POWERED BY THE INNOVATION HUB
September 2025. Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB).
Imagine if I could have a conversation with my teenage self—what would I say?
Let me take you back to a time when I was navigating the turbulent waters of high school, facing image standards and societal expectations that seemed impossible to meet. I wish I could tell my younger self the lessons I’ve learned along the way.
First and foremost, society has a habit of putting us in boxes, dictating how we should look, behave, and even think. As a girl, I felt the pressure to conform to an ideal image that was never realistic. I went through a stage where I was so fed up by the constant criticism of my career in science simply because I wasn’t a man. I started to behave and look more like a boy, cutting my hair really short, wearing pants, and adopting a zero-makeup policy. All that just to gain a bit more acceptance in the boys’ club. But as a 40-year-old now, looking back, if I could have a conversation with my teen self, I would look into my own eyes and say: **You are enough just as you are.** Your worth isn’t measured by how well you fit into someone else’s mold, but by how true you stay to yourself. Be the person who boldly and unapologetically embraces their uniqueness.
I am now comfortable in my own skin, embracing who I am—not because the criticism stopped, but because as a mom, I believe the only way to teach my kids to be proud of themselves is to lead by example.
Motherhood brings its own set of challenges and societal pressures. I’ve often felt the weight of expectations, feeling like I had to choose between my career and being a good mother. But let me tell you, it’s possible to balance both. Motherhood and profession don’t have to be at odds. You can pursue your career and be an amazing mother. **It’s not about sacrificing one for the other, but finding a harmony that works for you.**
There were countless times I was told, “You can’t do that; it’s a man’s job.” Those words stung, but they also ignited a fire within me. I worked twice as hard to prove that I could do anything a man could, and sometimes even better. Don’t let anyone dim your light or tell you that you can’t achieve something just because of your gender. **Your dreams are valid, and you have the power to make them a reality.**
Growing up in a country driven by a male mentality that leaves little space for women to have a voice, I was blessed to have the best man by my side.
He not only helped me find my own voice but showed me how to make it heard in a room full of people determined to crush me just because of my gender. That man stayed by my side and wiped my tears time after time when I felt the world was against me.
He didn’t let me give up and taught me that hard work, resilience, and commitment are the best weapons against those who don’t believe in you. I was blessed with the best friend, best teacher … my dad.His biggest lesson to me was that we may not be able to change the world overnight, but we can start by changing the space around us. Focus on making a difference in the three meters around you, and that ripple effect will create a chain of change. Little by little, we can transform our surroundings, and eventually, the world will follow.
Along this journey, I’ve been fortunate to find people who believe in me, who trust and recognize my capabilities—not because of my gender, but because of what I can achieve.
Seek out those who uplift you, who see your potential, and who support you in your endeavors. Surround yourself with positive influences who will encourage you to reach new heights.
So, to my younger self and to each of you here today: **believe in your power, embrace your uniqueness, and never let anyone tell you that you can’t.** The journey may be challenging, but it’s worth every step. You are capable of greatness, and the world is waiting for you to shine.
Thank you.
Diana Gayosso.
Diana joined SEW-EURODRIVE in April 2024. and spearheads the launch of the Innovation Hub.
"Did I make a smart move? "
The value of something changes depending on where it's placed.
Here’s my final thought. Have you ever found yourself questioning your worth—both as an individual and a professional? Do you feel like the value you bring to the table isn’t being properly recognized? Let’s break this down with a simple analogy—one you might not have considered before.
Imagine an icy, chilled bottle of water. When you’re lounging in your backyard, you casually grab one from the fridge. You likely purchased an entire case for a few dollars, meaning each bottle costs mere cents. Now, picture yourself driving around on a hot day, stopping by a drive-thru. You grab your favorite snack and a bottle of water, and you don’t even stop to think that the same water sets you back a few bucks. Fast forward to an airport terminal, where you’re waiting on your flight, and that very same bottle of water now carries a price tag of six dollars or more.
What changed? The bottle itself is identical—same brand, same volume, same liquid. You might argue that factors like distribution costs and location play a role, and while that’s partially true, the real reason runs deeper. The price of something is not the same as its value. The true worth of anything—whether a product, a service, or even a person—is determined by where it is placed.
And that’s precisely the lesson I learned from my father. Sometimes, the key to unlocking your true value isn’t about altering who you are. Instead, it’s about shifting your environment, and putting yourself in front of people and a setting that appreciates and values your worth.
I hope this article inspires not only young women, but anyone that is contemplating their value and what they are capable of contributing to the world.