If sport is a mirror to society then football, as the game most played around the world, is its greatest reflection. While making a documentary about women's football I listened to dozens of stories from incredible women who are challenging the cultural barriers that restrict them, and I saw how those stories can cross borders and empower other women around the world. The freedom to write your own story is denied to so many because of race, gender, socio economics and geography, and this is something we can and need to help each other do, starting with our own stories. By encouraging others and elevating their stories, we can help each other dream beyond what we have been told is our limitation and in doing so create a more empathetic and equitable planet. Kely Nascimento works with entities to help define a focused identity and brand story, and to create partnership opportunities and programing that align with their objectives. Her recent work has been focused in the Sports Diplomacy and sports for development sectors. Kely travels the world and speaks on the power of storytelling in promoting equity as well as a community and trust building tool to further the UNDP Sustainable Development Goals. Ms. Nascimento is currently directing of Warriors of a Beautiful Game, a feature documentary on sports and gender equality (currently in post-production). Kely is the eldest daughter of Brazilian soccer legend Pelé and has founded the Nascimento Foundation which, through sports and the arts along with the principals of equality, leadership and storytelling, aims to harness the power of her father’s legacy towards building a more equitable, peaceful and sustainable future. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at