Our GlobalJourneyin Words

We're honored to be part of the electrifying lineup at the IIFA Awards in Abu Dhabi! An unforgettable weekend of incredible performances and runway showcases. The perfect fusion of fashion, mental well-being, and entertainment.

We are so grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with amazing and unique teams at Cannes Lions! So grateful for Gary Vay-ner-chuck, Mona Vay-ner-chuck, Vaynermedia and their team and everyone at WinWeb3. Our role models walked the runway for a great cause, using the power of their words.

An incredible gathering of women @g20 with @femalequotient working on gender equality and mental well-being. Let's change the narrative and also erase the stigma around mental health and wellness.

A big thank you to @people_for_action @afsanakcherian for an inspirational day at a Government School on the outskirts of Gurgaon. Congratulations on the great work you are doing. It was touching to see kids that are driven, motivated and ambitious all they need is technology at their fingertips to fly, to be anything they want to be!

Led by Marcia Dyson

With Dr Tiana Woolridge

So much gratitude for our dear friend @artrebel @artrebelstudio for assisting us in our first Installation! You brought so much love and positivity to all of us. You truly facilitated each of us with the ability to express ourselves through art while connecting with each of us along the way! We appreciate you!

At the Female Empowerment Summit we shared our mission! Mental health issues affect not just you but your families and entire communities. The Power of Words wants to give you the tools to identify, understand, manage, and effectively express your emotions while also paying attention to the emotions of those around you, helping you build your emotional intelligence. Together we can make the differences.

Getting a head start on Mental health Month of May with I had the pleasure of speaking with @Marlatellez on @foxla about The Power of Words Foundation providing EQ Tools for schools, universities, sports and corporate teams.

Engaging with Inspirational Leaders for change Sheikh Nahyan Minister of Tolerance, Abu Dhabi.

The "Power of Words" fashion show was an exciting collaboration with Pop artist Ramiro Alban @ramiroalbanart. In this unique event, Ramiro interpreted the brand's seven spirit animals using his signature Pop Art style. Each of these animals symbolized one of "The Power of Words" seven emotions:

Ramiro's digital art also had an augmented reality (AR) component. When viewers scanned the images using the Artivive App, the animals came to life, revealing not only their associated emotions but also the deeper meaning behind each emotion. It was a captivating blend of fashion, art, technology, and philanthropy - all aimed at promoting positive change. They're dedicated to erasing stigmas around mental health through their impactful fashion and art initiatives.

We are deeply inspired by the incredible work you are all doing! It's truly powerful. YOU INSPIRED US A "I found great inspiration in the remarkable work that all of you are doing. It truly holds immense power. I am deeply honored to be part of this exceptional dream team." @debsawaf Authenica, Lisa May, @humble_g_tha_fiddla, Sarah James, @whatifpigscanfly_book, Craig Lucas, @jamestaggart007, @shiahluna, @hilaryphelps_, Sue Mackey, Erica Ishida, @Jennaleigh, Sara Harvey, @inspire_for_women, @authenicaondemand. Thank you for making us a part of this heartfelt moment

Thank you for making our @soulcycle ride truly UNFORGETTABLE!

This experience filled us with warmth, joy, excitement, and happiness. We are deeply grateful to each and every one of you who contributed to this incredible event!

We rode with #optimism, #magic, #empathy, #compassion, #resilience, and #warrior energy, #speakingout and pushing ourselves to new heights

Our founder and CEO, @debsawaf, met with the Board of Directors at MIT World Peace University, @mitwpuofficial. Thank you very much to Ronald Gunnel, Dr. Karad, Rahul Karad, Dr. Chitnis, and Dr. Aditi Karad for your vision. You are progressive, forward-thinking GLOBAL CHANGE-MAKERS!

"Over the past two years, I've embarked on an incredible journey. Reflecting on choosing to pivot my career for cause I firmly believe in. I've approached each experience as a valuable lesson.

Firmly believing that when one door closes, another opens. This journey has rewardingly brought together likeminded individuals who are eager for a much-needed change-an innovative, non-intrusive approach to discussing mental health through @powerofwordsfoundation" Deborah Sawaf

In early October 2024, we had the incredible opportunity to present our mission at MIT-World Peace University in Pune, India. Our initiative aims at the empowerment of people by developing emotional intelligence. Engaging with a dynamic group of students, and teachers we shared insights into how we aim to drive change by breaking the stigma around mental health and building a global network of support and understanding. The energy and enthusiasm from everyone involved reaffirmed the strength of our vision and the impact this movement can have.

A heartfelt thank you to all the dedicated students, teachers, and contributors who made this workshop a success. Together, we're creating a powerful community that supports growth, value based education, positive and lasting change.

(WHO - Personal development Chief – Jim Campbell + Cindy Frias)

"The clinical world doesn’t have a solution for mental health crisis we are facing, it needs a disruption and The Power of Words is the disruptor."

By adapting to the times and speaking a language that resonates with children, we ensure the program remains relevant and engaging. Using animals to represent emotions allows us to connect with kids in a way that's both simple and powerful. Observing how they interact with the stories, art, and games provides insights into their emotional state and helps us better understand their needs.

Emotional intelligence is not solely a skill for children; it is a critical necessity for society as a whole. "When someone recognizes you expressing an emotion, that is when the conversation begins, that is when you foster a culture of understanding, of empathy of connection. This will eventually lead, we believe, to a kinder more empathetic, nonjudgmental society." @debsawaf We extend our heartfelt gratitude to @qatarfoundation, @wishqatar, @who and all those involved.

It is an honor to connect with exceptional individuals united by our shared mission to create a better world. We are profoundly grateful to be alongside two outstanding professionals committed to advancing and supporting mental health on a global level. Focusing on improving mental healthcare within the workforce and advancing our global work on developing emotional intelligence!

Cindy E. Frias is a distinguished Doctor of Nursing Sciences and a Mental Health Specialist Nurse, bringing extensive expertise in psychiatric care for both adults and children. Her work is dedicated to advancing mental health and well-being, particularly within the healthcare workforce, through innovative organizational strategies and targeted psychosocial interventions.

Aisha Holloway is an esteemed Professor of Nursing Studies and the Programme Director of the Nursing Now Challenge. She is also the Co-Director of the Edinburgh Global Nursing Initiative and an Adjunct Professor at Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, among her numerous other influential roles.

Thank you for using your voice to drive meaningful change and for serving as exemplary role models!

We are proud to announce that our Emotional Intelligence Masterclass is a certified program, marking a significant milestone for our future leaders! Upon completing the entire course, all participants earned a Certificate of Completion, signifying their dedication and bringing them one step closer to integrating emotional intelligence into their daily lives.

It was a joy to spend these meaningful days together, fostering an environment where every voice was heard and valued.

We extend our sincere gratitude to everyone involved-participants, volunteers, and supporters-for your hard work, commitment, and perseverance. Your contributions made this experience truly unforgettable.

Deborah was honored to attend FES2025, founded by the esteemed Oana Tucker, and moderate the panel "Emotional Intelligence in a Digitally Advancing World for Entrepreneurs and Professionals."

During the panel, we had the privilege of hearing from esteemed leaders Dawn Regan, Paul J Foster, Tina Durisseaux, Samira Salman, and Jonathan E. Sherin, MD, PhD-whose insights were invaluable. They shared powerful perspectives on how navigating change requires more than just skills—it takes emotional intelligence. Deborah explored how emotional intelligence empowers us to adapt, lead with confidence, and build meaningful connections in an ever-evolving world.

We were honored to be part of such a powerful event and can't wait for next year! @femalempowerment.us

We had the privilege of commemorating Women's History Month under this year's inspiring theme: Women Educating and Inspiring Generations!

This distinguished gathering celebrated the profound impact of women who educate, inspire, and shape the future. Attendees had the opportunity to engage with accomplished leaders across various fields, including law, immigration, healthcare, media, fashion, public service, and diplomacy.

Together, we are driving lasting global change by embedding emotional intelligence into communication, strategic initiatives, corporate environments, and broader societal applications. Recognizing its significance as a global necessity, we acknowledge that emotional intelligence serves as a fundamental pillar for leadership, professional excellence, and personal development, fostering more effective, empathetic, and forward-thinking communities worldwide.

A heartfelt appreciation to Susan Baaj, Farrah N. Khan, and Dr. Maryam Sayyedi for making this event possible

A special acknowledgment to ie @cristian.coldea @coldeaproductions for capturing the essence of the occasion Gratitude to everyone who played a role in making this event truly unforgettable.

Deborah Sawaf at TAKMINDS @takminds Washington. It was an honor to witness our founder, Deborah Sawaf, share her insights at Takminds in Washington, where she spoke about the power of emotional intelligence in leadership and diplomacy. In a world shaped by rapid change, Deborah reminded us that true influence starts with self-awareness, empathy, and the words we choose. Grateful to be part of a global conversation on culture, politics, and business in a connected world.

We had the honor of attending the 6th Annual Autism Gala, a heartfelt evening hosted by the Autism Society of America.

This year's theme, "Autism Is Worthy," stood as a bold affirmation of the ongoing fight for equity, inclusion, and recognition of the full humanity and rights of individuals on the autism spectrum-a call to policymakers, institutions, and society at large to move beyond awareness and toward meaningful systemic change.

As we continue to advocate for a more inclusive world, it is essential to remember how powerful connection and communication can be. Tools such as colors, animals play a vital role in helping these children express themselves, build relationships, and feel seen and understood.

Thank you @marcia_dyson, @autismsociety all the Autism Society affiliates who attended @autismsocietyofid, @autismsocietycentralva, Autism Society District of Columbia, @autismsocietyindiana, @autismsocietyofmaine, @autismsocietymdnassausuffolkasa @nmautismsociety, and @autismsocietynorthernvirginia

A million dreams is what its gonna take!, to build the world we want to see! @brighamyounguniversity One child at a time, one family at a time, one community at a time, creating impact. Thank you for the music @gentri

A pivotal juncture lies ahead!

We are deeply honored to announce that I will be speaking at the BusinessABC AI Global Summit, joining distinguished global voices to explore the evolving intersection of artificial intelligence, emotional intelligence, and human-centered leadership.

Our panel will address the critical importance of merging AI with emotional intelligence and wellbeing, and how this convergence can help reshape the future.

We'll explore the transformative power of reskilling through emotional, social, and creative intelligence-skills essential for a thriving, inclusive future.

Moderated by the esteemed Antonio Vieira Santos (Global Influencer Ambassador at Atos/Siemens, Cofounder of AXSChat), I'm privileged to join a powerful panel of changemakers: Gracie Page-Fozzati, Louize Clark, Jasmine Boston, and Kari Chaudhry.

The future is not just smart. It's emotionally intelligent!

Among the many magical moments, two stand as timeless highlights: Francesca Valan, the renowned color specialist, curated a bespoke palette for the evening, The Color of Emotion.

Her vision translated the language of feeling into hues, with flowers hand-selected not only for their chromatic beauty but also their fragrance and tactile grace. Her palette became the silent narrator of the evening, whispering emotion through every petal on the table. This color palette was named "Deborah" Francesco Gentili, the revered guru of fabric and silk history, gifted us a rare treasure: a historical "Color Palette," dating back to the late 18th and early 19th century, long before @pantone ever existed. This extraordinary piece, shared in the form of a book, is a portal to centuries of textile artistry and emotional storytelling through color.

These moments, woven into the larger tapestry of the evening, made The Color of Emotion at Passalacqua not just an event, but a living memory.

Gentili Mosconi fabrics reflect in-house artistry and Como's artisanal heritage, elevated by innovation and sustainability. You can explore more here: https:// www.gentilimosconi.it

This past International Peace Day (2025), our Founder and CEO @debsawaf, shared the message of Emotional Intelligence as a pathway to peace with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department hosted by the LACCS. Grateful to the inspiring Mame Toucouleur Mbaye, Honorary Consul General of Senegal and team, for her vision and leadership in making this gathering possible. Peace is not only a global vision, it is a daily practice. By teaching resilience, empathy, and compassion, we light the path forward for communities and for those who protect us. May we all commit to nurturing peace within, so we may build peace together.

Presentation at @georgetownuniversity, celebrating our shared commitment and alignment with Georgetown University's School of Health toward integrating emotional intelligence into education, healthcare, and leadership. Our deepest gratitude to Dean Dr. Christopher King and all the inspiring individuals who joined us in advancing this Vision. Emotional intelligence enhances leadership, strengthens relationships, and empowers individuals to navigate challenges with clarity and empathy, qualities that are increasingly vital to both personal growth and professional success. A heartfelt thank-you to Boyce Pressly for presenting alongside Nicholas Sawaf, Anant Bansal, and Ruth Morgan, as well as for assisting with check-in and delivering the introduction. Special thanks also to the photographer for capturing these meaningful moments @rsuanes.

Our Founder and CEO, Deborah Sawaf (@debsawaf) as Chair of the Coordination Commission for the World Technology Summit, had the privilege of helping bring the inaugural Summit to India, hosted at MIT World Peace University (MIT-WPU).

We are grateful to Hon'ble Minister Jaykumar Rawal for amplifying the message at the World Technology Summit in Pune.

At WTS, guided by the vision of co-Founder Sir Paul J. Foster, we highlighted a fundamental principle: ethics must form the foundation of both innovation and leadership. In an era of rapidly advancing technology, our decisions must remain human-centric, compassionate, and accountable-fully reflecting the values of MIT-WU and The Power of Words Foundation.

We are deeply grateful to our partners, speakers, and the Government of Maharashtra for supporting this vision. Together, we can ensure that technology serves humanity, rather than humanity serving technology.

Our Band Bond Initiative™ is a program that teaches emotional intelligence using color-coded wristbands and guided workshops. Each wristband color represents a specific emotion or mindset, allowing participants to visually express how they feel and encouraging open, meaningful conversations about emotions, empathy, and communication. Through structured activities and discussions, participants develop greater self-awareness, learn to recognize emotions in others, and build healthier ways to respond to challenges and relationships.

The initiative is designed to be accessible, engaging, and practical, creating safe spaces where individuals can explore emotional expression without stigma. By transforming emotions into a simple visual language, the program helps participants connect more authentically with one another and fosters a culture of understanding, respect, and emotional growth.

We are thrilled to announce that Power of Words Africa is officially open!

This marks the beginning of a bold journey rooted in the belief that words have power to educate, to heal, to inspire, and to transform communities across the continent.

As a platform dedicated to nurturing emotional intelligence, effective communication, and positive expression, Power of Words Africa has already begun training members in skills that amplify their voices and deepen their impact. These trainings focus on how to use language responsibly from storytelling and leadership dialogue to mental wellness communication and community engagement.

What started as an idea is now a movement launching in Africa, backed by passionate changemakers who believe that when people are equipped with the right words and confidence, they can drive real change in their communities.

We are here to empower individuals, uplift voices, and create spaces where powerful conversations lead to lasting impact.

This is just the beginning. Let's build, train, and transform together!

We're thrilled to share that our Wellbeing and Emotional Intelligence Seminar has officially been approved by the State Bar of California for 1 hour of MCLE credit in Wellness Competence!

Attorneys can now earn credit for developing emotional intelligence, building resilience, and learning practical tools for managing stress, all through the lens of human-centered leadership.

This is a major step forward in bringing emotional wisdom into the heart of the legal profession. Want to bring this seminar to your law firm, bar association, or retreat?

LET'S CONNECT!

We are excited to officially launch @powerofwords_india in India!

Our mission is to help organizations build emotionally intelligent workplaces where mental well-being is not just acknowledged, but actively supported.

Through meaningful conversations, practical tools, and emotional intelligence frameworks, we work with organizations to create cultures where people feel heard, valued, and empowered to thrive.

Let's come together to normalize conversations around mental well-being.

We are grateful for the invitation to speak at the #InternationalSocietyConference at @brighamyounguniversity celebrating 150 years.

Thank you, Bruce Law, for bringing together voices committed to a shared purpose, honoring the dignity of every child. The vision of this conference is deeply inspiring: a world where prevention, protection, and compassionate action come together to uplift and safeguard the inherent worth of all children.

Honored to be part of this important conversation. @byu.president @susanhporter_ @goalsforgirls Kevin Hyland, David Kirkham, Lola Ogunbote @sarahbouchie

The Value of Human Relationships in Global Trade in the World of AI 12th Annual Orange County World Trade Week Forum, organized by the District Export Council of Southern California. In a world racing toward automation, Deborah Sawaf has spent her career making the case for what no algorithm can replace.

Founder of The Power Of Words Foundation and creator of the world's first accredited interactive Emotional Intelligence program - recognized by the State Bar of California and presented at the G20, WHO WISH Summit, and Cannes Lions - Deborah brings a universal blueprint for compassionate, high-integrity leadership to every room she enters.

Her argument for our panel is simple and powerful: EQ is not a soft skill. It is the strategic advantage that determines whether the deal closes - or doesn't.

As AI transforms how we compete globally, the leaders who can listen across a cultural divide, read the silence in a negotiation, and earn trust that no proposal can engineer will be the ones who move global commerce forward.

UCI Beall Applied Innovation @the Cove, Irvine, CA