measures. Her innovative use of AI to analyze data without compromising user privacy demonstrates a forward-thinking approach that prioritizes both effectiveness and ethical considerations.
Learning and Growing from Cultural Exchanges
Mariam's experience as a YTILI Fellow was instrumental in expanding her perspective and approach. The professional cultural exchange facilitated by the YTILI program allowed her to navigate different market dynamics, particularly in the U.S., where she notes both greater opportunities and challenges.
"In the U.S., we are working one step forward by including financial security for survivors of domestic violence, which I believe is going to be a game changer," Mariam shares. "This initiative, tested and proven approach in the U.S., can later be replicated in other countries as a working model."
This insight underscores the importance of adapting solutions to different cultural and economic contexts. Mariam's ability to innovate within the U.S. market and envision the global scalability of her work speaks to the transformative power of cross-cultural professional exchanges. Her strategy of piloting new features in one market before expanding globally ensures that Safe YOU's solutions are both effective and adaptable.
Returning to Albuquerque: A Strategic Decision
Mariam's decision to return to Albuquerque was driven by a combination of strategic and personal inspiration. Having first visited as part of her YTILI fellowship, she recognized the unique opportunities that Albuquerque presented for the development and expansion of Safe YOU. She also made a promise to the women and organizations here that she would come back to bring this technology to Albuquerque.
"Albuquerque offered a supportive community and a dynamic environment for innovation," Mariam explains. "The city's commitment to addressing social issues and the strong network of organizations and individuals dedicated to making a difference made it an ideal place for Safe YOU to grow."
Her return to Albuquerque also highlights the city's growing reputation as a hub for social entrepreneurship and innovation. Mariam found in Albuquerque a fertile ground for collaboration and support, crucial elements for any startup, particularly one focused on social impact.
"Being back in Albuquerque allowed me to tap into local resources and networks that are incredibly supportive of our mission," she says. "The community here understands the importance of our work and is committed to helping us succeed."
Mariam's return is also a testament to the impact of professional cultural exchanges. The relationships she built and the support she received during her initial visit laid the foundation for Safe YOU's continued growth and success in the region.
Challenges and Triumphs: The Journey of a Social Entrepreneur
Navigating the technology field as a social entrepreneur is not without its hurdles. Mariam acknowledges the difficulties but remains steadfast in her mission. "Being an entrepreneur in technology, especially driven for social impact, is not easy. There is limited investment in the field," she says. "But the world is changing, and there is more attention to social issues."
Her advice to fellow female entrepreneurs is both empowering and practical. "We have to be unstoppable in our vision and flexible in our approach. Success is about impact, and impacting in a way that is lasting and sustainable."
Mariam's journey highlights the resilience required to succeed in social entrepreneurship. Her emphasis on flexibility and adaptability is crucial, particularly in a field that is constantly evolving. By focusing on sustainable impact, she sets a standard for other entrepreneurs aiming to create lasting social change.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Safe YOU
Mariam envisions a future where Safe YOU becomes a global technology, making a profound impact worldwide. "I see Safe YOU as a global technology already on its way. It will be adopted in the U.S. and then globally. We are the resource, and we are the change," she declares passionately.
In 5-10 years, Mariam hopes that Safe YOU will connect women worldwide, advancing public health and global peace. "If we are able to solve the issue of violence between two humans, it will be a game changer for the global economy and public health."
This forward-looking perspective emphasizes the far-reaching implications of Safe YOU's mission. By envisioning a world where women are connected and supported globally, Mariam highlights the interconnected nature of social issues and the potential for technology to foster unity and peace.
Mariam Torosyan's journey with Safe YOU highlights the immense value of professional cultural exchanges. Her work, fueled by international collaboration and innovation, is creating a safer world for women and girls everywhere. As we celebrate her achievements, we are reminded of the power of unity, support, and the shared vision for a better, more equitable future. Safe YOU is now officially launched in Albuquerque and can be downloaded in App stores.
June 12th Baltic Cooperation on Utilizing Innovative Low-Carbon
Energy Technologies
A regional country project for the Baltics
This Leadership Program brought together a diverse group to explore the advancement of renewable energy and infrastructure in New Mexico.
From meeting with Randy Sadewick, owner of Positive Solar, to touring integrated energy systems, the participants gained valuable insights into energy storage challenges and solutions for rural communities. They then visited the New Mexico State Capitol, where they engaged with Melanie A. Kenderdine, the Secretary of Energy, Minerals, and Natural Resources, and Caroline Buerkle, Deputy of Operations, discussing policy innovations and economic stability. In Albuquerque, the group met with various security experts. These discussions centered on geoscience research, renewable energy, carbon management, and the role of policy in advancing sustainable energy practices. Back in Santa Fe, the group met with representatives from the New Mexico Renewable Energy Transmission Authority (RETA), focusing on developing infrastructure to harness the state's wind and solar resources. They also engaged with state representative Meredith and Budget Director Amanda Dick-Pedie to understand legislative support for renewable energy projects.
June 27th Combatting Trafficking in Persons
A regional project for Africa
This Leadership Program convened a diverse group from various African nations to focus on combating the trafficking of persons. Arriving in Santa Fe, they engaged in insightful sessions and cultural activities. Highlights included a screening of 'Pray the Devil Back to Hell' followed by a discussion with Abby Disney, exploring advocacy for peace and women's rights. They also visited the Office of the Attorney General for discussions on legal procedures and toured local initiatives like The Life Link and Sojourner’s Cafe. Their experience culminated in a cultural immersion at Santa Ana Pueblo, reflecting on community engagement and shared responsibilities in combating trafficking.
July 21 - July 26: U.S. Congress – Republic of Korea National Assembly Exchange Program
This longstanding program, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and the Republic of Korea National Assembly, aims to expand the perspectives of Korean and American young people on the legislative process, the history of U.S.-Korean relations, and the current economic, political, and security aspects of the bilateral relationship. We are excited to welcome 8 outstanding Korean university students and their group leaders. We appreciate the members who have signed up to accompany these students and support their experience throughout this enriching program. Thank you for your commitment and involvement!
There are no dinner-hosting opportunities at this time, we will reach out to members when more projects arise!
Have you never played a pub quiz before? Do you need to freshen up on your trivia game rules? If so please use this link below to learn how to play a pub quiz.
