The Power in the Pause, The Bravery in the Shift

She Dares to Rise 2026

a group photo with seven women of various cultural background women, they are making funny faces in front of a backdrop that says "Women Who Dare".

She Dares to Rise is a celebration of fearless women who have dared to break barriers to be their authentic self. At its heart, it is a storytelling-based conference. We bring incredible women onto the stage to share their real, plot-twist life experiences, the moments that changed everything.

Our theme this year is The Power in the Pause, The Bravery in the Shift. We live in a world that constantly asks us to move faster and achieve more, as if slowing down is a weakness. But when was the last time you truly paused and became present? In those quiet moments, we gain clarity and reconnect with what truly matters.

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our VIsion

To inspire a world where women lead with courage, connection, and authenticity.

To create a world where every woman recognizes her courage, shares her voice, and steps boldly into her authentic leadership—fostering a connected community that elevates, inspires, and transforms lives.

our Mission

To ignite courage, amplify voices, and build a community where women rise together.

She Dares to Rise exists to empower women and allies through intentional storytelling, courageous conversations, and meaningful connection. We cultivate inclusive spaces where barriers are broken, confidence is strengthened, and leaders are forged—so that together we rise with purpose, resilience, and authenticity.

our story

She Dares to Rise was born from a powerful belief: that every story of courage has the power to inspire another.

Since its first gathering, we have grown into a movement that celebrates authenticity, courage, and the strength we find in one another. Each year, individuals come together on International Women’s Day to share their stories of breaking barriers, stepping into leadership, and daring to live fully as their authentic selves.

In 2025, about 90 attendees joined us in Hillsboro to hear from an extraordinary lineup of speakers — from bestselling authors and climate justice leaders to deans, entrepreneurs, nonprofit founders, and global performers. We are reminded us that courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes it’s a leap, sometimes it’s a whisper, sometimes it’s choosing to show up one more time.

At its heart, She Dares to Rise is a safe and inclusive space. It’s about celebrating courage, fostering connection, honoring successes, and finding the strength to begin again — to keep daring, believing, leading, and leaping forward.

Founded and hosted by Dr. Shi Choong — an event planner, storyteller, and former Intel engineer who left the corporate world to follow her calling — She Dares to Rise bridges precision with artistry, intellect with heart. Through this platform, and Shi’s ongoing storytelling channel Ignite with Shi, the mission remains the same: to ignite courage, amplify voices, and create spaces where anyone who believes in empowerment can belong.

Together, we dare — and together, we rise.

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