Vital Voices Radio Podcast

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

President of the non-profit Reinserta, Saskia Niño de Rivera, and social worker and co-founder of the non-profit Prerana, Priti Patkar, sat down with Vital Voices Podcast host Alyse Nelson to discuss current barriers to achieving human rights for children around the world. Saskia and Priti explain their efforts to break the cycle of intergenerational violence by working directly with the children and parents involved, striving to ensure the balance of human rights is kept in line with the context of the children’s lives. Listen in to learn more about the incredible work these women are doing to change broken systems, build new structures that better serve children and give them new opportunities, and how they leverage their empathy and willingness to take risks as their power. Their work is inspiring, but it’s their hope, resilience and dedication that makes both women enlightening.To learn more about Vital Voices, visit www.vitalvoices.org. This series is inspired by our book, Vital Voices: 100 Women using t

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

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

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

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