When we act in ways that bring hope and inspiration to others, we feel more vital and alive. This is a power that we each have within us. And maintaining a compassionate stance of curiosity, generosity and humility is the way we claim that power.

I went to an all-girls’ school for 9 years and loved knowing that we girls could do anything we set our minds to. Yet I can’t help feeling uneasy that my parents believed I needed to be separated from boys to be freed from the limitations of gender stereotypes.