Dare to Overcome

Introduction

Dare to Overcome is the Religious Freedom & Business Foundation’s annual in-person global gathering that celebrates businesses that inspire mutual respect and allyship among diverse communities in the workplace and marketplace. Why? Because it’s good for business, the economy, and society! At the annual gathering, top business leaders, Fortune 500 faith-oriented employee resource groups (ERGs), and corporate chaplains come together to share best practices and to build supportive, intersecting networks nationally and globally.

The Religious Freedom and Business Foundation:

The Religious Freedom & Business Foundation (RFBF) works globally to demonstrate the tremendous economic value and social benefits of robust religious diversity and liberty for all. RFBF believes that business and religious freedom for all combine to form a powerful force for a better world.

RFBF helps demonstrate the critical link between respect for faith, successful enterprise, and dynamic national economies through groundbreaking expert research, training programs, practical business tools, and convening interfaith business forums. RFBF’s pioneering work catalyzes executives to promote Freedom of Religion or Belief for all people through customer-facing policies and employee programming — such as employee resource groups (ERGs) fostering workplace religious inclusion — and leveraging their broader societal influence.

Student Reflections

Heather Walker

My experience at Dare to Overcome in Washington, DC, in May 2023 was profoundly enlightening and inspiring. The conference highlighted how business owners promote religious inclusivity and freedom through tailored Employee Resource Groups, resulting in increased productivity and authentic employee engagement. The inclusive atmosphere allowed for open, meaningful discussions on challenges and solutions inspired by diverse religious perspectives, creating a sense of unity and shared purpose. This reinforced my belief that I can advocate for religious freedom and human dignity across various professional domains, fostering grassroots societal change. Following the event, I am developing a religious freedom course at Brigham Young University-Hawaii, exploring internships with the International Religious Freedom Roundtable, and working to combat human trafficking on the Big Island. These opportunities align with my aspirations in promoting religious freedom and engaging with government initiatives, making me deeply grateful for the connections, insights, and renewed sense of direction gained at the conference.

Ofa Tahitua

From May 22-24, 2023, I had the unexpected opportunity to participate in the Dare to Overcome Conference in Washington, D.C., with fellow BYU-H students. Excited and curious about the professional and personal growth this event might offer, I was eager to see how it would unfold. The conference, organized by Brian Grim and his dedicated team, exceeded my expectations, highlighting the importance of making guests feel special and valued. As an intern, I felt honored and appreciated, gaining invaluable experience and networking opportunities with skilled professionals from diverse religious backgrounds. This experience not only broadened my understanding of how faith can be integrated into professional settings but also connected me with individuals like Massimo Parrino, who offered me a free course on human rights, enhancing my career prospects. The conference reinforced the significance of faith, trust in the Lord, and the shared goal of becoming more like our Savior, Jesus Christ. I left the event inspired, grateful for the funding that made this possible, and eager to apply the skills and knowledge gained to my future endeavors. I am profoundly thankful for this opportunity and hopeful that others will have the chance to experience similar growth and inspiration.

Denish Selvan

Upon learning that I was selected for the Dare to Overcome internship in Washington, D.C., I was thrilled and eager to explore the city and its landmarks. Visiting monuments like the Jefferson Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, and Capitol Hill deepened my appreciation for American history and democracy. Interning with Ford Motor Company allowed me to engage with their interfaith group and share personal beliefs, fostering meaningful connections. Highlights included a visit to the Museum of the Bible, meeting inspiring individuals, and an impactful prayer session with faith representatives, emphasizing the importance of religious liberty and inclusion. This experience solidified my passion for political science, inspired by the foundational American documents I saw at the Rotunda. I am grateful to Professor Dr. Smith, the donors, and my BYU Hawaii teammates for their support. This journey opened doors for future opportunities, including a potential visit to the U.N., and reinforced my commitment to making a positive impact in government and politics as a disciple of Jesus Christ.

Pim Suksuntiwijit

Religion is an integral part of our identity, and my internship with the Dare to Overcome conference, organized by the Religious Freedom & Business Foundation, underscored this truth. It was inspiring to see global leaders from companies like Google, Dell, Intel, and SAP promoting faith-friendly workplaces where employees feel secure practicing their beliefs, including those without faith. My role involved setting up the event and assisting Mariyam, a blind Muslim diplomat from the U.S. State Department who advocates for authenticity and faith in the workplace. Her resilience and achievements, despite her disability, gave me hope and renewed my determination to pursue law school. Mariyam even offered to help me secure an internship at the State Department. Additionally, I networked with professionals like Theo Martinescu from Intel and Ron Gaspard Jr. from PayPal, who appreciated the foundation's efforts to create safe spaces for religious expression in the workplace. They offered further support by connecting with me on LinkedIn and considering my fiancé's resume for potential opportunities. This experience has been transformative, reinforcing the importance of religious inclusion and encouraging me to pursue my goals with renewed vigor.

Aldrin Mabalot

I am immensely grateful for the opportunity to participate in the Dare to Overcome conference, which has profoundly impacted my understanding of unity among individuals of different faiths. The inclusive atmosphere of the conference demonstrated the transformative power of religious freedom, and I believe this cause is divinely supported. Interacting with prominent companies, particularly Dell Technologies, left a lasting impression on me. Dell's integration of faith into their work culture through employee resource groups was inspiring, and I am thrilled to have been offered an internship with their Dell EMC Inside Sales Internship Program for summer 2024. This opportunity holds the potential for a full-time job offer, and I am committed to excelling in this role. My visit to Washington, D.C., also deepened my appreciation for the significance of freedom and the sacrifices made by our forefathers. I now see our efforts to promote religious freedom as a continuation of their legacy, pioneering a remarkable and necessary movement.

Abish Baliwas

My time as a student intern at this year's Dare To Overcome (DTO) conference in Washington, D.C., was life-changing. I am deeply grateful to King Husein and other donors for giving us the opportunity to be part of such a transformative event. The conference's theme of 'bring your whole self to work' was particularly impactful, highlighting the importance of practicing religion in the workplace, a concept not yet embraced in the Philippines. The dedication of companies and the Religious Freedom and Business Foundation to promoting religious freedom in the workplace was inspiring. As an anthropology student, I appreciated the focus on intersectionality and the complexity of human experiences in creating inclusive environments. I made valuable connections with professionals from companies like PayPal, Intuit, and Equinix, who provided guidance and mentorship. Meeting individuals such as Marsie Sweetland, Kimberly Peterson, Padma Thanumoorthy, and John Vu was enriching both personally and professionally. I was also inspired by Dr. Elaine Long and other notable figures like Kent Johnson and Mark Whitacre. The experience has continuously shaped me, and I am forever grateful for the opportunity to represent BYU-Hawaii and participate in such a meaningful event.

Uurtsaikh Nyamdeleg

Attending the conference was an incredibly transformative experience, providing me with a wealth of knowledge, practical skills, and inspiration. The carefully curated sessions, workshops, and panel discussions, along with the supportive environment created by successful professionals and fellow students, fostered personal growth, self-confidence, and a renewed determination to overcome challenges. I had the privilege of connecting with representatives from American Airlines and PayPal, whose commitment to fostering young talent was evident through their engagement and guidance. These interactions provided insights into their respective industries and potential career paths. My connection with American Airlines was particularly exciting, as it deepened my passion for the aviation industry and expanded my understanding of its trends, challenges, and opportunities. The networking opportunities and mentorship I received have already opened doors to potential career opportunities, making this experience invaluable for my academic and professional journey.