CELEBRATING WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH: LUIZA GURDEVA AND XINYU REN
#GSAHerstory: Honoring stories of Women’s strenght, legacy and Inspiration
March is Women’s History Month – a time to celebrate the achievements and lasting impact of the incredible women who shape our lives. At GSA, we embrace that behind every innovator, leader, and changemaker, there’s a remarkable woman whose wisdom and strength helped pave the way.
This month, we’re proud to highlight some powerful women in the GSA network. Their stories of strength, resilience and determination have shaped them into the personas that they are today, and we’re eager to learn more about the women that have influenced their journeys.
A Grandmother’s Love: The Strength That Shaped Me
‘‘I want to share the story of my grandmother, Lada. She raised me and my brother after becoming a widow and worked tirelessly, never compromising on her work ethic, integrity, or sense of diplomacy.
Growing up in Bulgaria, where economic instability and job insecurity were constant struggles, she still managed to give us a safe and loving home. Despite the hardships, she made sure we had everything we needed - not just materially, but emotionally. She was proof that even in difficult times, a strong woman can create stability, security, and warmth.
To this day, I catch myself thinking and acting like her. It’s not something I consciously try to do – it just happens. She is my ultimate female role model, the one who taught me the power of faith, unconditional love, and gratitude for the small things.
These lessons are fundamental in professional life too. She showed me that true strength isn’t just about pushing forward, but about doing so with kindness, integrity, and purpose.’’
— LUIZA GURDEVA, PO AND TECH LEAD, GLOBAL STARTUP AWARDS
Breaking Barriers: A Woman’s Legacy of Education and Empowerment
‘‘My grandmother was a woman ahead of her time. In an era when many women in China didn’t have access to education, she not only attended university but also taught herself Russian – a testament to her relentless curiosity and determination.
After her studies, she chose to dedicate her life to education, becoming a teacher, the director of the Education Department in Xi’an, and ultimately founding her own school. Her mission was clear: to empower more women through knowledge, ensuring that they had the opportunities she fought for.
Her journey continues to inspire me. She showed me that borders, whether societal or geographical, are meant to be crossed. Because of her, I dream of becoming "Ms. Worldwide," embracing cultures, learning languages, and making an impact beyond boundaries. She proved that education is the key to change, and I carry her legacy with me as I carve my own path.’’
— XINYU REN, IT AND OPERATION COORDINATOR, GLOBAL STARTUP AWARDS
“Women, whether subtly or vociferously, have always been a tremendous power in the destiny of the world” — Eleanor Roosevelt
As we celebrate Women’s History Month, we encourage you to reflect on the remarkable women who’ve inspired you – whether in your personal life, career, or beyond. Who are the women whose strength and wisdom have left a lasting impact on your journey?
Share your stories with us by using the hashtag #GSAHerStory and let’s celebrate the women who’ve empowered and encouraged us to become who we are today.
If you know an inspiring female entrepreneur in the startup ecosystem, don’t forget to nominate them for the Regional Competition of the Global Startup Awards – public nominations are still open! 🚀