It feels out of this world when you are rewarded for the work you do, and what can be better than this work being protecting those who have been exploited, says actor Somy Ali. Somy runs a US based NGO called No More Tears and helps to save, protect and rehabilitate victims of domestic and sexual abuse. Her efforts have been rewarded by her work being spoken about in the prestigious magazines, Forbes and Fortune, recently, and she also holds a rank in the list of top 100 most powerful women in business.
“Well, let’s put it this way, when I was awarded by two U.S. Presidents, I almost fainted and now to be featured in both Forbes and Fortune is indescribably surreal. It’s the highest compliment, honour, respect, and prestige one can receive. I am shell shocked to say the least. I mean billionaires are featured in both Forbes and Fortune. People pray and wish they would be featured in those magazines. And, here, I am featured in both unimaginable to me. I know my mother will be very proud,” she says.
Ask her how this recognition will help No More Tears, and she says, “This will be gargantuan for NMT because the people who read and are featured in both these magazines are billionaires and this increases our chances to get new board members and new donors. Both, we are seeking rather desperately since the previous board served their time limit of six years and now we need a new board. It’s like starting from the very beginning with a new board and donors. I am elated, ecstatic, on cloud nine, and every word for happiness in the dictionary.”
Somy ranks among the top 100 most powerful women in business, but for her, it’s all about saving the victims. “I am not comfortable with compliments; however, this is about the survivors, which is why I’m so thrilled. Yes, I’m more proud of myself than ever because I never dreamed this could happen, especially for something I would literally give my life for. It’s hard to comprehend. I believe they chose me because I don’t take a salary, and they said they’ve been following me on social media for years. The lives I’ve saved while risking my own are what made them select me—not for one, but for both magazines.”
