Vital Voices Podcast

After one of the toughest years on record for global gender equality, Vital Voices Live brings together Amb. Melanne Verveer, Amb. Gita Rao Gupta, and Gary Barker to reflect on what happened—and what comes next. The conversation explores global trends, hard-won lessons, and signs of hope emerging around the world. Gary Barker shares insights from his work engaging men and boys as allies, highlighting the power of solidarity in driving change. A candid, hopeful look at the road ahead for gender equality.

In this inspiring episode of Vital Voices Live, we sit down with Sanna Marin, former Prime Minister of Finland and a global advocate for democratic resilience, gender equality, and compassionate leadership. Marin reflects on her historic rise to national leadership, the complexities of governing through crisis, and the values that continue to guide her vision for a more just and inclusive world. She also dives into her new book, Hope in Action, offering a powerful look at how hope can be a strategic force in politics—and in our everyday lives. Marin shares lessons from her time in office, insights on sustaining courage under pressure, and her belief in the power of communities and young leaders to drive meaningful change. Authentic, thoughtful, and forward-looking, this conversation highlights why hope isn’t passive—it’s a catalyst. Tune in for an intimate and motivating conversation with one of today’s most influential changemakers.

In this special edition of Vital Voices Live, host Norah O’Donnell sits down with editors-turned-authors Laura Brown and Kristina O’Neill to celebrate the launch of their new book All the Cool Girls Get Fired: How to Let Go of Being Let Go and Come Back on Top. Together, they unpack their own career turns—from top-tier magazine leadership to the moment of being let go—and share how those experiences became the catalyst for something bigger: a movement to reclaim professional self-worth, rewrite the narrative around job loss, and build resilience. Tune in as they discuss themes from the book (including candid essays from high-profile women), offer practical advice on bouncing back, and open up about redefining ambition on their own terms. This is a conversation about how to turn a setback into a strategic pivot—and why the coolest girls aren’t those who never fail, but those who rise up when they do.

In this compelling episode of Vital Voices Live, Gambian women’s rights activist Jaha Dukureh — a leading campaigner against female genital mutilation, founder and executive director of Safe Hands for Girls, TIME 100 honoree, and Nobel Peace Prize nominee — joins acclaimed actor and New York Times bestselling author Ashley Judd. Interviewed by actor and CARE Ambassador Bellamy Young, they explore the global fight to end female genital mutilation, the ongoing evolution of the #MeToo movement in Hollywood, and the power of personal stories to spark change for women and girls worldwide.

In this powerful episode of Vital Voices LIVE, Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton joins Vital Voices CEO Alyse Nelson for a candid and wide-ranging conversation about the defining issues of our time. Together, they examine the rise of authoritarianism, the impact of toxic masculinity, and the global epidemic of violence against women—while underscoring the urgent fight for equality, justice, and resilient leadership. This dialogue offers critical insights into the challenges threatening democracy and human rights worldwide, as well as the opportunities for collective action and change. Tune in to hear a thought-provoking conversation that speaks to the urgency of our moment.

Did you know that 96% of all deepfakes are non-consensual, and 99% of them target women? In this eye-opening episode, Vital Voices President & CEO Alyse Nelson sits down with Laura Bates, bestselling author of Men Who Hate Women and the brand-new release The New Age of Sexism, alongside Dr. Gary Barker, founder and CEO of Equimundo. Together, they unpack the alarming rise of AI-driven misogyny, the real-world impact of online abuse, and the urgent steps we must take to build a safer, more equitable future. With raw honesty and unflinching insights, this conversation doesn’t shy away from the hard truths. 📚 The New Age of Sexism is out now—available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and wherever books are sold. Get your copy today.

On this episode of Vital Voices Live, Shafiqa Khpalwak and Mahal Wak share their powerful stories of evacuating Afghanistan after the Taliban’s takeover of Kabul four years ago-and the urgent realities Afghan women continue to face today. In conversation with Rina Amiri, U.S. Special Envoy for Afghan Women, Girls, and Human Rights, they reflect on the heartbreak of leaving home, the resilience it takes to rebuild, and the ongoing fight to secure the rights and futures of Afghan women and girls. A testament to courage -and a call to keep Afghanistan’s women at the center of the global conversation.

In this special episode of Vital Voices Live, veteran journalist Andrea Mitchell sits down with U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield for a powerful conversation on global leadership, diplomacy, and the role of women driving change on the world stage. From her early days in Louisiana to representing the United States at the UN, Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield shares her journey, her perspective on today’s most pressing international issues, and what it takes to lead with compassion and conviction.

On this episode of Vital Voices LIVE, two powerhouse voices take the stage: Ashlyn Harris and Brittany Packnett Cunningham. Ashlyn — two-time World Cup champion, advocate, and mom — gets candid about life after soccer, embracing imperfection, and what it means to lead with authenticity as a queer woman. Brittany brings her signature brilliance, guiding the conversation with vulnerability, wisdom, and truth. Together, they remind us that leadership can be both strong and soft — and that showing up fully is a radical act. Tune in for an unforgettable conversation on identity, transition, and the courage to evolve.

To kick off Global Pride Month in DC, Vital Voices Live welcomed the brilliant Tourmaline for a powerful conversation honoring the legacy of Marsha P. Johnson — the trailblazing Black trans icon who helped shape the LGBTQ+ movement. Tourmaline — filmmaker, activist, and author of the new biography Marsha — joined host Sharita Gruberg, Vice President for Economic Justice at the National Partnership for Women & Families, to reflect on Marsha’s enduring impact and what it means to carry her legacy forward.

In this powerful episode of Vital Voices Live, acclaimed actress, activist, and storyteller Sophia Bush sits down with Jen Klein—author, advocate, and longtime champion for women’s rights—for a bold and deeply personal conversation about advocacy, authenticity, and the courage to lean into hard conversations. Together, they explore what it means to lead with purpose, stay grounded in your values, and stand up for what you believe in—even when it’s difficult. From navigating the spotlight to showing up for meaningful change, this episode is a compelling reminder that true impact begins with knowing who you are—and having the courage to act on it.

In celebration of Global Wellness Day, our CEO Alyse Nelson sits down with Victoria Zitrin — artist, entrepreneur, advocate, and Co-Chair of the Vital Voices Bay Area Council. Victoria is the founder of Ventura Vie, a public charity rooted in wellness, creativity, and empowerment. From mentorships to live events and the V Boutique in San Francisco, Ventura Vie creates space for healing and connection through art, fashion, and nature. Her impact is felt across the Vital Voices community — including at our headquarters, where our wellness room bears the Ventura Vie name. This episode is a reminder that wellness isn’t a luxury — it’s a foundation for leadership, resilience, and meaningful change.

After discovering deepfake pornography featuring her image online, Breeze Liu faced a harrowing journey that exposed the deep failures of our legal and tech systems. But instead of staying silent, she took action. In this powerful episode, Breeze joins Vital Voices CEO Alyse Nelson to share how she turned trauma into purpose—founding Alecto AI to help others detect and remove non-consensual content. Now a Vital Voices Global Fellow and a driving force behind the bipartisan Take It Down Act, Breeze is reshaping the digital landscape to protect survivors. This conversation is a call to action for tech accountability—and a testament to the power of survivor-led change.

In honor of World Environment Day, Vital Voices CEO Alyse Nelson sits down with Wanjira Mathai — renowned Kenyan environmentalist and Managing Director for Africa at the World Resources Institute. Daughter of the late Wangari Maathai, the first African woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize, Wanjira carries forward a legacy of people-powered climate action. In this powerful conversation, she reflects on her mother’s impact, the urgency of women-led environmental solutions, and how restoring our planet means reimagining leadership.

In this powerful episode of the Vital Voices Podcast, actor and activist Nazanin Boniadi joins Alyse Nelson, President & CEO of Vital Voices, for a candid conversation on courage, advocacy, and the fight for human rights in Iran and beyond. Nazanin shares her journey from Hollywood to human rights activism, the personal cost of raising her voice, and the ongoing struggle for freedom in Iran — especially for women and girls. She reflects on the power of global solidarity, the role of storytelling in activism, and why silence is not an option. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about the people who lift us up — and how we can do the same for others.

In honor of International Day for Biological Diversity, this episode features a powerful conversation between Vital Voices President & CEO Alyse Nelson and Mary Robinson — Ireland’s first female President, former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, and lifelong advocate for climate justice, gender equality, and ethical leadership. Mary reflects on her groundbreaking political career, her deep commitment to human rights, and how climate became her life’s defining mission. She also shares insights from MRS ROBINSON, a new documentary that tells the story of her trailblazing leadership and the urgent need for women-led climate action.

In this special episode of the Vital Voices Live Podcast, supermodel, entrepreneur and philanthropist Karlie Kloss joins Kode With Klossy CEO Osi Imeokparia to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Kode With Klossy—a decade of empowering young women and gender-expansive youth in tech. Together, they reflect on the early days of the initiative, how mentorship has shaped their leadership journeys, and why investing in women and girls is key to building a more inclusive and innovative future. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about vision, impact, and what’s next for this groundbreaking movement.

In this episode of Vital Voices Live, Dina Powell McCormick — former Deputy National Security Advisor and Vice Chair at BDT & MSD Partners — joins us to talk about her new book, Who Believed in You?, co-authored with Senator David McCormick. Drawing from her personal journey and insights from leaders like Satya Nadella, Tory Burch, and Condoleezza Rice, Dina explores how transformational mentorship shapes leadership, builds confidence, and drives long-term success. She shares lessons from her work launching mentorship initiatives like Goldman Sachs’ 10,000 Women and offers practical advice for creating deeper, more meaningful mentoring relationships. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about the people who lift us up — and how we can do the same for others.

Welcome to the Vital Voices Live Podcast, a podcast dedicated to celebrating the game-changers, the rule-breakers, and the fearless women shaping our world! In front of a live studio audience in the Vital Voices Headquarters in Washington DC, this episode is guest hosted by Norah O'Donnell in conversation with Sara Blakely, an entrepreneur, innovator, and champion for women everywhere. She took a simple idea, a pair of scissors, and sheer determination to build Spanx, revolutionizing the fashion industry and becoming one of the most successful self-made women in the world. But she didn’t stop there—she’s using her platform to empower female entrepreneurs, invest in women-led businesses, and prove that lifting others up is the ultimate power move. She’s bold, she’s brilliant, and on this episode, she shares her incredible journey.

A conversation in honor of International Women's Day between Vital Voices CEO and co-Founder Alyse Nelson and Nika Kovač, the founding director of the 8th of March Research Institute, a movement-building organization that uses storytelling and advocacy to confront gender and economic inequalities across Slovenia.

Zeinorin Angkang is a 2022 VV Visionaries Fellowship alumna and founder of Hill Wild, an organization working with the Tangkhul Naga People in Northeast India to create a sustainable food supply and eradicate poverty. In this work, she also champions the voices of Indigenous Peoples and their farming knowledge that dates back thousands of years. She recently spoke to Vital Voices President & CEO Alyse Nelson on why she founded Hill Wild and how she grew the social enterprise to include more than 2,000 farmers, 80 percent of whom are women. Angkang was recently featured in Portraits of Progress: Women Powering the Global Goals, an interactive art exhibit that debuted at the United Nations Headquarters during Women's History Month. The exhibit featured 17 portraits of women leaders finding solutions to advance the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). If listening to Angkang's story on our podcast has inspired you to take action, please consider donating to Vital Voices to help us continue investing in,…

In this special Festival episode of the Vital Voices podcast, you’ll hear an inspiring panel conversation on how women leaders can take control of dealing with personal trauma, navigating mental health, and finding fulfillment no matter what life throws their way. Founding Partner at West Front Strategies and Vital Voices Board Member ASHLEY DAVIS kicks off the discussion by informing the audience that they all will be gifted a copy of The Urgent Life, the debut memoir of Vital Voices Board Member and Marketing Hall of Famer BOZOMA SAINT JOHN. The conversation is moderated by HUMA ABEDIN, author, Vital Voices board member, civil servant, and Chief of Staff to Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton. Invest in Women. Improve the World. If you were moved by any part of this episode, then please consider making a donation to Vital Voices to help continue our work of investing in, connecting with, and amplifying the work of women leaders who are solving the world's greatest challenges. www.vitalvoices.org/donate.

ABOUT THIS EPISODE: In this special Festival series episode on the rising tide of disinformation and digital dictatorship, you’ll hear from four thought leaders who offered a cross-cultural analysis on the issue of disinformation with expert commentary from the Honorable NEEMA LUGANGIRA of Tanzania, PAULINA IBARRA of Chile, OMUKA HUB NEYSARA of India and ALENA POPOVA of Russia, in conversation with MANIRA ALVA, Vital Voices’ Vice President of Issue Advocacy. During the discussion, the panelists explore what is occurring in the world of fact and fiction, what they are experiencing, solutions, and what we can do about it to bring more truth to the surface. Invest in Women. Improve the World. If you were moved by any part of this episode, then please consider making a donation to Vital Voices to help continue our work of investing in, connecting with and amplifying the work of women leaders who are solving the world's greatest challenges. www.vitalvoices.org/donate

Invest in Women. Improve the World. If you were moved by any part of this episode, then please consider making a donation to Vital Voices to help continue our work of investing in, connecting with and amplifying the work of women leaders who are solving the world's greatest challenges. www.vitalvoices.org/donate ABOUT THIS EPISODE: As we approach the second anniversary of the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan on August 15, 2023, we revisit a particularly moving panel discussion from the 2nd Annual Vital Voices Festival centered around gender apartheid in Afghanistan and Iran. Listen as Afghan Women’s Rights Activist METRA MEHRAN and Iranian Actress & Activist SEPIDEH MOAFI sit in conversation with ZAINAB SALBI, founder of Women for Women International, co-founder of Daughters for Earth, and a Vital Voices board member, to discuss the problems and proposed solutions to achieve gender equality in the Middle East. Play through to the end to hear a special surprise unveiling of a protest piece created by the…

Invest in Women. Improve the World. If you were moved by any part of this episode, then please consider making a donation to Vital Voices to help continue our work of investing in, connecting with and amplifying the work of women leaders who are solving the world's greatest challenges. www.vitalvoices.org/donate About This Episode: In this special Festival series episode of the power of the arts and storytelling to spark social change, you’ll hear from a panel of featured thought leaders from film, TV, fine arts and the stage, including Sesame Workshop President SHERRIE WESTIN, President of The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts DEBORAH RUTTER, Filmmaker SAMAR MINALLAH KHAN, and Executive Director of For Freedoms artist collective CLAUDIA PEÑA. These powerhouse women spoke about their roles as creative executives to positively impact the world with media entrepreneur and Founder of the Oxygen Network and former President of Nickelodeon GERALDINE LAYBOURNE expertly guiding the discussion.

Invest in Women. Improve the World. If you were moved by any part of this episode, then please consider making a donation to Vital Voices to help continue our work of investing in, connecting with and amplifying the work of women leaders who are solving the world's greatest challenges. www.vitalvoices.org/donate About This Episode: “The work we do is lonely work,” said KAH WALLA, President of the Cameroon People’s Party and a Vital Voices Board Member. “If we want social justice, if we want inclusion, we cannot count on the people who have built the current status quo to change it. We must embrace power.” And so went the discussion of three powerful women leaders about how they broke the so-called rules of society to start movements and blaze a trail towards gender equality. In this special Festival episode of the Vital Voices podcast, you’ll hear more from WALLA, in addition to Senior Policy Advisor for Native Affairs and Domestic Policy Council at The White House ELIZABETH HIDALGO REESE, Founder of Femmes…

Invest in Women. Improve the World. If you were moved by any part of this episode, then please consider making a donation to Vital Voices to help continue our work of investing in, connecting with and amplifying the work of women leaders who are solving the world's greatest challenges. www.vitalvoices.org/donate About this Episode: In this special episode, you’ll hear a powerful conversation between Vital Voices Cofounder Secretary HILLARY CLINTON and a panel of women leaders who have been a part of Vital Voices 25-year history of disrupting the status quo. Listen as Northern Irish Peacebuilder Dr. BRONAGH HINDS, Gender Equality Activist OUMIE SISSOKHO of The Gambia, Human Rights Activist & Author RUCHIRA GUPTA of India, and Social Entrepreneur MARIA PACHECO of Guatemala talk about the audacious action they took in their communities to advocate for women, peace, and gender equality. This global dialogue, moderated by ZINHLE ESSAMUAH of NBC News, was captured at the 2nd Annual Vital Voices Festival at our…

Vital Voices invests in women leaders solving the world’s greatest challenges. We are “venture catalysts,” identifying those with a bold vision for change and partnering with them to make that vision a reality. We scale and accelerate their impact through long-term investments to expand the skills, connections, capacity, and visibility of women leaders. Your gift will allow us to continue our global mission and grow our network of over 20,000 women leaders from 185 countries. If you are moved toward action after listening to any part of the Vital Voices podcast, then visit our website and consider getting involved with one of our programs. You can also make a contribution to our efforts by making a donation of any amount you’d like to give through our online giving portal at: www.vitalvoices.org/donate

Visit us online at: www.vitalvoices.org Donate to Vital Voices: www.vitalvoices.org/donate Learn more about the book at: www.bozomasaintjohn.com

President of Google.org, Jacquelline Fuller, joins Alyse Nelson on the heels of the announcement of the 34 selected organizations for Google.org's $25M Impact Challenge for Women and Girls. They discussed the importance of private sector collaborations with organizations like Vital Voices, a partner on the Challenge, how we can realistically create a path to achieving SDG 5; Gender Equality, and why women's representation is critical to progress. In the global philanthropic community, less than 2% percent of resources are channeled specifically to help causes centered around women and girls. Committed to identifying these philanthropic gaps and merging those with Google’s strengths and values, Google.org is making investing in women and girls a top priority through innovative methods including Google Ad Grants and increased philanthropic capital. To learn more about the 34 selected organizations for the Google.org Impact Challenge for Women and Girls, visit impactchallenge.withgoogle.com/womenandgirls2021.…

Melissa Shang, disability rights activist, joined host, Alyse Nelson, for a special International Youth Day discussion on advocacy and the power of young voices. Born with a form of muscular dystrophy called Charcot-Marie-Tooth, Melissa has worked throughout her young-adult life to incorporate anti-ableist conversation into popular discourse. In this enlightening conversation, Melissa and Alyse discuss the path to activism and importance of representation in youth popular culture, the impact that the Covid 19 Pandemic has had on the disabled community, the importance of Gen Z’s activist upbringing, and how we can all be better allies to the disabled community. At such a young age, Melissa is already a truly inspirational leader whose empathy and strength she continues to use as her power to empower others. Melissa is a former Vital Voices HerLead fellow and recently, was included in a series of portraits celebrating Asian American women. You can see her portrait on the new Vital Voices building in…

Her Royal Highness, Intisar AlSabah, Kuwaiti social entrepreneur, philanthropist, and princess of the House of Al Sabah, joined host, Alyse Nelson, for a discussion on how we can use lessons learned from overcoming adversity to empower others. A survivor of domestic abuse and military occupation, Her Royal Highness explores how traumatic events in her own life impacted her mental health, how she escaped from this dark place, and how she relies on skills gained from these experiences to support her work in empowering others. Today, Her Royal Highness runs the Intisar Foundation, a charitable organization which uses drama therapy to support the mental health of Kuwaiti women and children. Through her passionate words, she emphasizes the importance of increased support for mental health and empathetic leadership practices. Her Royal Highness models how individuals striving to improve their mental health and overcome challenges can unearth their inner strength and use it to confirm their faith in a brighter…

Mary Robinson, former President of Ireland, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Chair and founding member of the Council of Women World Leaders, and current President of the Mary Robinson Foundation Climate Change joined host, Alyse Nelson for a discussion on her experience as a woman leader in Irish politics and global organizations, mental health, and the intersection between gender and the climate crisis. Based on her years of experience, President Robinson shares why she believes that the adoption of feminist leadership practices will be crucial for future leaders tasked with solving the world’s greatest challenges. Mary has dedicated her life to public service and leads based on values she learned as an avid participant in the women’s movement. Throughout her years in public facing roles, she has shown us how women lead differently – by being a respectful, non-hierarchical, observant, and empathetic leader, she effectively amplifies the voices of those on the margins of mainstream discourse. To learn…

Cici Battle, social impact strategist, organizer, and facilitator, joined host, Alyse Nelson, for a discussion on Juneteenth and how the United States must move beyond performative solidarity in order to address its deep-rooted issues with race and equality. By reflecting on the events of the past year, including the murder of George Floyd, the global Pandemic, and the transition in federal administration, Cici explored the positive changes that have emerged in nation-wide discourse about race and American history. She also emphasized the need for more tangible measures like federal legislation on lynching and financial reparations to the descendants of slaves that will be crucial next steps if the United States strives to be truly cognizant of its past and committed to building a brighter future. Cici is a strong and resilient leader who has dedicated her life to supporting young leaders, the women’s movement, and transforming corporate cultures to better support the needs of marginalized groups. This…

TW || Former Mexican congresswomen and life-long advocate against gender-based violence in Mexico, Adriana Hinojosa Céspedes, joined the Vital Voices Podcast with host Alyse Nelson, to discuss Mexico’s ongoing femicide crisis, the strength of women in this time of uncertainty, and the hope that is generated from small steps of progress in the fight for gender equality. Through her eloquent and sensitive words, Adriana shares horrific details of the violence women and children in Mexico continue to face in many cities in Mexico. And as omen across Mexico continue calling for justice and security - to be free and safe, while leading protests around the country- they continue to remain an inspiration to many of us at Vital Voices and across the world. The world is not safe for women and without safety, we cannot have true equality. Listen to this insightful conversation to learn about Adriana’s work and how you can support the women in Mexico. To learn more about Vital Voices, visit www.vitalvoices.org. This…

Visionary Entrepreneur and Co-founder of Women in Business Development Inc in Samoa, Adi Tafuna’i joined host Alyse Nelson to discuss her pioneering work revitalizing the local economy in Samoa by building female entrepreneurship using locally-sources resources and tapping into external markets. Adi and Alyse discuss the impact climate change has had on the local Samoan and Pacific Island communities, and she shares how she gives back to her local community by prioritizing the women within the community. Adi offers information on how you can support the local Samoan community and local communities and - in so doing - contribute to the empowerment of the women in the region. Listen in! To learn more about Vital Voices, visit www.vitalvoices.org. This series is inspired by our book, Vital Voices: 100 Women using their Power to Empower, edited by Alyse Nelson with art by Gayle Kabaker and a foreword by Amanda Gorman, published by Assouline. Host: Alyse Nelson. Executive Producer: Lizzie Kubo Kirschenbaum.…

Career diplomat and NDI Director for Women, Gender and Democracy Sandra Pepera joined host Alyse Nelson on the podcast to discuss her career building inclusive, resilient democracy. Sandra reflected on the need to focus on creating systems that push for culture change to really secure lasting impact when it comes to greater gender equity and representation in politics around the world. She and Alyse discussed the ways that we need to support not only women leaders as individuals, but also ensure we’re valuing the elements that elevated them to leadership so that others can follow in their footsteps. Sandra shared her perspective on the increasing, targeted violence against women in politics around the world, and what she sees as the priorities for Biden’s Administration with regard to gender equity around the world. Listen in! To learn more about Vital Voices, visit www.vitalvoices.org. This series is inspired by our book, Vital Voices: 100 Women using their Power to Empower, edited by Alyse Nelson with art…

Democratic activist and economist Obiageli (Oby) Ezekwesili joined host Alyse Nelson to discuss how her leadership style has been shaped by a staunch commitment to her values and deep community engagement. Leading by example, Oby explains how she uses her power to empower community voices around her, coaching a new generation of leaders who are driven by values to disrupt the culture of putting the self in front of the common good. Over her decades-long career, Oby has demonstrated the power of values-driven leadership – and is committed to fostering the next generation of leaders to change politics from the ground up. Tune in to hear more from Oby on her fight to cut down corruption, instill passionate and effective leadership in Nigeria and sustain democracy. To learn more about Vital Voices, visit www.vitalvoices.org. This series is inspired by our book, Vital Voices: 100 Women using their Power to Empower, edited by Alyse Nelson with art by Gayle Kabaker, published by Assouline. Host: Alyse Nelson.…

Future for Us Founder and Leadership Incubator Fellow Sage Ke'alohilani Quiamno sat down with host Alyse Nelson to discuss her passion for equity and her fight to get more women of color in leadership within the modern workplace. Sage shared how dealing with her own experiences of discrimination in the workplace motivated her to put her passion for equity into action. In this dynamic conversation, Sage makes it clear the importance of rooting advocacy and workplaces alike in an intersectional perspective, and the impact and power of bringing so many women across the world together. From kickstarting Future for Us and catalyzing the conversation around justice for women of color in the workplace, Sage has always worked to be transparent and flexible in her leadership – two qualities that came in handy at the onset of COVID-19. Listen in to hear more about how Sage exemplifies what we all know: that women lead differently. To learn more about Vital Voices, visit www.vitalvoices.org. This series is inspired by…

Outspoken Congolese radio journalist and co-founder of the South Kivu Women’s Media Association Chouchou Namegabe sat down with host Alyse Nelson to discuss Chouchou’s efforts enacting cultural change surrounding sexual assault and gender-based violence. Throughout her career, she has focused on bringing the stories of survivors to light by leveraging the radio industry, breaking down the culture of devaluing and silencing women’s voices. Listen in to learn more about Chouchou’s journey to changing the culture while enduring pushback – starting with her own family and household. Chouchou is a critical example of the ways that women leaders use their power to empower by changing the narrative around important issues, and pushing culture forward in any way she can. To learn more about Vital Voices, visit www.vitalvoices.org. This series is inspired by our book, Vital Voices: 100 Women using their Power to Empower, edited by Alyse Nelson with art by Gayle Kabaker, published by Assouline. Host: Alyse Nelson.…

Owner of the Amar Singh Art Gallery, Human Rights Activist and Solidarity Council Member Amar Singh, sat down with Host Alyse Nelson to discuss men’s critical role in the fight for gender equality and his work in bridging the gender gap and championing women within the art space. As an art gallerist, Amar saw the blatant lack of representation of women in the arts and continues to pioneer a culture change by uplifting and showcasing women artists. Tune in to hear how Amar embraces his allyship to champion women’s rights and push his passion for change forward. To learn more about Vital Voices, visit www.vitalvoices.org. This series is inspired by our book, Vital Voices: 100 Women using their Power to Empower, edited by Alyse Nelson with art by Gayle Kabaker, published by Assouline. Host: Alyse Nelson. Executive Producer: Lizzie Kubo Kirschenbaum. Producer and Editor: Sofi Ibrahim Music: Deliberate Thought by Kevin MacLeod. Deliberate Thought by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution…

Civil rights activist and the CEO and founder of Rise, Amanda Nguyen sat down with host Alyse Nelson to discuss the recent rise in hate crimes against the AAPI community and how she uses her activism to advocate for more informed and collaborative change. Amanda reflects on how she got involved in activism, her work with Rise Justice Labs and the impact of social media in democratizing the voices of the voiceless. A strong believer in collective action, Amanda has constantly worked to use her power to empower community leaders through trainings and workshops. With constant grit, breaking down barriers to activism and creating civil rights, Amanda continues to remind us how women lead differently! Listen in to learn more about the incredible work Amanda has done to redefine survivor involvement in sexual violence legislation and how you can get involved in social justice activism. To learn more about Vital Voices, visit www.vitalvoices.org. This series is inspired by our book, Vital Voices: 100 Women using…

Advocate and disability and inclusion expert Sara Minkara sat down with host Alyse Nelson to discuss her approach to framing inclusivity as a value-based proposition and how we can all lead with empathy and without assumption. Sara, the founder of the non-profit Empowerment Through Integration (ETI), draws from her experience as a blind, Lebanese-American woman who, despite barriers intent on blocking her way to success, has refuted the need for societal validation and instead created her own narrative and followed her unique path, realizing the only way to make change was to create it herself. Listen in to learn more about the incredible work Sara has done to redefine the concept of inclusivity and create opportunities for everyone. Understanding that inclusion is a value for all, Sara’s words and actions leave an impact on all who hear them, proving the way women lead differently by bridging lines that seek to divide. To learn more about Vital Voices, visit www.vitalvoices.org. This series is inspired by…

Activist, Social Impact Strategist, co-founder of Freedom March NYC and all-round icon Chelsea Miller joined Host Alyse Nelson for a special Black History Month episode of the Vital Voices Podcast series: Power to Empower. Tune in to hear Chelsea share her thoughts on everything from mobilizing youth last summer following the murder of George Floyd to what’s happening on the frontlines of change, to her priorities to cement change and more. Listen to share in Chelsea’s share passion for investing in youth and showcasing stories of young people making change happen to inspire others to do the same. It’s an honor to hear from this young leader about her thoughts on the future, and learn more about her work to defund the systems that contribute to the oppression and criminalization of Black and brown communities. Thanks to Chelsea, you can find out more about how you can be an ally in the fight for equality for all! To learn more about Vital Voices, visit www.vitalvoices.org. This series is inspired by our…

‘Leap and the net will appear.’ Vital Voices network women Jessica Hubley, CEO of AnnieCannons, and Leah Lizarondo, co-founder of Food Rescue Hero, sat down with Alyse Nelson to discuss the power of pivoting. In both of their careers, Jessica and Leah each took leaps of faith, changing their trajectories to make an impact in their communities. Despite uncertainty and barriers, they were able to transform fears of failure into positive learning experiences that helped them create new and exciting opportunities for themselves, for those without food and the trafficking survivors they serve, and for the women who follow after them. Listen in to hear Jessica and Leah reflect on the way that failure taught them how to create successful initiatives in the future. To learn more about Vital Voices, visit www.vitalvoices.org. This series is inspired by our book, Vital Voices: 100 Women using their Power to Empower, edited by Alyse Nelson with art by Gayle Kabaker, published by Assouline with a foreword by Amanda…

President of the non-profit Reinserta, Saskia Niño de Rivera, and social worker and co-founder of the non-profit Prerana, Priti Patkar, sat down with Vital Voices Podcast host Alyse Nelson to discuss current barriers to achieving human rights for children around the world. Saskia and Priti explain their efforts to break the cycle of intergenerational violence by working directly with the children and parents involved, striving to ensure the balance of human rights is kept in line with the context of the children’s lives. Listen in to learn more about the incredible work these women are doing to change broken systems, build new structures that better serve children and give them new opportunities, and how they leverage their empathy and willingness to take risks as their power. Their work is inspiring, but it’s their hope, resilience and dedication that makes both women enlightening. To learn more about Vital Voices, visit www.vitalvoices.org. This series is inspired by our book, Vital Voices: 100 Women using…

Young women will lead the way. That much is clear when speaking with women like Faith Florez, founder of the Latina Legacy Foundation and creator of the Calor App. Faith reconnected with podcast host Alyse Nelson to discuss the way that Faith’s family inspired her work protecting farm workers and informing them of their rights through technology. Faith explains how, through mentoring, seizing opportunities and passionate dedication, she’s grown her initial efforts into a platform educating people on key issues like immigration, their working rights, COVID-19 precautions and more. Listen in to hear more from this dynamic young leader, and get Faith’s advice for other future leaders out there! To learn more about Vital Voices, visit www.vitalvoices.org. This series is inspired by our book, Vital Voices: 100 Women using their Power to Empower, edited by Alyse Nelson with art by Gayle Kabaker, published by Assouline. Host: Alyse Nelson. Executive Producer: Lizzie Kubo Kirschenbaum. Producer and Editor: Sofi…

Donna Langley, Chairman of Universal Filmed Entertainment Group, joined Vital Voices Podcast host Alyse Nelson to talk about her journey from intern to Chairman, and how she forged her way through challenges by making a plan and pushing herself to the next level. Donna shares stories from her childhood, catalyzing moments from her career and how she uses compassion and empathy to lead others through crisis. Listen in to hear more about the intentional choices she’s made to keep the entertainment industry moving through the pandemic, and how and how she uses her commitment to and passion for diversity, inclusion and equity to empower others and create global change. To learn more about Vital Voices, visit www.vitalvoices.org. This series is inspired by our book,Vital Voices: 100 Women using their Power to Empower, edited by Alyse Nelson with art by Gayle Kabaker and a foreword by Amanda Gorman, published by Assouline. Host: Alyse Nelson. Executive Producer: Lizzie Kubo Kirschenbaum. Producer and Editor: Sofi…

Artist and activist Tronja Anglero joined Vital Voices President and CEO Alyse Nelson to disucss the new portrait of Kamala Harris Vital Voices commissioned from Tronja. The two discussed the power that art like this has to showcase the positive and strong side to women and their contributions, the deep impact representation at high levels can have on the next generation, the way Tronja uses her art to empower and much more. To learn more about Vital Voices, visit www.vitalvoices.org. This series is inspired by our book, Vital Voices: 100 Women using their Power to Empower, edited by Alyse Nelson with art by Gayle Kabaker, published by Assouline. Host: Alyse Nelson. Executive Producer: Lizzie Kubo Kirschenbaum. Producer and Editor: Sofi Ibrahim. Music: Deliberate Thought by Kevin MacLeod. Deliberate Thought by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license. (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/?keywords=deliberate+thought.…

Last month, we gathered our network of supporters– virtually – to celebrate and recognize the launch of our book, Vital Voices: 100 Women Using their Power to Empower. At that event, we brought together two women leaders, Global Leadership Awards Honoree, humanitarian and CanDo founder Dr. Rola Hallam and VV Board of Directors member, Cameroonian politician and entrepreneur Kah Walla, depicted in the book for a moving discussion about women’s leadership, their journeys, and much more. Tune in to hear how Rola and Kah think violence like they’ve seen in their home countries of Syria and Cameroon impacts women, and what they see as the path forward for women across the world during these unprecedented times. To learn more about Vital Voices, visit www.vitalvoices.org. This series is inspired by our book, Vital Voices: 100 Women using their Power to Empower, edited by Alyse Nelson with art by Gayle Kabaker, published by Assouline. Host: Alyse Nelson. Executive Producer: Lizzie Kubo Kirschenbaum. Producer and…