Shelmina Babai Abji

Abji reframes the narrative of gender equality in the workplace by offering practical strategies that draw from her own journey overcoming socio-economic barriers and cultural challenges. As a Tanzanian-born, Indian-educated, and American-based author, she utilizes her experiences from humble beginnings in Mwanza, Tanzania, to becoming one of the highest-ranking women of color at IBM. Her work, particularly the bestselling book "Show Your Worth: 8 Intentional Strategies for Women to Emerge as Leaders at Work", provides intentional strategies designed to empower women professionally. This book underscores her commitment to addressing the systemic change required for gender equality by blending motivational storytelling with actionable advice.\n\nIn her multifaceted career, Abji has served as a catalyst for change, leading global teams and making significant hiring and promotion decisions. Her method involves transforming personal adversities into empowerment tools for others, which resonates in her literary work that emphasizes leadership empowerment and overcoming corporate glass ceilings. Her style, both motivational and pragmatic, reflects her belief that intentional actions can dismantle barriers and create pathways for women to emerge as leaders.\n\nThe impact of Abji’s work extends beyond her writings, as she actively engages with organizations such as Girl Up and invests in educational opportunities for young women in East Africa. Her influence as a speaker at platforms like TEDx and her role as the founder of ShowYourWorth.ai demonstrate her dedication to fostering a new generation of women leaders. Through her advocacy and literary contributions, readers and professionals alike can find inspiration and practical guidance, making her a significant figure in the discourse on gender equality and leadership.