#HerStory with Profellow - Oyu Erdene

My name is Oyu-Erdene Batzeveg, Oyu for short, and I am a young professional in Mongolia’s development sector, focusing on women’s empowerment and entrepreneurship.

Mongolia is vast in its landscapes, yet home to a relatively small population of just over 3.5 million people. As capitalism takes hold in its own unique way, life is changing rapidly. Traditional family-oriented lifestyles—both in urban and rural settings—are being reshaped, bringing new challenges and opportunities, especially for women.

In 2022, shortly after completing my graduate studies in South Korea, I returned to Mongolia and joined The Asia Foundation as a Project Officer for the Women’s Economic Empowerment (WEE) Project. The project was responsible for establishing Mongolia’s first-ever Women’s Business Center, designed to economically empower women and support them in starting micro and small businesses. Many women who aspire to start businesses struggle due to limited income, which directly affects their ability to improve their livelihoods and provide for their children. Alongside financial constraints, they often face low self-confidence and a lack of practical business skills.

Through this work, I discovered my passion for supporting women—not only professionally, but personally as well. I deeply understood the impact of the work we were doing. Our project team consisted of six incredible women, each from a different background and at different stages of life. Through working together, I began to truly understand how women thrive when they are part of a community. A woman’s community is something profound, unique, and deeply necessary. Although the project focused on empowering others, I found myself growing and becoming empowered alongside them. I loved my work, my supportive teammates, and the meaningful role the Women’s Business Center played in all the women’s lives we serve.

The Asia Foundation WEE Team.

Driven by my desire to build stronger women’s communities and deepen my understanding of community building and women’s empowerment, I sought to learn more. I was incredibly fortunate to be selected as a Professional Fellow by the US State Department program and to complete my fellowship at Women of Toledo, under the mentorship of their Executive Director, Nina Corder. This fellowship marked my first visit to the United States, and the work culture was entirely new to me. I was impressed by how meetings and events were conducted punctually, with clear agendas and strong productivity. What stood out most, however, was the genuine kindness of the people—their generosity with words and encouragement gave me the confidence and comfort to share my opinions and engage in meaningful discussions.

Women of Toledo is a remarkable organization and a leading force in community building for women and girls in Northwest Ohio. Under Nina’s visionary leadership, the organization creates inclusive spaces for empowerment and growth. Nina was an exceptional mentor, leader, and supervisor throughout my fellowship, generously involving me in all aspects of Women of Toledo’s work. I was particularly inspired by how deeply Women of Toledo collaborates with peer organizations and broader community networks. This collective and partnership-driven approach expands the reach of their programs and ensures inclusivity. What touched me most was their commitment to being deeply rooted in the community they serve. This grounded, community-centered philosophy allows women to feel seen as whole human beings—with emotions, vulnerabilities, and authentic selves. It nurtures collective wisdom and leads to sustainable, impactful solutions.

Activities such as the Women’s Gratitude Breakfast and the HeForShe: Decoding Emotional Intelligence Training left a profound impact on me. These spaces encouraged vulnerability and openness—something women (or men) uniquely understand and create for one another. I found myself opening up emotionally, reflecting deeply on my life and habits related to emotional well-being. This reflection reminded me that one of the most fundamental challenges many women face is a lack of self-confidence, courage, and self-worth. Every meaningful achievement begins within. Through these experiences, I reframed my understanding of vulnerability—not as weakness, but as a source of strength.

Vulnerability, I realized, is one of my greatest powers.

I also had the opportunity to join as a panelist at the November Connection: Northwest Business Mentoring Program, moderated by the outstanding Program Coordinator at Women of Toledo, Lisa Halsey, alongside my fellow panelists, Uchka and Angela Lucas, co-founder of TolHouse. It was an unforgettable experience to meet women entrepreneurs and exchange insights about business and leadership.

One statement by Angela Lucas deeply resonated with me: “Running a business is a whole different emotional journey. It requires emotional maturity and resilience.”

This insight reinforced my belief that if we are truly committed to supporting women entrepreneurs, we must prioritize their mental and emotional well-being. Practical skills can be taught, but helping women believe in their own potential is the real challenge—and the real transformation.

“Educate, Engage, Empower”—the motto of Women of Toledo—perfectly reflects their mission and continues to inspire me to build stronger women’s communities in Mongolia. Women’s community is more than a network; it is a space of belonging, strength, and shared growth. When women come together, experiences are understood without explanation, voices are heard without judgment, and potential is nurtured through collective support. Empowered women empower others, and through connection, mentorship, and solidarity, women’s communities become powerful foundations for leadership, personal growth, and lasting change.

Being a Fellow at Women of Toledo was truly eye-opening and deeply meaningful. I am immensely grateful to Nina, Lisa, Gabby, Julia, and the HerHub USA/Global team—Angie and Izzy, and my dear Mongolian fellow Uchka—for being part of my journey in the United States. I would especially like to acknowledge Nina’s leadership, resilience, and vision; Lisa’s balanced and intentional lifestyle; Gabby’s bravery in moving to the Midwest for love; Angie’s thoughtful and fun conversations; Izzy’s creativity, style, and wisdom; and Uchka’s sarcasm and support. This sisterhood and friendship are connections I will always cherish.

I am thankful for every person I met in Toledo. These diverse, trailblazing women have inspired me to continue pushing against the barriers that hold women back. I will carry these experiences with me throughout my life—as lessons, as motivation, and as a commitment to keep building spaces where women can grow, together.

Contact with Oyu: oyukabatzeveg@gmail.com 

Our organization's Executive Director, Nina Corder, is proud to serve as a mentor for the 2025 Professional Fellows Program by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, Global Leaders Division. Through thier program partner, the National Committee on U.S.-China Relations (NCUSCR), in Oct/Nov 2025, we welcomed two global Fellows from Mongolia: Oyu, Co-Lead of The Asia Foundation’s Women’s Business Center, and Uchka, Founder of Nuumads Hub LLC and co-organizer of Google Developer Groups Mongolia. Both were driving forces for innovation and gender equity in their nation’s startup ecosystem.