Vital Voices Podcast
The Vital Voices Podcast highlights women leaders and change-makers from around the world. It is hosted by Vital Voices President and CEO Alyse Nelson. The show provides a space for extraordinary women to be heard and share their stories. It is connected to the Vital Voices Global Partnership and its broader work.
Episodes
Vital Voices Live with Ambassador Melanne Verveer, Ambassador Geeta Rao Gupta and Gary Barker
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, highlight
Vital Voices Live with Sanna Marin
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.Sh
Vital Voices Live with "The Cool Girls" Laura Brown, Kristina O'Neill and Special Guest Tarana Burke
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 experienc
Vital Voices Live with Ashley Judd and Jaha Dukureh
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
Vital Voices Live with Secretary Hillary Clinton
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 res
The New Age of Sexism: Laura Bates & Gary Barker in Conversation with Alyse Nelson
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,
Vital Voices Live with Shafiqa Khpalwak and Mahal Wak
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
Vital Voices Live with Andrea Mitchell and Ambassador Linda Thomas Greenfield
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 journe
Vital Voices Live with Ashlyn Harris
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, an
Vital Voices Live with Tourmaline
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
Vital Voices Live with Sophia Bush and Jen Klein
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, a
A Conversation with Victoria Zitrin & Alyse Nelson | Global Wellness Day
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 connect
A Conversation with Breeze Liu & Alyse Nelson | Fighting Back Against Deepfake Pornography
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 conten
A Conversation with Wanjira Mathai & Alyse Nelson | World Environment Day 2025
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 o
Vital Voices Live: A conversation with Nazanin Boniadi
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 — e
A Conversation with Mary Robinson & Alyse Nelson | International Biodiversity Day 2025
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 de
Vital Voices Live: A Conversation with Karlie Kloss and Osi Imeokparia
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 w
Vital Voices Live: A Conversation with Dina Powell McCormick with Guest Host Betsy Fischer Martin
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 mento
Vital Voices Live: A Conversation with Sara Blakely with Guest Host Norah O'Donnell
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
A Conversation with Nika Kovač & Alyse Nelson | International Women’s Day 2025
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.
Nurturing Our Planet While Ending Poverty with ZEINORIN ANGKANG
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 & CE
Leadership Spotlight: The Urgent Life with Bozoma Saint John
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
The Rising Tide of Disinformation and Digital Dictatorship
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
Gender Apartheid: Afgahanistan & Iran
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 Afg
The Art of Disruption: The Power of the Arts to Spark Social Change
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/donateAbout This Episode:In this special Festival series episode of the power of the arts and
Rule Breakers & Movement Makers
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/donateAbout This Episode:“The work we do is lonely work,” said KAH WALLA, President of the Cam
Audacious Action: 25 Years of Disrupting the Status Quo
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/donateAbout this Episode:In this special episode, you’ll hear a powerful conversation between
Why Modern Science Needs Indigenous Intelligence to Save the Planet
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 globa
Bozoma Saint John on her new book "The Urgent Life"
Visit us online at: www.vitalvoices.orgDonate to Vital Voices: www.vitalvoices.org/donateLearn more about the book at: www.bozomasaintjohn.com
Google.org President Jacquelline Fuller on the Google.org Impact Challenge for Women and Girls
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 w
Power to Empower: A Special International Youth Day Episode with Activist Melissa Shang
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 di
HRH Intisar AlSabah on Rebuilding Strength in the Face of Adversity
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 e
Power to Empower – Mary Robinson on the Importance of Feminist Leadership
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 c
Power to Empower – A Special Juneteenth Episode with Cici Battle
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 admini
Power to Empower: Adriana Hinojosa Céspedes on Mexico’s Femicide Crisis
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 sen
Power to Empower: Adi Tafuna'i on the Power & Importance of Rural Economic Systems in Building a Sustainable Future
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 communit
Sandra Pepera on Building Systems to Sustain Inclusive Democracy
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 Aly
Power to Empower: Obiageli Ezekwesili on Values-Driven Leadership
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 th
Power to Empower: Working Toward Equity with Sage Ke'alohilani Quiamno
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,
Power to Empower: Chouchou Namegabe on Changing Culture by Catalyzing Conversations
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
Power to Empower: Amar Singh on Male Allyship and Using Art to Spark Change
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 cultur
Power to Empower: Amanda Nguyen on Anti-Asian Racism and the Blueprint for Social Change
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
Power to Empower: Sara Minkara on Redefining Inclusivity for Empowerment
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 bloc
Power to Empower: Chelsea Miller on Black Activism & the Mobilizing the Youth for Change
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,
Making an Unexpected Impact with Jessica Hubley and Leah Lizarondo
‘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 tr
Power to Empower: Saskia Nino de Rivera and Priti Patkar on Breaking the Cycle
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
Power to Empower: Faith Florez on Building Legacy and Leadership
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 oppo
Power to Empower: Donna Langley on Making Big & Bold decisions to create change
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 throu
Celebrating a New Milestone with Artist Tronja Anglero
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 a
Power to Empower: A Special Episode on Leadership Re-imagined ft. Dr. Rola Hallam & Kah Walla
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
Power to Empower: Laura Liswood on Empathy and Ethics in Leadership
Secretary General and co-founder of the Council of Women World Leaders, Laura Liswood joined Vital Voices Podcast host Alyse Nelson to talk about her leadership journey, the lessons learned along the way and how she uses ethics and empathy in leadership to empower others.Tune in to hear how Laura’s theories on power and leadership that can exclude – and include – historically minority groups from
Power to Empower: Peru Prime Minister Violeta Bermudez on Democracy, Good Governance and Using Her Power for Meaningful Change
VVEngage Fellow and current Interim President of Peru’s Council of Ministers, Violeta Bermudez spoke with host Alyse Nelsonabout building a career fueled by a passion for creating change. The staunch gender equality advocate discusses her goal for gender parity in politics, and the cascading impact of seeing women in leadership positions. Tune in to hear how Violeta’s background as a constitutiona
Power to Empower: Ravi Kant on Men’s Allyship and the Importance of Breaking the Silence around VAW
Human rights advocate Ravi Kant joined the Vital Voices Podcast series: Power to Empower with host Alyse Nelson to talk on the importance of men’s allyship and his fight in breaking the silence around violence against women and children in India. In this episode, Ravi shares how his mother raised he and his brothers to be advocates in the fight for gender equality as an ally for women and girls in
Power to Empower: Chessy Prout on her Journey towards Activism and the Importance of Allyship for Survivors
Author and Activist Chessy Prout joined the new episode of the Vital Voices Podcast series: Power to Empower with host Alyse Nelson to talkabout her journey as a survivor of sexual assault and how critical the allies around her were as she and her family worked through the draining process of seeking justice. Chessy reflected on the importance of connecting with and encouraging other survivors to
Title: Power to Empower: Kiran Bir Sethi on using Empathy, Ethics and Evolution to Build Humanity in Children
VV Woman Leader Kiran Bir Sethi joined the new episode of the Vital Voices Podcast series: Power to Empower with host Alyse Nelson to talk about the turning point for her leadership journey: becoming a mother. In this episode, Kiran shares how - through role as a mother - she learned the importance of empathy, ethics, excellence, elevation and evolution in shaping schools’ educational curriculum t
Power to Empower: Maria Pacheco on the Realities of Entrepreneurship and the Power of Connection
Biologist, entrepreneur and founder of Wakami, Maria Pacheco, joined the Vital Voices Podcast new series: Power to Empower with host Alyse Nelson to talk about her work as a bridge between communities and the larger world. Maria spoke about her focus on channeling positive energy to make change happen for people and the environment, and how the 20-year Guatemalan Civil War inspired her work to bui
Power to Empower: Hindou Oumaru Ibrahim on Bringing Voice and Power to Indigenous Communities
Climate change and indigenous rights activist Hindou Oumaru Ibrahim joined the Power to Empower series to discuss the way she brings the unique perspective of the Mbororo community to the international stage to inform global climate change efforts with on-the-ground experience. With Host Alyse Nelson, Hindou shares her path to leadership, her connection to her community and its impacts on internat
Habiba Ali on Building Strength of Character through Resistance with Persistence
Managing Director of Sosai Renewable Energies, VV GROW Fellow, Global Ambassadors alumna, WE Empower Awardee and Global Leadership Awards Honoree Habiba Ali joined this episode of the Vital Voices Podcast new series: Power to Empower. Habiba joined host Alyse Nelson to talk about her work in the renewable energy space in Nigeria, how her past has been a stepping stone to what her future has become
Power to Empower: Christine Lagarde on Being the First and Daring the Difference
Christine Lagarde, President of the European Central Bank, joins this week’s episode of the Vital Voices Podcast new series: Power to Empower! President Lagarde joined host Alyse Nelson for a thoughtful and dynamic conversation about being the first woman in a role – and both the responsibility and motivation that comes with the title. She offered insight on how she’s leading the international bod
Power to Empower: Amira Yahyaoui on Fighting for Dignity and Women as Changemakers
Tunisian human rights activist, global technology entrepreneur and founder of Mos.com, Amira Yahyaoui joined the second episode of the Vital Voices Podcast new series: Power to Empower. Amira joined host Alyse Nelson to talk about her past, present, and future as an advocate for change and what it means to be a trailblazing human rights advocate, a woman leader, and immigrant.To learn more about V
Power to Empower: Amanda Gorman on Building Confidence and Encouraging Others to Speak Up
Inaugural US Youth Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman joined the debut episode of the Vital Voices Podcast new series: Power to Empower. Amanda joined host Alyse Nelson to talk about building her confidence as a poet and leader to overcome her speech impediment and raise her voice as an agent for change. Amanda talked about the lessons she’s learned as she works to bring about conversations around race a
Voices of Resilience: Panmela Castro on Crisis, Leadership and Hope in Brazil
Street artist, human rights advocate and survivor Panmela Castro gave us a first-person update from Brazil on how the country is handling the pandemic - from concerns of inequitable healthcare and crowded housing, to increased domestic and gender-based violence. But despite it all, Panmela is energized by the artistic options still available and the community that advocacy can build. She spoke wit
Voices of Resilience: Fighting for Justice with Claire Russo
Former Marine and Congressional Candidate Claire Russo joined Vital Voices' Alyse Nelson to share her harrowing story of sexual assault, and discuss the deeply difficult journey she had to undertake to fight for justice within the armed forces. Claire's courage didn't stop there - she not only shared her story to get justice, but also as a part of her Congressional campaign, bravely discussing her
Voices of Resilience: The Danger of Biased Data with Emily Courey Pryor
In this conversation, Data2X's Emily Courey Pryor outlines the crucial points as to why gender data matters in building a more equal world. Biased data leads to biased policies, which widen economic and opportunity gaps and leave women behind when pushing for progress. From the way data is gathered to how questions are structured to how it's analyzed, gender bias can creep in throughout the data c
Voices of Resilience: Voting Rights and Women in Politics with Cynthia Richie Terrell
For Women's Equality Day and the 100th anniversary of women's suffrage in the United States, we're joining RepresentWomen's Cynthia Richie Terrell to discuss voting access and best practices for election systems to bring better gender balance and representation into politics. Find out more about RepresentWomen: https://www.representwomen.org/See the letter Alyse and Cynthia discuss here: https://w
Voices of Resilience: Women's Role in the Aftermath in Beirut with Joelle Abou Farhat
VVEngage Fellow Joelle Abou Farhat spoke with VV President and CEO Alyse Nelson about the devastating impact of not only the explosion in Beirut, but the lack of formal response in the country. She offered perspective on the government's response, and shed light on why Lebanese women - at the center of recovery efforts today - are always ready to serve their community at a moment's notice. And whi
Voices of Resilience: Representation and Investment with Mona Sinha
Business leader and philanthropist Mona Sinha joined Vital Voices President and CEO Alyse Nelson for a passionate conversation about women's role investing in causes that matter and why authentic representation will make the world a better place for more people. Mona discussed her journey and drive to prioritize issues that advance equality, and what her career has shown her about the importance o
Special Episode: Reflecting on Dr. Hawa Abdi's Life Serving Others
Last week, the world lost an unparalleled human rights activist, Dr. Hawa Abdi. Hawa gained international attention when she was nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize in 2012, but spent a life long before that committed to overcoming obstacles so that she could care for those around her.After losing her mother at a young age to maternal mortality, Hawa became Somalia's first female gynecologist. She
Voices of Resilience: Dispatch from Beirut from Aline Kamakian
Entrepreneur and restauranteur Aline Kamakian was hosting a staff meeting in her restaurant near the port when the explosion in Beirut went off. The restaurant she worked to create for 20 years was immediately destroyed, and the 25 members of her team in the space were all injured. She joined the podcast to update us on the disaster, the quick work she and her team have done to start serving their
Voices of Resilience: Reinvention with Rally Racecar Driver Renée Brinkerhoff
Renée Brinkerhoff is breaking records as a rally racecar driver with a mission. She shared her journey from homeschool teacher and stay at home mom to racing around the world on all 7 continents. Renée is on a global tour to bring awareness and raise funds to fight child trafficking, and scheduled to race on her 7th and final continent – Antarctica – in January 2021. To learn more about Vital Vo
Voices of Resilience: Anna Phearman on Disabilities and the Pandemic
Anna Phearman from Mobility4All joined Vital Voices President and CEO Alyse Nelson to discuss the ways that the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the disabled community. The additional considerations that people with disabilities range from difficulties wearing masks to issues masks pose to reading lips and gathering facial expressions for deaf people to medical discrimination and medical rationing w
Voices of Resilience: eSwatini Artisan Collective on Collaborating in Crisis
Three Vital Voices women leaders have come together in South Africa to join their artisanal forces to create masks and other goods to sustain artisans during the COVID-19 pandemic. Hear directly from Eswatini Founder Kerry James and Signhild Brosvik on their work to sustain business throughout closures in South Africa, how they’ve seen strengths in collaboration emerge and why this poses an opport
Voices of Resilience: Kah Walla on Colonialism’s Legacy and Anti-Blackness
Cameroonian activist and former Presidential candidate Kah Walla joined the podcast for an insightful conversation on anti-Blackness and racism in the wake of the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and so many more. Kah reflects on the legacy of colonial control and its design for power held by few and oppression of the masses - and how that's defined Africa's leadership structures today. Tun
Voices of Resilience: Tamara Adrian on Activism in Leadership
VVEngage Fellow and Venezuelan Member of Parliament Tamara Adrian joined Vital Voices President and CEO Alyse Nelson to talk about why her career as a politician is centered on her activism. As the country continues to face multiple crises, from oil to economy to COVID and more, Tamara continues to fight for her community. Tune in to hear her perspective as a leader and one of the first transgende
Voices of Resilience: Sherrie Westin on Sesame Street’s Early Childhood Education
Vital Voices Board Member Sherrie Westin, President of Social Impact at Sesame Workshop – the nonprofit behind Sesame Street – works to transform early childhood education and ensure kids around the world are equally prepared to learn and grow. Tune in to hear her discuss Sesame Street’s work in ensuring kids identify with the characters they see on screen, how they’re reframing humanitarian respo
Voices of Resilience: Amanda Nguyen on Creating Rights and the Increase of GBV in COVID
After survivor and activist Amanda Nguyen learned her rape kit could be destroyed even if the statute of limitations on her case hadn’t yet been reached, she took action. That action led her to create RISE – an organization dedicated to helping ordinary citizens pen their own rights into laws. She joined the podcast to reflect on her journey, some of the most impactful laws they’ve passed, and how
Voices of Resilience: Gary Barker on Systemic Changes to End Gender-Based Violence
Vital Voices' Solidarity Council member and Promundo founder Gary Barker joined Alyse Nelson for this episode of Voices of Resilience to discuss ways the COVID-19 pandemic impacts gender based violence and gender roles, and the changes we need to make long-term to end gender based violence. Tune in. To learn more about Vital Voices, visit www.vitalvoices.org. Invest in women, improve the world.
Voices of Resilience: California Governor Chief of Staff Ann O’Leary on Leading through Crisis
Honored to be joined by Ann O’Leary, Chief of Staff for California Governor Gavin Newsom, on our #VoicesofResilience podcast today! Tune in to hear her first-hand perspective on leading through #COVIDー19, how #California is working through the pandemic and the crucial qualities leaders demonstrate in crisis. Subscribe now. To learn more about Vital Voices, visit www.vitalvoices.org. Invest in w
Women Leading at Every Level: Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala on Leadership in COVID-19
"A leader doesn’t have to be a president or prime minister, it’s someone with courage & strength." Global Leadership Awards honoree and GAVI Board Chair Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala joined Vital Voices’ CEO Alyse Nelson for an honest conversation on the women front-line workers and political giants showing leadership during the COVID crisis, and the ways women are impacted. Tune in now! To learn more
Voices of Resilience | Neysara on Pride Month and Transgender Rights in India
This Pride Month, Transgender India founder Neysara joined Alyse Nelson to discuss the struggle transgender people in India go through to not only come out and become their authentic selves, but to be considered human by their families, their communities and their governments. From threats on their lives to losing their personhood to laws that don’t punish offenses against them, Neysara provides p
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