In this episode, Hassanah discusses the importance of perseverance and commitment in paving her life’s path… her interest in becoming a pilot when she was a young girl… loving the feeling of flying… her parents support at a young age, tempered by pragmatism about choosing studies that would yield job security… in her late teens, understanding that flight training was costly and that, at the time, there was no approved flight training available in Jamaica… beginning to study computer science in university and applying to become an air traffic controller… the establishment of the Aeronautical Club of the West Indies and her involvement with the club… continuing to pursue her dream of becoming a pilot with the help of scholarships and part-time jobs while studying… achieving her goal… her commitment to observing other people and learning from their mistakes… the fact that she has not experienced discrimination in her field because of her gender and has, in fact, been supported and encouraged by male colleagues… the experience and responsibilities of actually piloting a plane… how amazing women are in our resilience and our strength… the importance of looking within and knowing that your empowerment comes from yourself… and her closing reminder to us all–“Your career also doesn't define you…I am so much more than a pilot… I found that a lot of people have tied their self-worth to their career. I've seen that and I've again decided I don't want that for myself. I hope other people can also know that that one thing doesn't have to define you. You are worthy as you are.”

In this episode, Sara discusses her book… the DNA of a Good Girl… her experiences growing up as the eldest and only daughter in a large, Texan Lebanese family… how the birth of twin brothers, when she was three-and-a-half years old, was “also the birthplace of ‘Be a good girl and help mommy,’ and ‘Be a good girl and help daddy,’ and ‘Be a good girl and do this for yourself’… becoming the Good Girl character that her family needed, an archetype that she has since explored extensively in her research for Autoimmunity and the Good Girls… years of long work days, of championing female empowerment on screen and on stages, while caring for others and also  encountering a series of her own serious health challenges and diagnoses… the exploration of choices that would help her restore her health… ancestral healing and the stories her family has told across generations… being married at 24 and the realizations that the end of that marriage sparked… being judged by family values that she had not chosen… a pyramid that she created and called The Identity Immunity Story, a tool that helps Good Girls understand the stories and rules they have allowed to govern their lives… rebellion against family rules and expectations that empower us to rewire Good Girl DNA and reprogram our immune system… the observation that we either live according to the rules that were given to us or we choose to write our own rules… and her closing reminder to us all–“The accepting of the invitation to be truer to you is done one step at a time.”

In this episode, Jovia discusses aspects of menstrual justice, including freedom from shame and discrimination, access to pads and safe, clean places to change and discard them, and access to clean water… period poverty and its impact on school attendance… questioning the distribution of free condoms but not free sanitary pads… an auntie who experienced gender-based violence because she asked for pads... fighting to eliminate taxes on pads… the need for menstrual leave in workplaces… building her confidence to speak about dignity, access, and equity… as a project manager, having the  opportunity to work with health workers in the Ministry of Health in Uganda… the importance of monitoring and program evaluation… the opportunity to go to the East African Parliament of Tanzania… being inspired by Lillian Bagala… her transition into a youth leader who speaks about menstruation and menstrual justice in the Parliament at the national level… and her call to action for us all, “We need to keep on sharing our lived realities and stories. Why? Because when people really share their lived experiences, they shift how others understand issues. Storytelling turns private struggles into public awareness. We, as advocates or young people or women, really need to have turned our voices into action. Speaking is powerful, but pairing it with action makes it stronger.”

 In this episode, Yamina discusses her book, The Little Guide for Teachers: Thriving in Your First Years of Teaching, and how she was inspired to write it… overcoming her inner critic… the importance of trying to be a positive voice, a positive role model to young people, and the lasting effect that our conversations with them might have… gratitude for fellow teachers, mentors, and coaches who supported and encouraged her early in her career… the reminder that we do not need to prove ourselves to anyone… #WomenEd, a global, grassroots organization, founded in England, that supports women in education, at whatever stage they are in their career or in their leadership journey, encouraging them to be 10% Braver!… her role as a #WomenEd Network Leader in London… how much she loves coaching others… the significance of her decision to leave full-time senior leadership in school to work as a consultant… urging us to invest in ourselves and in our mental health… figuring out what work-life harmony is for her… and the advice to “Surround yourself with people who will say your name in a room full of opportunities, but who will also challenge you, who will also guide you, who will also advocate for you.”

In this episode, Erin discusses the background and launch of a family business, Hedgehog Dryer with her husband, Bjørn Holte… the product line, a series of award-winning, high-power dryers that dry boots, shoes, gloves, outdoor gear, and sports gear…. the company’s launch in Scandinavia and expansion into the U.S., Canada, and Europe… the people on their team… as a mom of five children, balancing personal and professional responsibilities and priorities… saying “no” to perfectionism… her evolving definition of balance in different stages of life… the importance of alone time and of listening to your intuition… how having a friend as an accountability partner has helped her honor her boundaries… the responsibility leaders have to be aware of existing power structures and privileges, and to ensure that people have the space to voice their opinions… and that, “There are extraordinary women and girls out there, and the support that we can give one another is invaluable. We are not alone, even though sometimes we feel like life is overwhelming, but the support that we can give each other as friends, as acquaintances in the community, as mentors, as colleagues, is all really, really important and can help people not feel so alone.”

In this episode, Dr. Phuthi discusses her own experiences as a girl living with her grandparents in a remote rural area of Zimbabwe while her mother worked in town as a house maid… having to leave the rural school to join her mother but being unable to enroll in school there… having a job cleaning and washing for a nurse… at 15, deciding to look for a school to attend and finding one where the headmaster chose to place her in an advanced class… attending secondary school and then a teacher's college… going to teach in a rural area and discovering that “there were thousands and thousands of girls who are exactly in my own position” because they did not have the opportunity to attend school... advancing to learn at the University of Zimbabwe… pursuing advanced degrees at the University of South Africa where she obtained her Masters and Doctorate and was a part-time lecturer at Solusi University and the National University of Science and Technology for 2 years respectively. She held different national professional position in curriculum development and National Chief Examiner for several years. She acted Deputy Head for a couple years at Masiyephambili College. She is now Head of that School. 

Dr. Phuti also discusses  her adaptability… the importance of education and financial independence for women and girls, and her commitment to advancing their rights… owning and running a farm… praise for her liberal husband, a university professor… and her closing words of encouragement—“Let's be open-minded. The world is full of possibilities. Opportunities are there for us girls. Let's grab them.” 

In this episode, Karleen discusses how, as a PhD student, the birth of her first child led her to switch her field of academic study from plant physiology to research focused on breastfeeding… some of the universal challenges new mothers face… the importance of providing environments that enable mothers to provide the best possible care for their babies… attachment theory… the mother-baby dyad…  ways through which the relationship between the mother and child deepens and develops, establishing a foundation for the child’s development and for future relationships… a secure attachment versus a disorganized attachment… being a breastfeeding counsellor… the universality of a new mother’s concerns for her baby… the importance of breastfeeding and of creating environments that support mothers and babies… cultural norms and factors across countries that determine whether and for how long women breastfeed… encouraging women to be proud of being women and of what we can do… and the invitation to read and share her publications and to follow her on Twitter/X @DrKarleenG

In this episode, Jennifer discusses a brief background of the Rockettes, the precision dance company founded a century ago in the United States, when Black performers were not permitted to dance on stage with white performers… her courageous decision, in 1987, to audition for the Rockettes and becoming the first Black woman to be selected to join this prestigious group of dancers… the importance of listening to our intuition and pursuing our dreams… her experiences with both acceptance and discrimination…being diagnosed with Stage 3 colorectal cancer and given an estimated five years to live, and then successfully battling the disease…her advice to women to find medical practitioners who will listen to them and answer their questions.. the importance of voicing our thoughts and feelings and the reminder that the more we do it, the easier it becomes… and, her closing message in this episode, “We all have a special gift to give to the world, our own special footprint, our own legacy to leave… Each challenge is an opportunity for growth. It's a learning experience, allowing us to shine our own light on this world. Support one another, love one another, and shine on.”

In this episode, Stephanie discusses her work at CDC and WHO, setting up infectious disease surveillance systems... being recruited by the U.S. Navy to help understand and improve the health and wellness of the Navy dolphins, a population that was already living significantly longer than dolphins in the wild… her research, funded by the Office of Naval Research, studying why some dolphins age more healthfully than others… researching which molecules predicted the healthiest aging dolphins and then, the groundbreaking discovery of foundational nutrient, C15:0… publishing research results that have been revalidated by independent teams throughout the world... working to identify the best ways to incorporate C15:0 in our daily diets… exploring the parallels between the ways aging affects dolphins and the ways aging affects humans... how, as an undergrad, her plan to go to medical school was affected when by two events: reading The Coming Plaque and meeting a veterinary epidemiologist… observing how dolphins demonstrate the power of community… the opportunities that missteps can create… her book, The Longevity Nutrient: The Unexpected Fat That Holds the Key to Healthy Aging… the importance of following your moral compass… and, in her words, “When you find your purpose, or probably more likely, when your purpose finds you, grab the reins and hold tight and enjoy the ride.”

In this episode, Ruchi discusses ways that her professional and personal experiences have affected her sense of self… the insights gained from dealing with people and the recognition that nothing is in our control… learning how to let go, how to surrender… the importance of being in the present moment… how the identity is formed and morphed over years… the experience of going through a marriage and divorce, and how it gave her a strong sense of individual autonomy which is so important for women in today’s world… the importance of understanding who we are, what we want from our lives and boldly go on living it… enabling ourselves for new connections and exposures in our life… re-examining love and relationships… and the importance of providing a safe space for women and girls without judging them, while encouraging them to explore their life.

In this episode, Kalkidan discusses her studies in public health and, while working on her Master’s degree, becoming interested in the field of health technology… after graduation, having an internship at the Sub-Saharan Africa Chamber of Commerce, an organization working in Trade between Sub-Saharan Africa and the U.S.… while at the Chamber, applying for, and winning, a grant to build a mobile app to track the statistics of road traffic accidents in Namibia, where she also nurtured her adventurous side and hiked the dunes of Sossusvlei… imposter syndrome… in analyzing the data of road traffic accidents, building a collaboration between public health and the private sector… recognizing the importance of understanding mobile technology… building her business and career in mobile technology… how being prepared for meetings and events builds self-confidence… the power of female friendship… the reminder that we write the rules of our life… the importance of taking time to know ourselves… and her love of storytelling and of listening to other people’s stories.

In this episode, Jenny discusses life events in the past five years that caused her to reexamine her priorities, leave a successful corporate career, and pursue a new path in which she could have a greater impact on making a difference… becoming a member of the Footage team in 2022, supporting their work... how her extensive travels and her studies at university broadened her world-view and her recognition of the ways we connect with people whose languages and experiences are different from our own… working for an environmental journal and meeting her husband… her decision to pursue communications and corporate communications rather than traditional journalism… her childhood experiences in a family that moved thirteen times in thirteen years, and how this gave her “a good resilience to change”… the importance of being enabled and allowed to dream of what you want to achieve… not being limited by what others tell you you should be… and when we are in a difficult place, the possibility of imagining something better.

Urmi received the Nari Shakti Puraskar in 2018, an award from the Indian Ministry of Women and Child Development to women or institutions working to advance the empowerment of women. In this episode, Urmi discusses what inspired her to launch New Light as a young mother, using her own money and a contribution from a friend, to begin helping women working in the red-light district in Kolkata by caring for their children…  expanding services over the years, providing safe shelter, nutritional support, recreational facilities, medical coverage and medical insurance for children… then, adding care for the women, offering HIV-care, nutritional support, family planning advice, medical care, legal aid, and community awareness programs… fighting gender -based violence… protecting young girls from being trafficked… community support for her work and for the work of New Light... the importance of patience… the honor of being awarded the Nari Shakti Puraskar and the opportunity to visit the Rastropati Bhavan with 49 other Indian women chosen from all walks of life… the influence of her politically parents early in her life and their message to speak up in the face of injustice… why she describes herself as “a warrior for compassion, peace, and love”… the importance of listening to other women and taking lessons from their examples.

In this episode, Patience discusses observing gender inequalities in her community as a young girl, even though she did not experience this in her own home… asking a teacher how she could help those whose voices were not being heard and being told that she could become a lawyer or judge… inclusion and the importance of asking why others are being left out of discussions that affect them… why she decided to support young girls and women in rural Uganda… launching a volunteer-led organization, now known as Femme Talk, with initial financial support from her father… creating a youth-led initiative that connected organizations working to end teenage pregnancies, gender-based violence, and child defilement in the illegal marriage of young girls to older men… her commitment to mentorship and to keeping girls in school… the role of the media in increasing awareness of the challenges that girls face… the importance of collaboration and the collective voice in overcoming resistance to change… the untapped potential of girls in rural areas… the role of formal and informal mentorship in our leadership journey… staying true to our values… and the advice to “use your voice to tell your story.”

In this episode, Jennifer discusses what inspired her, as an early mom blogger, to launch Social Good Moms in 2012, creating a website community for about 25,000 mom bloggers… partnering with nonprofit organizations to spread awareness about global health issues, particularly maternal health issues as well as child and adolescent health issues… organizing mom bloggers online to create a community sharing information about the work nonprofit organizations were doing to address global health issues that women and girls faced… being among ten mom bloggers chosen by One.org to travel to Kenya to report on women’s health issues… identifying opportunities for mom bloggers to visit other countries with nonprofit organizations, blogging to raise awareness of health issues and to support positive change… as a mother, wanting to create a world that is better for her daughters… her interest in building a new community of women who want to increase awareness of women’s and children’s health issues here in the United States and globally… the importance of having “the voices of everyday moms be heard”... the opportunity for new moms to feel empowered to use their platforms for good… and encouraging us all to chase the things we are passionate about because, as Jennifer says, “Don't wait! Chase it and you might really surprise yourself.”

In this episode, Eimear discusses her book The Keeper of Bees — Bees and Beekeeping in Irish Folklore and how the tradition of beekeeping was transferred from her grandfather to her father to her… how growing up in a beekeeping household, she learned the rhythm of the beekeeping calendar, season by season… her family’s appreciation of Irish music, Irish dancing, Irish instruments, and the Irish language… how Irish folklore, heritage, tradition, and history were essential parts of her upbringing… studying Irish folklore at University and becoming a folklore collector… how her love of folklore led her to her own unique relationship with bees… appreciating the magic of a beehive, a matriarchal society led by a queen, where all of the worker bees are female… how folklore enriches us with a deeply rooted connection to the past… and the importance of encouraging people to be their unique selves and to claim their own voice. 

You can learn more about Eimear Chaomhánach at https://beefolklore.ie

in this episode, Ilona discusses her first book, Freeze Frame, originally written as a screenplay and then expanded into a mystery book… her roots as a New Yorker who loves the city… writing her second novel, White Gloves and Rob Roys, a mystery about a young reporter and four older women, characters who had been on Ilona’s mind for many years… feminism and the women’s movement… the importance (and challenge) she faces in keeping track of the many threads she creates in writing her mystery novels… how her work in story development and television, especially as a story editor, made it easier for her to write her mysteries… persevering and not giving up… her gratitude for having a supportive husband… and the advice that we first understand what we want to do and then find other women who are successfully doing that.

You can learn more about Ilona Joy Saari’s books at her author website-> ilonajoysaari.com

Hira calls herself “a happy senior, crushing stereotypes one day at a time, living life queen-sized.” In this episode, she discusses how the death of her mother made her reflect on the many things her mom had wanted to do but never got to experience—and how that realization inspired Hira to consider what she, herself, still wanted to get out of life.

From spreading her wings and beginning her writing career, to the significance of myna birds and their emotional connection to her mother. She initiated Instagram Live interviews during the pandemic to stay connected with friends—a project that grew into over 180 interviews, including a few with celebrities. This eventually led to the start of her podcast, Rewire Life in 1½ Minutes with Hira Mehta, now on Spotify.

She talks about the importance of trying new things, never fearing a “no,” her passion for dance and dance reality shows, her views on women’s empowerment, and the value of respecting others’ cultures and traditions. She supports the mission of Silver Innings in the field of dementia and Alzheimer’s and speaks about it in the short film (on YouTube) she made on the cause, “A Selfless Soldier.”

Her love of writing led her to submit short stories in a contest. On winning, she continued writing and publishing stories, poetry, and books. And the reminder not to wait for tomorrow to do the things you want to do, but making time to do them now became her mantra of life. (India)

In this episode, Yunah discusses experiences and observations that motivated her to begin writing poems about girls' rights when she was 12 years old… realizing that she could be a voice for girls and women who did not feel that they could speak out… what motivates her to continue writing about the challenges women and girls face… in college, learning about blogging, attending workshops, and creating her own personal blog, Today’s Truths—My Voice is My Purpose, What’s Yours?… writing for the Girls’ Globe platform… how reading about other women’s work in their communities helps keep her motivated… the importance of working to ensure that government policies are implemented, like the Education Amendment Act in her country… how writing helped her overcome shyness and build self-confidence… her connection with the women in her community, how their experiences inspire her writing, and the project she initiated to support women in addressing the real issues they face… her mother’s role in helping women in the community, too… how social media has helped her interact with other woman and see what they are doing in communities globally to advance women’s rights… the importance of creating safe spaces for women to share their ideas and their experiences… and why we all need to raise critical issues and challenge stereotypes that women face in our own communities. 

In this episode, Blessing discusses the ways people encouraged her to pursue a Masters degree and then a Doctorate, after having first studied engineering in Nigeria because her parents considered it a prestigious profession… her choice to study social justice education as her field of study for advanced degrees that complimented her fieldwork experiences… the level of openness of knowledgeable professors in Canada who value the diverse field experiences of their students… her advice to us all to incorporate what we love into things that we are required to do… the importance of honoring the season we are in and of knowing when it is time to let a season go… and these words of encouragement: “You can evolve at any time. The only constant is you. As long as you want it, go for it!” 

In this episode, Alison discusses her experiences of being a child actor and growing up in a family where working in show business was the norm… having a slow-down in bookings at eleven years old, prompting her father to tell her that her acting career might be over… at twelve years old, being cast as Nellie Olsen in "Little House on the Prairie"… after years of being famous, doing shows and personal appearances, finding ways to schedule downtime and relax… how stardom affects people’s expectations of her in social gatherings… beginning her comedy career at fifteen years old, at the height of her popularity on Little House on the Prairie, by writing a comedy act with a group called The Village Idiots and performing in Los Angeles clubs and coffee houses four nights a week… beginning to her philanthropic work at twelve years old then, in the 1980s, when the actor Steve Trace went public with his AIDS diagnosis, volunteering to support the AIDS Project Los Angeles… in the early 2000s, becoming involved with a newly formed The National Association to Protect Children (protect.org), working with Congress and many States to enact legislation to rescue children, combat child exploitation and human trafficking, support cutting-edge technology, and increase government accountability and transparency…. going public with her own abuse as a child… now serving as President of The Board of Directors of The National Association to Protect Children… and encouraging us all to use our strengths and our weaknesses. 

You can learn more about Alison Arngrim and her tour schedule at BONNETHEADS.com

In this episode, Danielle discusses her commitment to bringing young people together, listening to their experiences and ensuring that their voices are heard… leadership roles early in her school and university years… incorporating the viewpoints of others in the youth leadership and advocacy space… working to increase the number of young people  involved in decision-making forums… growing up in a loving and supportive family, and the important life lessons her family taught her… being encouraged to pursue roles of increasing scope and responsibilities as a university student, including running for Guild President, leading thousands of students and being the official representative to the university administration, as well as the regional university administration, representing 50,000 students across the Caribbean… the role of technology in effectively gathering and using data to understand and communicate the needs of students… how her experiences led her to become the host of a youth TV show in Jamaica, showcasing young people, their stories, and their accomplishments… the importance of individualized approaches to self-care… ways to deal with our own self-criticism… the importance of volunteerism and how it can lead to unexpected career opportunities… having the courage to apply for roles that may seem out of reach... how introducing herself to a Government Minister led to being invited to join Jamaica’s AI Task Force and another government committee... the power of a simple compliment in encouraging others, and the reminder to be more positive as we speak with people day-to-day… and her advice to young women (and us all) to “shoot for the stars” as we find our voice. (Jamaica)

In this episode, Susan discusses her seventh solo show, Robert Will Show You the Door (Tales of Being Fired), and how being fired from a series of jobs led her to becoming a special education teacher. She reveals that she is an undiagnosed person with dyslexia and how this affected what she thought was possible. She discusses how performing led her to find her confidence and overcome her learning disability.When she started substitute teaching she used her daily experiences to write her first a solo show. She brought the show to Montreal and it was an instant hit, landing her a contract to tour the show nationally, only to have it cancelled when  9/11 happened. Susan took this as a sign that she was supposed to work with kids. When she was offered a full time teaching job, she took it, walked away from show business and went to grad school at night. A feat that she never saw was possible. Susan learned that the way forward is to not listen to people  who say “ You can’t do this” and never to doubt yourself. The mere act of trying is brave and will lead you on a path to accomplish things. As a breast cancer survivor, Susan discusses how facing a life challenging illness made her  even more determined to accomplish her goals. She used humor as a survival technique and inspired others who were going through treatment. This led her to teaching children who were in the hospital. Having already survived cancer, she knew that these kids wanted to have a normal school session and not be seen as patients.  She wants our listeners to trust themselves if they are uncertain, and if you don’t know how to do something, just act as if you do and the confidence will lead you through. 

You can learn more about Susan Jeremy and find information about her upcoming performances, at https://www.susanjeremy.net/

In this episode, Dr. Johnson discusses what sparked her interest in becoming a psychologist… being guided by behavioral medicine, a model of integrating both the physiological and the psychological… how important listening to people's stories has been in her life… being born in America to immigrant parents, and cultural differences that she and her family navigated… behavioral medicine, a model of integrating the physiological and the psychological… exploring how the mind and body work together... generational trauma… immigrant trauma… the beauty and complexity of growing up in two cultures… the importance of helping people align their physical symptoms with what is happening in their life or with what they have been thinking about… her love of writing and how, as an adolescent, writing helped her process feelings she was unable to discuss… the healing power of stories… our experience of seeing ourselves differently from how others see us… meditating on the power, strength, and ability we have to do things that we were told we could not do… the importance of realizing that it doesn't matter what other people say about us if we know who we are… and these inspiring words, “There's so much strength in fighting to be who we are.” (United States)

Jen, Sue, and DanceSyndrome are international multi-award-winning leaders of change, disrupting the status quo and challenging perceptions and systems where necessary. They show everyone the art of the possible, whatever label or perceived ability we attach to ourselves or others, by taking one step at a time. Jen was born with Down’s syndrome and says, “With the right support at the right time we can go further and further”

In this special episode you will hear the voices of three women: Jen Blackwell, Sue Blackwell, and Tracey-Jane Hughes, who restated some questions for Jen. Jen and Sue discuss creating DanceSyndrome and their experiences showcasing the performances of this dance company… facing and overcoming the bureaucracy and systems that saw Jen as a learning disability instead of as a person… the importance of true inclusion rather than tokenistic inclusion to enable everyone to be a leader in their own life… Jen’s love of dance throughout her life… being honored at Buckingham Palace…. Jen being appointed Lead Ambassador for Innovation and Entrepreneurship by the High Sheriff of Manchester for her year of tenure in 2018.… encouraging all women and girls to speak out and speak up… and the importance of creating opportunities for all! (United Kingdom)

In this episode, Christine discusses why she began calling herself an environmentalist when working on her Master’s Degree and working for a non-governmental organization producing a show on environmental issues… facing the challenge of breaking down jargon so people can better understand environmental issues… for her Master's thesis, focusing on how the media can best communicate about environment issues… having her thesis published and being recruited by the environmental movement, Let's Do It! World, to be a representative in Kenya… in 2016, launching the non-profit Let's Do It! Kenya … hosting the first “cleanup” day in Kenya and having 20,000 people participate… the importance of engaging young people to drive change… traveling to different countries to discuss environmental challenges and solutions… the reminder that “every small step counts”… with her colleagues working in other countries, championing the successful effort to have the United Nations declare September 20 as World Cleanup Day… discovering that many of the grassroots efforts to conserve the environment were being led by women and young girls… working to have these women and girls included in decision-making spaces… the importance of mentorship and coaching. (Kenya)

In this episode, Pooja discusses her reasons to begin writing about mental health after experiencing postpartum depression about 16 years ago… her prior interest in mental illnesses and mental health… the stigma and taboo one faces in discussing depression, and the challenges at the time, of finding psychiatrists and psychologists in Delhi… beginning to educate herself about mental health support and training to become a counselor… the broad misunderstanding of mental health… the dismissal and resistance someone faces when speaking about their mental health experiences… cultural norms that expect women “to  stay within the margins that are defined for us”  and to not speak out….  the books she has written and translated… writing newspaper columns and appearing on radio shows… being labeled a mental health activist despite her diverse roles and areas of expertise… her experiences with the cultural expectations related to death and grieving… her role as a grief counsellor… the various forms of grief…. intersectional feminism… the importance of women lending support to each other and building each other up… the power of sisterhood, of community, and of our collective voice… and the reminder that “You are the most important person in your life.” (India) 

In this episode, Vivi discusses her inspiration to fight for menstrual justice and then to establish the With Red & Period Museum in Taipei… the lack of education about and awareness of menstrual issues, including period poverty, where financial constraints result in lack of access to menstrual products… the importance of having a safe space where people can discuss and ask questions about periods… her parents’ commitment to her education and to exposing her to books, ideas, and information about Taiwan's history… attending political protests and rallies as a child… the importance of fighting for opportunities and taking action, even if you fail… as an undergrad in Scotland, learning from activists who fought for Scotland to become the first country to legislate the right to access free period products for anyone who needs them... her realization that if this was possible in Scotland, it was possible in Taiwan, too… starting her organization from her dorm room… the power of collective action from a society or a community to create sustainable change… the reminder that change takes time, so it is it is important to never lose hope. (Taiwan)

Patience is also the visionary behind the #KenyaWomenSeries, a platform dedicated to celebrating the remarkable achievements of Kenyan women. This initiative highlights inspiring stories of women making a difference, showcasing Patience's dedication to amplifying women's voices and accomplishments.

In this episode, Patience discusses seeing, at a young age, how gender inequality limited opportunities for women in her community and how this sparked a deep sense of injustice… her gratitude for her parents, their messages that she and her brothers and sisters are all equal, and the opportunity to be able to speak out… role models who inspired her pursuit for education… her commitment to continue to advocate for a world where every woman and girl can realize her full potential… working with two volunteers, Esther Karagu and Nancy Marangu, to profile 52 women leaders in Kenya, celebrating them and highlighting their stories and their impact on their communities… the importance of creating a platform where women could tell their stories in a way that they wanted it told… the importance of mentorship and of publicly affirming those we mentor… how women sharing our stories can encourage us in overcoming obstacles and challenges…. and the importance of challenging stereotypes and amplifying women's achievements. (Kenya) 

In this episode, Maricar discusses how her mother taught her to be a businesswoman and entrepreneur at a very young age, and how she began making and embroidering purses that she sold to classmates… realizing later, in secondary school, that she could earn money from her creative work… the importance of recognizing your unique skills… experiencing bullying at work and then resigning from her job during the pandemic… accepting an administrative job working with Ukrainian refugees and helping match them with local hosts in the UK… encouraging artists to explore their exhibit and sell their work… the importance of saying “yes” to opportunities… overcoming fear… and this inspiring advice to us all, “I realized that sometimes you really need to speak up to get your voice heard. It's no point waiting for people to discover you or to find you. Feel the fear, but do it anyway.” (Indonesia and United Kingdom)

In this episode, Mushairat discusses how, even as a child, she sought ways to learn through new challenges. She reflects on growing up in a community where health and medicine were rarely discussed, and making big decisions, like moving to Bangladesh to study and find her own sense of identity. She shares how she grew through friendships and storytelling, driven by a desire to learn more, do more, and pursue a field where she could help others. Mushairat emphasizes the importance of discussing feelings, emotions, love, and relationships to support mental health, even when these topics are considered taboo. She highlights her experience speaking with women across all age groups, valuing the significance of hearing them discuss their health and bodies, and challenging long-standing cultural norms. Mushairat encourages women to use their voices to advocate for themselves and others, engage in meaningful issues, and promote change. Her advice to women and girls is: “Find what challenges you and do what scares you the most. Once you learn to control that fear, you can unleash your true potential.” (USA)

In this first episode of Season 4, Yolandé discusses growing up in a cult where her parents were members, a cult in which there were many rules for girls and women and very few for men, and where friendships outside of the cult were discouraged… the fear that was instilled in cult members, and the excommunication they faced, if they did not adhere to the rules… being an observant child, and noticing the inconsistencies between what people preached and what they did… at 19 years old, getting married within the cult… being exposed to more of life and eventually realizing that she had to leave the cult, even though it would not be a quick or easy process… finding a psychosocial therapist who first helped her discover herself and a different life path, “writing a new ending to an old beginning”… studying to become a psychosocial therapist herself… getting divorced from her husband of 20 years at age 39… moving to a new city to begin a brand new life and a new career, making her way completely on her own terms… realizing that she is stronger than she thought, and that she was capable of doing more than she once believed was passible.  (South Africa)

In this episode, Dr. Bewa discusses how her own encounter with the health care system as a girl sparked her passion for health and how that evolved to her focus on sexual and reproductive health... volunteering in a community organization that was focusing on health, respecting cultural and social norms while also challenging them… beyond basic health care, the importance of health information, education, community engagement, awareness and the spectrum of preventative care… the importance of addressing health inequities… the encouragement and support of her parents, and the valuable lessons she learned from them about hard work and about why it is important to help others… setting up a nonprofit at age 21, the Young Beninese Leaders Association, successfully establishing partnerships with other nonprofits, and then receiving support from  First Lady Michelle Obama’s Young African Women Leaders Grant Program to scale up programs… the importance of making the right decision at the right time, and of being open to opportunities and not missing them… continuing her studies to become a medical doctor and then working for a Masters degree and a PhD… ensuring that all girls have access to quality education by removing the financial, cultural, social, and logistical barriers they face… the essential role of mentors and role models, and safe spaces where girls can  express themselves freely without being judged… the need to see more women in politics and in leadership roles globally, and as medical doctors, engineers, astronaut, and journalists… and this encouragement for us all, “Believe in yourself, believe in your power, believe in your voice. Start somewhere because tomorrow starts today.” (Republic of Benin and USA)

In this episode, Suchi discusses the story of hummingbirds and how this powerful and tiny bird has inspired her personally, appearing in challenging times in her life and giving her hope… the loss of her mother two years ago after fighting a strong battle with cancer and long COVID… understanding that everyone's journey through grief is different… not knowing how to process her grief, and then deciding to convert that grief into gratitude… the new organization, Mission Hummingbirds, that she recently founded to honor her inspiring mother… her goal of capitalizing on her 20 years in the development space to support, resource, and nurture women and young women to live their dreams through the concept of “Find, Foster, Fund”… that one of the biggest problems in the development sector is that most of the financial resources rarely reach the hands of women and young women in their communities… the importance of listening to  women and young women, trusting that they know how resources can be best used, and resourcing their work… and the reminder that “Every one of us can contribute to making the world a better place.”  (The Netherlands and India)

In this episode, Akinyi discusses how her own experiences as a survivor of sexual violence and domestic violence motivated her to launch Rebirth of a Queen five years ago and to give survivors a safe space and a home… the importance of ensuring that survivors are included in programming and decision-making, and that they are supported to become financially independent… how helping others heal has also helped her heal from her own trauma… the launch of a full economic empowerment program… recent attacks on the shelter and the process of identifying a new location for the shelter, in a safer community, and involving the community, community elders, local police, and other stakeholders… her daily prayer that she never lose her kindness and never stop being a safe space… the hopes and dreams of the young women she supports… her belief that this is divine work that she was called to do… her selection as Mrs. Universe Kenya 2024… the importance of reminding women that their voices are powerful, and of continuing to tell our own stories and embracing their power.  (Kenya)

In this episode, Elisa discusses her early work as a journalist and how it still shapes her filmmaking… her work in the CNN Rome bureau… being sent with the team covering the fall of the Berlin Wall and facing the challenges and opportunities of handling new responsibilities as history unfolded… continuing to win new assignments in various regions of the world… “growing” into being a producer at CNN… meeting her husband, who was a cameraman at CNN… her experiences seeing communities destroyed because of conflicts that were oftentimes out of their control… the important role that the legendary Ingrid Formanek has played in her career, giving her increasing responsibilities and encouragement when they worked together, and encouragement that continues today… leaving CNN and deciding to pursue something totally new by opening a successful fresh pasta shop that eventually closed as a result of the economic crisis of 2008… with her partner and husband, founding a production company that focuses on community and how we live together… approaching documentary filmmaking from the vantage point of being observers rather than being part of the story they are sharing… being in a constant state of learning as she covers a wide range of issues in her filmmaking… still needed to remind herself to be her own best friend… the importance of asking ourselves how we can do better, and then working in community to change what needs to be changed… recognizing that we have the power to drive change… empowering others by letting them know that their voices matter and that people are listening.  (USA)

 In this episode, River discusses going with her mother leading trips to Kathmandu after the 2015 earthquake in Nepal to help with humanitarian aid, and building earthquake-proof homes, and sponsoring schools… adding an Everest Base Camp trip to their expedition company as it evolved into a trekking company… being asked by her mother to return to Everest in 2022 to represent their company… learning from her mother about the importance of adapting to any situation, and watching her accomplish “incredible things” in foreign countries… knowing that the life lessons and skills that she has learned will help her when she goes off to college… living in Ulaanbaatar now, the capital of Mongolia and loving the vibe and feeling of this city… summiting Imja Tse, a mountain in the Himalayas of eastern Nepal, with a Sherpa guide teaching her the skills to use on Everest… living in Malaysia and meeting a three-times Everest summitter representing Malaysia, and accepting his invitation to train with his Malaysian Everest summiting team… her upcoming season in Nepal in October… her focus on school online with her high school in North Carolina, USA, that has been very supportive of her pursuing her dreams… reminding us that we are even more capable than we think we are, and that we can lead by example and follow our dreams, and support and encourage each other… the importance of offering compassion,  understanding, and listening to each other... and wanting women to know that it's so important to speak their truth and to stand up for themselves and their dreams. (USA and Nepal)

Here is River’s GoFundMe page... https://gofund.me/405b1ef9

In this episode, Sadia discusses how she began environmental activism at University in 2018, and how it led to shifting her focus from environmental activism to climate activism. During a field trip from her university, she was conducting a survey and got the opportunity to interact with local people in the coastal region of Bangladesh. She got to know about the impact of climate change on their lives and livelihoods, especially the harmful effects of salinity intrusion on groundwater and agricultural land, resulting in the loss of livelihoods, health, and economy.  At a young age, her family’s commitment to recycling and conserving water, then joining a group of like-minded young students at university, led her to work with Eco-Network Global, a youth-led organization now working in 25 countries.

She emphasized the inclusion of youth voices not only in the formulation of National Plans and Policies but also a growing need for youth voices in policy implementation. She believes in being patient when it comes to activism for society because a change doesn't happen overnight. In the International Conferences where she attends, she always ensures to bring and represent the local voice. She believes in creating a safe space for women and girls where they can express their opinions and thoughts openly without being judged and mentoring them.  (Bangladesh)
~ Episode description written by Sadia Jahan Rothi

In this episode, Belinda discusses growing up in a rural setting and finding solitude and peace in nature… her interest in photography and beginning her work as a professional photographer with landscape photography and transitioning to more of a focus on wildlife, photographing animals in their natural habitat, trying to capture their essence and translate that to others… the consciousness of animals… the increasing impact of climate change on wildlife and people… losing her home in the Oregon forest fires of 2020, and how that experience gave her even more compassion towards other people in other areas who are being affected by climate change or anything else that causes them to lose their home or their country… belonging… the beauty of nature as a pillar of strength… the importance of believing in ourselves, following our intuition, living life to the fullest, and not getting hung up on what other people think. (USA)
https://belinda-greb.pixels.com/

In this episode, Joan discusses the reasons she campaigns and advocates for girls’ education, for an end to child marriage, for every girl’s right to thrive and to dream… her grief in losing her best friend, Gufasha Moureen, to child marriage at age 13, and Gufasha’s death in childbirth… beginning community work and then, in 2016, founding Gufasha Girls Foundation to honor her friend’s memory by working to end child marriage… how societal norms and traditional mindsets deny girls’ right to education, and how girls’ dreams, hopes, and childhoods are stolen by child marriage… her own father’s and grandmother’s commitment Joan’s education… her grandmother’s love and her role as a “strong pillar” in Joan’s life… the role of teachers in encouraging her to use her voice to advocate for positive change in her community…  the importance of supporting girls in realizing that they are powerful, that they must believe in themselves, and that no one has the right to tell them that they cannot become the empowered person they want to be.  (Uganda)

In this episode, Tsehay discusses how, in her childhood, her parents stressed the importance of education for her and her brothers… moving from Ethiopia to Sweden at a young age… the challenges of going through a divorce, being a single mom, and moving to the U.S… feeling alone and moving on with her life by not giving up during challenging times… starting to cook, learning over time, and falling in love with food, her playground, her “happy place”… overcoming gender biases in the food industry… her first post on Instagram, 11 years ago, showing videos about the food she loves… the importance of love and of not taking things for granted… and the importance of loving ourselves, and of listening, having more compassion, and supporting each other. (Sweden and Ethiopia)

In this episode, Angela discusses the phased work of humanitarian aid workers in crisis situations and of development workers in addressing the needs of communities moving forward… from an early age, her life’s calling to be of service to others… working in a male-dominated field, learning not to take things too personally, and asking, “Where is the higher goal here? What are we all trying to work for?”… overcoming fear and dealing with trauma at your own pace… the work of SMILE for Budgie and the man who inspired it, believing that there is no reason why any child needs to live in violence… providing educational and psychosocial assistance for young people in the system of care, and ensuring that their voices are heard… collaborating with all Agencies working in child welfare to identify community-based solutions… the importance of encouraging young people to believe that what they say matters and to embrace their own authentic voice.  (USA)

In this episode, Maureen discusses her recent move from Rwanda to South Sudan, wanting to do more for communities while also pursuing career growth… working to end to gender-based violence and to advance everyone’s rights, with a focus on the rights of women, girls, and young people… the great strength and potential of young people in creating positive change… the gap in gender quality… combining her career with her responsibilities as a mother… involving her family and children in her decision to work in South Sudan, and the role of technology in staying connected with her family… the importance of seeking help from the support system around us… and encouraging every woman and every girl to use their voice to encourage or advocate for others… using her own voice to make a difference in terms of policy changes, programming and services for those whose voices are not heard yet they contribute to peace and sustainable development. (Rwanda)

In in this episode, Helen discusses childhood experiences that shaped her later engagement in politics,  including being an environmentalist at a young age and facing racism as one of very few Asian Americans in her school… the progression of her political engagement from voting in all elections and writing to express her opinions to elected officials, on to various forms of political activism, and then successfully running for local and State elected offices… her focus on engaging the public to speak up and to show up for positive change… her experience as the only female on a community board… working for restrictions on gun access in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, including universal background checks… voting as a sacred right and privilege, and the importance of educating ourselves about issues and candidates… ways we can use our individual talents in supporting the political process… doing our part to change the world. (USA)   

In this episode, Franka discusses the origins of her passion for sexual and reproductive justice… the politics of aid… studying anthropology and, within that, medical anthropology… her decision to leave academia and to become a midwife… midwifery as a fantastic profession that is deeply important to women, their families, and their community… her definition of “a good birth”… how people can become powerful and strong when they can access the rights they deserve…midwives as a marginalized group globally whose knowledge has not been valued and has been medicalized in many ways… her former role as President of the International Confederation of Midwives… the important leadership quality of asking for help… overcoming a fear of public speaking… the global, skills-building work of Maternity Foundation that supports midwives and skilled birth attendants in facilitating safer births… our responsibility to support each other and to use our voice, because our voice matters. 
(Denmark and The Netherlands)

In this episode, Hawa discusses her advocacy to end FGM in the U.K. and globally… the pain and trauma she experienced as a survivor of FGM at 8 or 9 years old, and her forced child marriage at 13 years old in Guinea the country where she was born… her strength in surviving… faith, forgiveness, and moving on… the significance of being recognized with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service… the importance of being respected, values, and recognized… appreciating being able to stay in the U.K., where she can make her own decisions and use her voice to help end FGM… the need for education, investment, and the involvement of community members in the flight to end FGM. (United Kingdom and Guinea, West Africa) 

In this episode, Fernanda discusses studying International Relations at university… attending the Women’s March in México City with her mother… learning about feminism during the pandemic, becoming a decolonial feminist, and being inspired by Angela Davis… having a very good childhood, with her parents allowing her to make many decisions for herself… observing her parents share the responsibilities of the household… being aware of the high rates of violence against women in her country and, at an early age, pretesting street harassment when she observed her mother experiencing it… the importance of young people’s participation in political discussions and decisions, and the privilege of having the opportunity to speak in events related to the United Nations general Assembly in September, 2023… positive change that is coming from grassroots organizations and from the leadership of young people… believing that we can work together to have a better world… advocacy for women’s rights, including the right to decide what they want to do with their bodies, the right to education, and the right to avoid early marriage and to choose whether or not that want to be married at all… the importance of mentorship and of intergenerational dialogs… the role of support networks for young people where they can speak and develop themselves. (México)

In this episode, Yodit discusses her new role as a mom… learning to see the world through her daughter’s eyes… facing fears in parenthood, and overcoming those fears… trusting God and the strength that He gives… distinguishing between rational fears and irrational ones… how her own experiences inspired her to create a series of online workshops to help pregnant moms be more prepared for their first year of motherhood, honestly and openly sharing real-life experiences rather than romanticized descriptions of what to expect… the “aloneness” often felt by new moms… matrescence, the transition into motherhood… the importance of asking for help, and knowing that you are not alone… and how we can all take the time to encourage the people who are right next to us. (USA)

 In this episode, Ana Laura discusses the inspiration to start a non-profit organization focused on young girls, Soy Niña, and the organization’s work to empower girls in vulnerable communities, beginning at age six, and working with girls through ninth grade… her move from Costa Rica to the U.S. at age twelve, how that move affected her life and then, ten years ago, following her intuition and moving back to Costa Rica… the importance of discovering the essence of what makes us unique and of not comparing ourselves to others and … the importance of listening to your heart… reminding us all to believe that girls’ opinions matter, to listen to girls, and to realize that, most often, they know what is best for themselves. (Costa Rica)

In this episode, Theodora discusses growing up in a large family of many cousins, and learning lessons in childhood about caring for people in community… being called a doula years before she actually became one… after college, her experiences working in public health and working with midwives… volunteering in women’s shelters… practicing self-care by taking time to pause… setting boundaries for herself in her different roles… her experiences of being a family caregiver at various times in her life… gaps in community and national maternal healthcare… learning many things from her grandmother, who was an entrepreneur, as is her mother… encouraging community members to discuss health concerns and issues… her role in getting people to think about what they want for themselves regarding their maternal health journeys, and what they don’t want… the importance for us to believe that we are all unique and have gifts to share in the world. Saa Yare Boah Doula Care LLC (USA)

In this episode, Yasmina discusses bring born in Morocco, living in Dubai, and her early exposure to different countries and cultures… after living in several countries, seeing herself as a global citizen… facing racism, xenophobia, Islamophobia… tokenism and other experiences of young leaders and advocates who are working for positive change… the importance of being outspoken and of speaking truth to power… the role of her mother, and her own role, in helping her believe in herself… the power of social media platforms for young people… launching Politics4Her in 2017, first as a blog and then expanding into digital advocacy, capacity-building, and a movement for more inclusive involvement of young women and girls in politics… approaches for dealing with online hate… the importance of being kind to ourselves and of celebrating what we have accomplished.  (Morocco and Puerto Rico)      

In this episode, Linda discusses deserving a life that aligns with the truth of who we are… living an authentic life… shedding the SHOULDs and HAVE TOs in order to live an intentional life… tapping into and building a relationship with our inner wisdom… the important role of journaling and of having conversations with our Sacred Self and with our fear… the pivotal moment that inspired her to transform her life “from the inside out”… the power of our thoughts and beliefs in determining our future… staying focused on being the highest and best version of herself… how other people’s stories can help us during our periods of transformation… the importance of sharing our stories and of remembering the truth of who we are.  

Linda is offering you a free magazine and bonus gifts at www.SubscribetoAspire.com

In this episode, Eva her belief that she was born to be a midwife and as a little girl growing up in rural Uganda, telling her mother that she wanted to be a midwife… having a challenging relationship with her father in her early years, his taking her away from her mother, and his insistence that she become a teacher even though that was not her dream… being forced into a marriage that she did not want and then having her first child… fulfilling her dream of becoming a registered midwife… faith and the grace of God… forgiveness healing her heart… being recognized and acknowledged internationally for her passion for midwifery and her commitment to saving the lives of mothers and babies… her excitement at being featured in Bill Gates's Heroes in the Field… the importance for us all to be bold, be strong, work hard and be proud.  (Uganda)

In this episode, Françoise discusses how her many conversations with women throughout her life fostered an early fascination with justice and ignited her passion for activism and movements to end injustice… being an outspoken girl, growing up in Cameroon, and using her voice to make her opinions known… moving to France as a teenager with her mother and the adversities that her mother faced because her competencies were not recognized in her new country… what Françoise learned from her mother’s decisions and how they shaped her own choices about who she is and about and how she uses her voice… learning about feminism from conversations with, and the actions of,  women working to address the structural inequities they face…. defining her identity as an African feminist who is passionate about ensuring that movements work, and thrive… loving to make space for those who are systematically marginalized by listening to their stories and amplifying their stories and their voices… understanding that there is knowledge and power in our daily stories… the importance of creating space for people, and particularly women, to ask questions and reacting to those with empathy, and not judgment.  (Cameroon)

Clare has packed a few careers into her life so far. A producer for CNN for 17 years, she covered politics, breaking news stories and war zones. She left CNN after the birth of her child and founded her own company called, "Oh Baby! Fitness" in 2005. 

Clare had serious postpartum depression after her son was born, and the friendships she made in a new parent support group, and the daily long walks she took with new friends (and some anti-depressants) literally saved her life and gave her the idea for creating a business that is now international. Oh Baby! Fitness offers pregnancy and mom & baby exercise classes, and also trains fitness, medical and birth professionals in pre and postnatal exercise worldwide. 

Clare is also a community organizer, political activist and advocate for transgender kids. 

In this episode, Clare shares her story of being a producer at CNN, her struggle with postpartum depression, and her realization about community and exercise being life-saving. Clare also shares about her later breast cancer diagnosis, and how she learned to accept help. It was a lesson that she immediately put into daily practice  when her Mom was diagnosed with brain cancer just 6 weeks after Clare had a double mastectomy. 

Clare's story about the power of community and the power of asking for and accepting help inspires us. She tells us about the importance of showing up, of listening, of speaking up and, most importantly, of taking action to drive change in our communities to help our friends and neighbors. She did it in her hometown of Atlanta and helped spark others to do it across the country and around the world. We think you'll love hearing her story in her own words. (USA)

In this episode, Fithriyyah discusses her passion for environmental issues as a young leader, and the impact of environmental change on health… joining local movements for youth activism before attending medical school… understanding at a young age that she would need to work hard to reach her dreams… studying environmental effects on human health… joining the ASEAN Youth Forum, a youth community from 11 ASEAN countries… the importance of meaningful youth participation throughout the process of policy change at local, national, and international levels… language and financial barriers that impede young people from participating in international conferences and forums… climate change and its effects, especially on marginalized communities… the importance of each of us making small changes to have a positive effect on the environment… ensuring that we provide space and support for young people… and the remainder that we can all make change in our community. (Indonesia)

In this episode, Asfiya discusses the power of childhood dreams… her experience having open-minded, supportive parents, even when she was making decisions about the educational path she would pursue… choosing to study commerce, and then pursuing an MBA… teaching… rediscovering her love of writing after the birth of her daughter, and then switching careers to become a writer… the importance of asking for help, and also offering help and advice to others… deciding that what you need is important, and making yourself a priority… education, and the choices it gives you… validating and helping empower others by listening to them… the importance of sharing your experiences because “just by sharing your experiences, you could be making a world of difference to someone.” (India)

In this episode, Judith discusses her catalogue of complex childhood trauma which took her an a winding career pathway, to currently teaching a government-funded violence reduction program for 3 to 6 year-olds in areas where there are high levels of violence.  Judith is committed to amplifying the voices of children,  helping them develop self-worth and self-belief, and advocating for little girls so they know that what they have to say is important and that their voices will be heard. (England)

In this episode, Janet discusses her award-winning book, Pathways to Wholeness… living mindfully in peace and love… our natural relaxation response… Radiant Energies Balance, a practice which she helped develop… the importance of spending time and finding peace in Nature… our connection  mindful meditation… self-love, self-care, self-worth and self-confidence… growing up on a farm and developing a compassionate view of animals that are raised for food… moving meditation, including the ancient medication called “shaking and breathing” to quiet the mind… broadening our definition of meditation, and finding the quiet oasis within us… walking meditation… Tai chi and the flow of energy in our body… events in her childhood that motivated her to become a mental health counselor… encouraging women to claim their power by seeing them, hearing them, listening to them, and recognizing who they are and what their needs may be, and supporting them in speaking their truth. (USA)

In this episode, Rinki discusses her passion as a change-maker and her belief that we can all inspire and act for change in our communities… the importance of a positive mindset and of believing in yourself… the need for flexibility in a fast-changing world, and understanding how to engage others in making needed change… agency and having the courage to speak out, and the turning point in her life when she joined the “She Creates Change” community of change.org which motivated her to use Twitter for good, connecting her with more purpose-driven communities including #ThePowerOfStories, #SpiritChat, and #SayftyChat… reframing a harsh criticism by understanding “the power of zero”… learning from the people around us, even those who do not treat us well… the importance of saying “no” and of claiming responsibility for our life, for our decisions, and for setting our boundaries… choosing to encourage and inspire others by empowering them, and by not judging them. (India)

In this episode, Pauline discusses founding Rebirth of A Queen, a safe-house that works to empower teenage survivors of sexual violence by giving them the opportunity to heal, to learn, and to pursue their dreams… being labeled a “rebel” as a girl…intergenerational trauma… growing up in poverty… her seven years of silence after surviving sexual violence and being threatened to tell no one about the assault… the process of healing, and how writing poetry helped her… mental health and resilience… her mother’s lessons about forgiveness, and her own understanding that forgiveness is a journey and a process… disconnecting forgiveness from religion… the healing power of writing encouraging letters to herself, especially to the former girl that she was at 16 and to the young woman she was at 23… learning to say “No” without feeling guilty when someone asks for help, and saying “Let me think about it” instead…and the importance of telling one’s own story. (Kenya)  

In this episode, Anu discusses the importance of self-love and the opportunity to introduce this at a much earlier time in the lives of girls, women, boys and men… how gender inequality drives systemic inequities in women’s health globally, in addition to defining a woman’s role and purpose in her family and community… how lack of access to basic healthcare or basic health needs impacts women, and lack of access to basic menstrual products can affect a girl’s access to education, and lead to early marriage and early motherhood… inadequate information about how cholesterol, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and heart disease affect women differently than the way these medical conditions generally affect men… incidence of women’s health concerns being dismissed with the phrase “It’s in your head.”… ways to overcome fear of speaking out in front of large groups of people… the importance of making self-love, self-care, and self-acceptance a part of our everyday life, and of giving ourselves time to know ourselves better.  (India and The United Arab Emirates)

In this episode, Sharon discusses SayItForward.org and her passion for women and girls being able to tell their stories in their own words… some reasons why women and girls share their stories, and how they inspire her every day… learning to speak up for herself and encouraging other women to do the same when they are not being heard… the importance of listening with an open heart and with the intention of understanding others… the role of mentors in her own life, beginning with her parents, and how this cultivated her passion for mentoring others… the celebration of recording 50 episodes of The Power Of Stories podcast… reminding everyone of how unique and important their own stories are… and the importance of listening to women and girls, helping them feel heard, and encouraging them to believe that they are powerful. (USA)

Dr. Yen added to her career as a physician to be an entrepreneur and advocate, launching several corporate and non-profit initiatives focused on women’s reproductive health and empowerment such SheHeroes.org , fffl.co (Female Founded, Female Led), and the Silver Ribbon Campaign to Trust Women. 

In this episode, Dr. Yen discusses life experiences that influences her passion for adolescent medicine and for adolescents’ rights to comprehensive sex ed and access tp birth control… how her parents helped her build self-confidence and intellectual curiosity at a young age… the importance of prioritizing family time, and of being a parent and not a friend… signs that an adolescent may be experiencing mental health challenges, and seeking mental health care… 988 - the Suicide & Crisis Helpline in the U.S… believing in yourself… SheHeroes.org… #StopSuckingItUp… and encouraging us all to speak up and not be afraid to ask for help.  (USA) PandiaHealth.com

In this episode, Ola discusses ATHENA, a global feminist network that seeks to advance gender equality and human rights and that elevates the voices of young women and girls in the HIV response… the status of women and girls in society… how her parents unknowingly set her on the path of feminism by modeling the importance of education and of gender equity and equality, and by encouraging her, even as a young girl, to use her voice and to speak up… her first step into advocacy as an opinionated 13-year-old selected as a representative to the Children’s Parliament in Lagos, Nigeria, and learning about the challenges that many other girls were facing, including exclusion from education, child marriage, child trafficking, child labor, FGM, and rape… being an overachiever and multitasker for most of her life, and then feeling isolated and overwhelmed as a new mom… therapy… learning to be kind to herself… unrealistic expectations… the importance of giving yourself grace… emphasizing sisterhood and looking out for the women in your life and around your life who need your support. (Nigeria)

In this episode, Brenda discusses her first experience as a song-catcher in a healing session with Indigenous grandmothers… the impact of trauma and grief… having the courage to sing on stage for the first time at 17 years old… moving to Toronto to begin her music career… the way society has “set up” women for perfectionism… searching for a sense of belonging… the importance of breathing into our bellies to access the truth of who we are, and to access our intuition… helping women find their voice… advice from women elders to take care of ourselves first, when we are conditioned to do the opposite… the importance of identifying simple, easy ways to “fill ourselves up”… the death of her son in 2016… the process of exploring who she really was and deciding to be herself… internalized, systemic racism… holding a space for other women’s voices to be heard… the lasting impact of trauma and grief… the many benefits of singing, and finding a way to really fall in love with your voice. (Canada) https://medicinesongwoman.com/

In this episode, Dr. Brown-Parks discusses growing up in a small agricultural town, where the community had little access to medical care… her early interest in and commitment to education and academic achievement… being accepted to medical school when she was just 19 years old, and joining the Army as a doctor at 23… her experiences as a young woman in the military… the importance of first impressions… leaving the Army and earning a Masters of Public Health… joining a medical practice and completing a university faculty development fellowship… teaching medical students and guiding them how to relate to and listen to their patients… fear as a motivator, or as a detractor… imposter syndrome… noticing the signs that it is time “move on” to something new… consulting as a medical expert for broadcast media… and reminding us all of the importance of being a role model. (USA)

In this episode, Armel discusses her education, including completing a BA in English in her country, where the official languages are French, Comorian, and Arabic… challenging cultural gender norms and playing football as a girl… the importance of listening to her inner voice when others were telling her that she should not be playing football… believing in herself and encouraging other girls and young women to overcome gender norms and expectations… volunteering at IMARA Comoros, a youth-led NGO that educates girls and youth, and having opportunities to attend international meetings and conferences… being a change-maker for gender equality in her community and internationally… opening doors for other young people… knowing that there are people who supported her in silence and who were unseen mentors… encouraging us all to dream, to believe in ourselves, to believe in our work, and to be willing to make sacrifices to achieve our dreams… reminding young people that the world belongs to them and that they are its drivers. (Comoros)

In this episode, Katina discusses her professional mission to help young people get published as reporters, journalists, and writers… the value of the content that young people create… the important role media can play in validating the voices of young people… exploring her own ambition, drive and personal value as a young woman starting out in the youth media space… the role of adults in fostering the development of young people’s talents… the importance of listening to young people and helping them see their place in the world… the impact of having someone ask you about your story… and finally, encouraging us all to be the strong women that we are, walking into spaces knowing we belong there. (USA)

In this episode, Winny discusses Teen Seed, a community-based program she founded at 16, after being defiled by an older man who believed it was his right because he was paying part of her school fees… education as a right for all girls… teen pregnancy… teen girls’ need for nurturing, guidance, and support… the shame and blame experienced by survivors of sexual violence… the patriarchy… choosing to be part of the solution instead of part of the problem… the normalization of abuse… building courage and choosing to move on with your life… defending the rights of women and girls… the power of women… and the importance of finding spaces for healing, movement-building, supporting each other across the globe, and turning pain into power. (Kenya)

In this episode, Yamina explains the significance of being named a Fellow of the Chartered College of Teaching, and she discusses the power of literature in exploring diverse identities and communities, and in understanding the discrimination and portrayal of minoritized groups … her decision in 2009 to teach in a school where she was the only hijab-wearing Muslim teacher… creating a safe space in her classroom where, as Yamina says, “We are all welcome, we are all loved, and we are all equal”… her experiences facing xenophobia and racism as a British Bangladeshi child and adult… the role of her parents in teaching her and her siblings that their voices mattered and were heard… the role of #WomenEd and #EduTwitter in convincing her that her voice mattered… the #WomenEd challenge to become “10% braver” and to apply for leadership positions in education… facing and overcoming fears, with the support and encouragement of other women… and the importance of seeking out judgment-free coaching to help us move beyond our comfort zone and to address our fear of failure.  (England)

In this episode, Blessing discusses her willingness to have those uncomfortable but much-needed conversations about sex, money, and abuse… the overlap of physical, emotional, and financial abuse… reluctance to acknowledge or report abuse, especially among Black and Brown women… research learnings about financial abuse among immigrant women in Canada… the importance of women confiding in someone they can trust, seeking support, documenting all forms of abuse, and accessing available resources in their community… the danger women face when trying to report or leave their abuser… and why we must all “look out for the woman next to you.” (Canada and Nigeria)

In this episode, Julia discusses her love for connecting with people from around the world… remaining hopeful and staying connected to our purpose in life… the importance of having a practice of gratitude, of journaling, and of reframing limiting beliefs… recognizing and facing our fears, and understanding that our fears do not define us… “tapping” as a tool to release stress and anxiety… understanding that asking for help can allow people to feel included in our life… being a part of creating positive change in the world… and the importance of understanding that we all have something valuable and meaningful to share. (Sweden)

In this episode, Kate discusses the importance for every woman to take time for herself, even if it is just a few minutes a day… overcoming the judgment of others… recognizing the things in our life for which we are grateful… transitioning to new careers at different points in her life… the influence of “labels” throughout one’s life… journaling and writing… her belief that we are all creative beings, and that there are many ways in which we can express our creativity… and realizing that we are more than the roles we play every day of our life. (USA)

In this episode, Jamila discusses how, as a 12-year-old, she acclimated to a new country, culture, and language… her view that “not belonging” offers an opportunity to find common ground… the courageous choice to leave a successful corporate career to pursue her passion for art… forging her own path through acts of independence… searching for ways to connect with her soul… discovering quilting as a path to artistic expression… discovering a lifetime of inspiration in the majesty of the sea… the importance of overcoming the distractions of the world to go within and connect with our truth.  IG: @jamilahammadart (St. Croix, V.I. and Colombia)

In this episode, Denetra discusses the incident in 2019 that called her to become a filmmaker… her latest film, “The Dixie 3: A Story on Civil Rights in Nursing” about Mildred Smith, Patricia Taylor McKenzie, and Agnes Stokes Chisman, nurses who stood up for themselves and for all African American nurses… how being an African American woman is a part of her own story as a leader, storyteller, and educator… the profound influence of her mother in her life… her Naval career… stories as a form of healing and mental health… and the importance of looking within and authentically believing in yourself. (USA)

In this episode, Esihle discusses her endless curiosity… studying computer technology… being drawn to follow her passions… being comfortable with the decisions we make…the choice to “belong” everywhere… growing up and facing stereotypes in post-Apartheid South Africa… not wasting the opportunities in front of us… adjusting to  new communities when moving to different countries… what drew her to tech… recognizing and addressing subtle opposition and microaggressions… believing in ourselves and the power of our voice. (South Africa) 

In this episode, Lauren discusses the experience of being cyber-bullied when she was in middle school… the power of one person's mean words in changing how we feel about ourselves… the important role of her mother in helping her deal with the experience and shock of being bullied… founding Girls Above Society initially by sharing her story by speaking with groups of girls in elementary and middle schools… imposter syndrome… self-confidence as a journey and a daily practice… and the importance of listening and recognizing that we have feelings and experiences that connect us all.  (USA)

In this episode, Sahra discusses how living in several countries shaped her life… having a strong Somali identity, even while living in other places… experiencing exclusion, not belonging, and being treated differently… living as an asylum-seeker in a refugee camp in The Netherlands, and beginning to write prize-winning poetry there… moving back to Somalia for a new job… the joys of motherhood… the importance of women taking part in the documentation of a country’s history… social media as a tool for women to creatively express themselves… the importance of understanding girls’ needs for female role models and mentors while they are in school. (Somalia and The Netherlands)

In this episode, Jennifer discusses her mother's commitment to her education… volunteering in a local organization working with other girls, and then achieving a leadership role in high school to educate girls about reproductive health and rights… her mother as a “pillar of strength” in her life… using her own challenges and experiences to encourage other girls and young women… the importance of being resilient and optimistic… trying even when we know we may fail… encouraging young girls and young women to know that their own voice is powerful and that they can be whatever they want to be… and the importance of creating safe spaces and platforms for girls and young women to speak out. (Tanzania)

In this episode, Lindsey discusses how her own experiences led to her commitment to helping tween and teen girls build their confidence and sense of empowerment… embracing what makes us unique and not comparing ourselves to other people… the importance and power in friendships with other women… choosing to give other women a chance, and celebrating their successes… role of supportive adults in encouraging, listening, advising and amplifying the voices of teen girls.  (USA) 

In this episode, Scarlett discusses her experiences living and working in Vanuatu on programs to address gender-based violence… the importance and benefits of bringing our whole self to work… opportunities and challenges associated with relocating or living in a new place… the importance of reflecting on the stories we tell ourselves about ourselves… defining risk-taking as “going for the greater story”... facing the question “Am I enough?”... attention deficit hyperactivity disorder… forgiving other people and forgiving ourselves.  (Australia)

In this episode, Shruti discusses being raised as a girl in Indian society, influenced by media and cultural norms… in a supportive family, challenging gender stereotypes she and her brother faced as children… the excitement of moving to a new country to pursue her graduate studies… the support of an uncle and aunt as she transitioned to life as a graduate student in the United States… her advocacy and activism for the safety and empowerment of women and girls globally… the many ways we can use our voices to express ourselves…. and developing the confidence to speak up. (India and USA)