She's broken the mold and shaped her own narrative. It's why we are honoring Journalist Noor Tagouri as a Woman to Watch. Most recently Noor has lent her skills to her latest three-part documentary, 'Sold in America: Inside our Nation's Sex Trade.'
In the work Noor takes a hard-hitting look behind the curtain that is a big business in America. She's bringing the stories out of the shadows and taking a personal approach to the topic.
What does it mean to you to be a "woman to watch?"
OOO. What a lovely question to ask. To me, it means that people feel what's coming. They get it. They get the energy, they understand the need and they're ready to join forces basically. It's an incredible honor, it's a responsibility annnnd it is an awesome motivation to continue living for something bigger than yourself!
What is the most important part of your work?
Making people feel comfortable to share their truths.
What do you hope people take away from it?
Perspective. Perspective. Perspective. Compassion. Empathy. An open mind.
What's the most engaging part of your work?
Connecting on some type of level with every single person I meet...no matter how different we may seem on the outside.
If you could go back in time and change anything, what would it be and why?
I would have stood up for myself more as a teen because it would have been better for my self-esteem and self love/acceptance...but it also would have taught those who would bully me about my religion, culture, and family. I would have been able to give others more perspective and insight.
Can you chat us through a career obstacle and how you overcame it?
When I first began applying for jobs as a TV reporter it was rejection after rejection. People were not ready to put me on TV with a hijab on. Then, I finally got my first TV reporting job. I was thrilled! But -- when I'd have to go out and cover certain stories, some people were just not having it. It was a draining process --- inside and outside the newsroom. I eventually quit and realized I could use my difference as a strength and connect with others who were misrepresented in the media and tell their stories. I ended up producing a documentary on my own and that landed me a job where I got to cover stories around the country that I cared about!
Who's a woman you're watching? AKA an awesome lady you have your eye on?
Emma González! What a powerful young lady.
What do you want women watching you to know?
I'd want them to know that their pain and struggles can be channeled into purpose and good. I promise. Also -- support the women around!!!! STAND FOR THEM!!! and finally, go watch my latest documentary 'Sold in America: Inside our Nation's Sex Trade'!
If you like Noor's watch, click through below to check it out for yourself!
