ONOR Foundation

ONOR Friends and Partners are at the Heart of What We Do.

Marla Tellez ( ) is one of them. A two-time Emmy Award-winning journalist and TV news anchor in Los Angeles, she is the epitome of professionalism, dedication, and a strong work ethic, as well as a constant supporter of others, qualities that lie at the core of ONOR’s mission.

Named the 2023 LA Press Club “Anchor/Host of the Year,” Marla has been Mistress of Ceremonies for the Female Empowerment Summit since its first edition, hosted at the prestigious Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills ( ). Her leadership at this event underscores the importance of community and the power of connecting with women who are pioneering change in their respective fields. Through her presence and voice, she continues to empower others by sharing her lived experiences and encouraging women to confidently amplify their achievements.

At one of the opening sessions of the summit, she shared a timeless reminder from Maya Angelou:
“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” A powerful reminder that true influence is not measured by titles or moments, but by the impact we leave on others.

In every aspect of her work and life, Marla uses her platform to tell meaningful stories and reflect on her journey through motherhood, growth, and a demanding yet deeply fulfilling career. She stands as a reminder that the most powerful chapters of life are written with resilience, purpose, and the courage to pursue what truly matters.

It is easy to speak about greatness. It is much harder to pursue it.

Greatness begins the moment you step beyond your comfort zone, ask yourself difficult questions, and challenge what holds you back.

Do not fear that journey. Growth lives on the other side of uncertainty.

The goal is not to become who others expect you to be, but to discover the greatest version of yourself and have the courage to live it.

At Constantin Pufan Inclusive Education School in Vaslui, Romania, passion, kindness, and purpose came together through a meaningful day of connection and learning. Accompanied by dedicated young volunteers from Alexandra Nechita Gymnasium School, the students were reminded of what lies at the heart of volunteering: supporting one another and building communities through compassion. 🫂

As you look through these photos, we hope you feel the joy, enthusiasm, and hope reflected in the children’s eyes. Through simple yet meaningful activities from painting colorful creations to cooking together these students experienced the power of encouragement, friendship, and belonging. They not only felt the impact of having a guiding hand during their journey of growth and self-discovery, but also began to understand what it means to one day become that helping hand for someone else. 🌸🌞

Now we invite you to reflect:

When was the last time you volunteered in your community, supported a local event, or helped at a school? When was the last time you gave one of the most valuable gifts of all your time to encourage another person?

At ONOR Foundation, our mission is to remind both leaders and young minds that compassion and care are not weaknesses; they are powerful human forces that strengthen communities and create change. ✨

We hope the smiles, laughter, and spirit of the students from Constantin Pufan Inclusive Education School and Alexandra Nechita Gymnasium School inspire you to take meaningful action in your own community. Every act of kindness, no matter how small, helps build a brighter future and becomes part of the legacy we leave behind.

ONOR Journal | May Edition

This May, we recognize Mental Health Awareness Month with a powerful conversation centered on emotional intelligence, resilience, and the importance of human connection in today’s world.

We are honored to feature Deborah Sawaf (), President & CEO of the Power of Words Foundation () whose work continues to shape conversations around emotional wellness, leadership, and personal growth. Her perspective reminds us that emotional intelligence is not simply a “soft skill” it is one of the most essential qualities of effective leadership, healthy relationships, and meaningful communication.

Today, mental health challenges are impacting communities across the globe at an unprecedented level. According to the World Health Organization, nearly 1 in 8 people worldwide live with a mental health disorder, while stress, anxiety, and burnout continue to rise among young professionals and future leaders. Studies also show that individuals with high emotional intelligence are better equipped to manage stress, build stronger relationships, navigate conflict, and lead with empathy and clarity.

As technology accelerates and human connection becomes increasingly fragmented, the ability to understand emotions, both our own and those of others, has become more important than ever. Emotional intelligence is no longer optional; it is foundational to building healthier individuals, stronger organizations, and more compassionate communities.
💌 Read more - link in bio!

This edition of ONOR Journal explores the impact of empathy, awareness, and intentional communication and why investing in mental wellness is one of the most important investments we can make for the future.

Don’t forget to subscribe and connect with .

ONOR Journal | May Edition

This May, we recognize Mental Health Awareness Month with a powerful conversation centered on emotional intelligence, resilience, and the importance of human connection in today’s world.

We are honored to feature Deborah Sawaf (), President & CEO of the Power of Words Foundation () whose work continues to shape conversations around emotional wellness, leadership, and personal growth. Her perspective reminds us that emotional intelligence is not simply a “soft skill” it is one of the most essential qualities of effective leadership, healthy relationships, and meaningful communication.

Today, mental health challenges are impacting communities across the globe at an unprecedented level. According to the World Health Organization, nearly 1 in 8 people worldwide live with a mental health disorder, while stress, anxiety, and burnout continue to rise among young professionals and future leaders. Studies also show that individuals with high emotional intelligence are better equipped to manage stress, build stronger relationships, navigate conflict, and lead with empathy and clarity.

As technology accelerates and human connection becomes increasingly fragmented, the ability to understand emotions, both our own and those of others, has become more important than ever. Emotional intelligence is no longer optional; it is foundational to building healthier individuals, stronger organizations, and more compassionate communities.
💌 Read more - link in bio!

This edition of ONOR Journal explores the impact of empathy, awareness, and intentional communication and why investing in mental wellness is one of the most important investments we can make for the future.

Don’t forget to subscribe and connect with debsawaf.

So today, choose to keep going with kindness toward yourself and trust in the process

Learn something that excites you.
Do something that pushes you out of your comfort zone just a little.
Hold onto hope, especially when things feel unclear.

And most importantly … take one small step forward today, even without guarantees.

Because growth doesn’t come from waiting for certainty it comes from deciding, daily, to move forward anyway.

The ONOR Journal launches NextGen Voices … starting today.

We’re excited to introduce NextGen Voices, a new series highlighting the perspectives, experiences, ideas, and impact of students and emerging leaders building what comes next.

This series begins with Barbara Marinescu (), a student at Duke University majoring in Biology, whose voice reflects the strength, ambition, intelligence, and authenticity of the next generation. In this edition, Barbara opens up about navigating academic pressure, personal growth, and the growing mental health challenges facing students worldwide.

Behind every future doctor, scientist, entrepreneur, or innovator is a young person figuring it out in real time balancing expectations, identity, uncertainty, and purpose in a world that rarely slows down.

Barbara’s story is a reminder that resilience isn’t perfection it’s awareness, courage, and continuing even when things feel heavy. Her perspective highlights why emotional wellbeing, supportive communities, and open conversations matter more than ever.

Through NextGen Voices, ONOR Journal aims to amplify student voices, share real stories, and spotlight a generation leading with both ambition and empathy.

💌 Read more, link in bio.

Are you creating impact in your school or community? We’d love to hear your story.

Don’t forget to subscribe and connect with .

Reach high, not for recognition, but for the person you become along the way. The journey toward your dreams is not only about success, it is about growth, resilience, and discovering the strength within yourself.

Every step forward shapes you into someone wiser, stronger, and more fearless than before. Keep reaching, because who you are becoming is just as powerful as what you are chasing.