As ROAR for Good keeps working on its flagship Athena product (slated to ship early 2017, last time we checked), CEO Yasmine Mustafa landed some more press. This time, it’s international, thanks to a spot on BBC’s 100 Women 2016 list, published on Monday.
“I was speechless when I first got the news in August and I don’t think the gravity of it has really hit me,” said Mustafa in an email to Technical.ly. “Seeing the other honorees today makes me feel incredibly fortunate to be recognized. I’m also glad I was able to share my story at TEDxPhiladelphia because I feel it gave me the space to transform a difficult past it into something that has inspired others.”
According to the British media outlet, the ranking highlights inspirational and influential women of 2016. Artists, activists, entrepreneurs and athletes made the list, including familiar names like gymnast Simone Biles and singer/songwriter Alicia Keys.
Incredibly honored to be among so many amazing women! https://t.co/8VnUR9Hpue
— Yasmine Mustafa (@myasmine) November 21, 2016
“They will bring you groundbreaking moments of defiance, new takes on fairy tales, stories of octogenarian cheerleading, and take you inside the world of e-gaming,” BBC wrote in the article introducing the list.
Mustafa also commented on the recent follow-up investment the company got from Ben Franklin Technology Partners.
“The funds are going to help fuel our growth throughout 2017,” Mustafa said in a separate email. “Not only will we be shipping but we’ve struck a deal with Amazon Exclusives and are closing in on some exciting retail opportunities.”
She is feeling the pressure, though, of getting accolade after accolade before her product has even shipped, according to an interview she did with our sister site Generocity.
“I wish we were already out,” she told Generocity. “Especially with the wave of harassment and hate crimes that have spiked post-election.”
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