24 hours ago, I wasn’t sure that I could deliver this speech. I hadn’t written any of it and my heart and mind were in so many different places that for a second it didn’t seem feasible. but I reminded myself of how many times that I’ve been silenced in the past and how that silencing has sometimes led to me silencing myself... I decided that this speech was going to serve as a way to interrupt the pattern of curling into myself and hiding. It is a note to myself that while silence is valuable, it’s time to resist and expand. So here’s my first ever keynote speech at the UN! I’m dedicating this to younger self — little nerdy Catherine who always spoke the truth despite backlash and loneliness. I’m so glad that you still exist in me and that your voice continues to grow louder, sharper and more powerful 🤓