Resonance of the Ripple: After that 6-Day Journey, I Found My Strength

The “Invisible Person” in the Comfort Zone

As a female facilitator, I had long indulged in a form of “professional humility.” I always believed that the art of facilitation lay in “stepping back”—hiding behind the process and leaving the stage entirely to the participants. Especially as an Asian woman working in Canada, I habitually retreated under the wing of my professional identity, staying within my comfort zone.

At that time, I didn’t see anything wrong with remaining quiet. I felt anxious about my accent and nervous in front of crowds, and I never enjoyed being the center of attention. I told myself: “I have my own style, and maintaining it is enough.”

Toronto: A Moment that Shifted My Perception

The change happened during a six-day “Art and Science of Participation” (ICAA) course. It was midsummer in Toronto, and I was the only Asian woman among the four trainers. Throughout those six days, I pushed myself to stand at the front and lead several segments of the training. Although it went smoothly, my only thought was: “Let’s get this over with quickly.” That was until the celebration on the final half-day.

A young Indigenous woman, one of the participants, walked straight up to me. She looked into my eyes, her voice trembling slightly with profound emotion:

I looked at her in surprise, deeply moved and shaken by her words.

A Total “Shift of Imagery”

Before that moment, I only saw my accent and my imperfections; but after that moment, I finally saw my “existence” through her eyes. I realized that when I find my voice as a foreign woman in a different land, I no longer represent just myself or the course material. I became a symbol—a coordinate for “possibility.” My existence itself is a “permission” for another woman.

It is the permission for her to have ambition, to stand under the gaze of others, and to know that even with an imperfect delivery or an Indigenous identity, she can still possess irreplaceable influence.

Speaking with a Sense of Mission

Since then, I no longer refuse to stand before an audience. I still get nervous, and my English still has an accent, but I no longer feel ashamed or retreat because of it. I have become willing to express and to inspire. I realize that when I choose to bravely stand up, the women watching silently from below might be drawing the nourishment they need from my voice. Though they may not often come forward to tell me, I know that in those silent moments, change is happening.

To All Female Facilitators

In the world of facilitation, we often talk about creating a “safe space.” But true psychological safety often comes from seeing someone like ourselves shining brightly. Today is International Women’s Day, and I want to dedicate this story to every woman working silently in her career and life. Stop waiting for the so-called “perfect moment,” and stop retreating because of minor flaws. Express yourself. Stand up. On this holiday that belongs to women, may we all be the ones who cast the stone, letting the ripples of change resonate through more and more lives.