You can expect to hear your friends frequently asking you, “Did you see that post on Inpower?” now that founder Razan Talevian has brought her inspirational attitude to women across the country and beyond. The highly successful Facebook group was created early this year by the 20-year-old from North Vancouver, and currently boasts over 14,000 members. The aim of this space is for all women, regardless of differences, to “ask, show and inspire” each other, as per the groups description. Here, women ask each other for advice or support, share tips and tricks, and engage in healthy debate over popular topics. I had the opportunity to ask Razan some questions about her inspiration for the organization and her goals for the future.
How would you describe yourself?
Well, first of all, you should know that I’m a huge believer of mindset and energy, and spreading positivity through actions and vibes! I aspire to connect people to one another. These experiences we connect in make us who we are, as we are whom we associate ourselves with. If we practice being mindful of one another and relating through positivity not judgment, I believe we can revolutionize the way people connect.
Wow, incredible! So what motivated you to create the group?
I always put others before myself, and find happiness by giving others happiness. I asked myself, “How do I spread my unconditional love, support, and care to everyone? I am just one person, and there are so many people to reach out to who need someone for support.” And then I realized I wasn’t the only one who felt this way.
You must be thankful a free platform like Facebook is available to do this!
I instantly thought of Facebook being the best outlet to start this because people are constantly on it, and it is basically free marketing. I am very grateful that there is a free platform like this available!
Were there any concerns you had with creating this large group of women?
I am aware of a lot of cyber bullying that goes on, especially in this day and, so this was truly the biggest test. If I can manage a non-judgmental group with open-minded individuals who maintain a foundation of respect, then I know I have succeeded.
So you have to tell us…why “Inpower”?
I knew if I wanted to register a society one day, then using the word ‘empower’ would not be an option because it is a known word in English and would be declined by Trademark Canada. When people verbally release words, it releases emotions as you speak, so I wanted people to say the word POWER as they referred to the group, so they could feel it. It’s also a play on words, as we are all “IN” power. We are the power, and we have the power to use this power how we want.
Tell me about your future plans for the organization.
I have such optimistic dreams that I want to achieve, but it will take time and a lot of patience! I want to partner with as many other organizations as I can, so we can benefit each other and help each other grow. We also want to do a lot of charity work, workshops, events, or anything that is decided by the members of the society. If they want something done, we will make it happen. I am hoping for Inpower to be the biggest benchmark to support women in any way they need it.
So you are planning of expanding beyond Facebook?
I would like to continue the Facebook group, but also create an app in the future which also will have all of these partnerships included to help women adventure through their lives.
Is there anything else you’d like to mention?
I would like to give a shout out to all the members of Inpower! This would have not been possible without all of your energy and positivity. Together we have changed lives and you all have truly changed mine!
I myself was so inspired by Razan that I decided to create my own “subsociety” of Inpower called “Horsepower,” which is a space on Facebook for horse-loving Inpower women to discuss their equestrian companions. Other subsocieties include a space for writers and a space for LGBTQ+ individuals, all based on Razan’s original concept. Anonymous questions can be emailed to inpower@hotmail.com, or you can be added to the group by contacting Rozan Talevian on Facebook.