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, DC.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:. Sofiyat IbrahimEditor: Maya SternthalMusic: 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.Artist: http://incompetech.com/

Vital Voices Podcast

Power to Empower: A Special International Youth Day Episode with Activist Melissa Shang

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 future. Due to the seemingly pervasive isolation that Covid-19 has instilled upon much of the world, she explains how now more than ever before, we must support one another and include the importance of mental health in mainstream discourse. To learn more about the Intisar Foundation, visit https://intisarfoundation.org. 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: Sofiyat Ibrahim. Producer and Editor: Maya Sternthal.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.Artist: http://incompetech.com/

HRH Intisar AlSabah on Rebuilding Strength in the Face of Adversity

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 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:. Sofiyat IbrahimPost Copy: Maya SternthalMusic: 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.Artist: http://incompetech.com/

Power to Empower – Mary Robinson on the Importance of Feminist Leadership

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 Juneteenth, we encourage you to learn about the history of the holiday and use the day to reflect on the ways we can all move the charge forward for a better 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. Host: Alyse Nelson. Executive Producer: Sofiyat IbrahimPost Copy: Maya SternthalMusic: 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.Artist: http://incompetech.com/

Power to Empower – A Special Juneteenth Episode with Cici Battle

Sadiqa Basiri , Founder of the Oruj Learning Center, joined host, Alyse Nelson, for a discussion on women’s rights in Afghanistan and how strong educational institutions will be crucial mechanisms to grow the next generation of Afghan leaders. Sadiqa shared how her experience of being denied the opportunity to attend medical school and living under Taliban occupation inspired her life’s work in advocating for girls’ education. And as the United States prepares to remove troops from Afghan soil leaving the nation in a period of uncertainty  – advocates like Sadiqa are working to preserve educational institutions for historically marginalized groups, including girls, out of fear that the future may bring with it, remnants of a historically dark time.Sadiqa is a role model for people around the world who believe in the importance of girls’ education. In response to the recent attacks on girls’ schools in Afghanistan, Sadiqa shares a realistic perspective on the future of her endeavors and educates listeners on what they can do to support Afghanistan during this unpredictable time. 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: Sofiyat IbrahimProducer and Editor: Maya Sternthal, Jane OwenMusic: 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.Artist: http://incompetech.com/

Power to Empower: Sadiqa Basiri on the US troops withdrawal from Afghanistan and what that means for Girls Education in the country.

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 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: Sofiyat IbrahimMusic: 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.Artist: http://incompetech.com/

Power to Empower: Adriana Hinojosa Céspedes on Mexico’s Femicide Crisis

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. Producer and Editor: Sofi IbrahimMusic: 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.Artist: http://incompetech.com/

Power to Empower: Adi Tafuna'i on the Power & Importance of Rural Economic Systems in Building a Sustainable Future

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 Gayle Kabaker, published by Assouline. Host: Alyse Nelson. Executive Producer: Lizzie Kubo Kirschenbaum. Producer and Editor: Sofiyat IbrahimMusic: 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.Artist: http://incompetech.com/ 

Sandra Pepera on Building Systems to Sustain Inclusive Democracy

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. Executive Producer: Lizzie Kubo Kirschenbaum. Producer and Editor: Lizzie Kubo Kirschenbaum. 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.Artist: http://incompetech.com/ 

Power to Empower: Obiageli Ezekwesili on Values-Driven Leadership

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 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. Executive Editor: Sofi Ibrahim. Producer and Editor: Shreya Bandyopadhyay.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.Artist: http://incompetech.com/

Power to Empower: Working Toward Equity with Sage Ke'alohilani Quiamno

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. Executive Producer: Lizzie Kubo Kirschenbaum. Producer and Editor: Shreya BandyopadhyayMusic: 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.Artist: http://incompetech.com/

Power to Empower: Chouchou Namegabe on Changing Culture by Catalyzing Conversations

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 license.  (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/?keywords=deliberate+thought.Artist: http://incompetech.com/

Power to Empower: Amar Singh on Male Allyship and Using Art to Spark Change

Civil rights activist and the CEO and founder of Rise, Amanda Nguyen sat down with host Alyse Nelson to discuss the recent rise in hate crimes against the AAPI community and how she uses her activism to advocate for more informed and collaborative change. Amanda reflects on how she got involved in activism, her work with Rise Justice Labs and the impact of social media in democratizing the voices 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 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 IbrahimMusic: 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.Artist: http://incompetech.com/

Power to Empower: Amanda Nguyen on Anti-Asian Racism and the Blueprint for Social Change

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 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.Artist: http://incompetech.com/

Power to Empower: Sara Minkara on Redefining Inclusivity for Empowerment

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, 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 Gorman. 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.Artist: http://incompetech.com/

Power to Empower: Chelsea Miller on Black Activism & the Mobilizing the Youth for Change

The Vital Voices Podcast highlights women leaders and change-makers from around the world. Hosted by Vital Voices President and CEO, Alyse Nelson, the Vital Voices Podcast provides a space for extraordinary women to be heard. To learn more about Vital Voices, visit www.VitalVoices.org. Follow us on Twitter (@VitalVoices), Instagram (@VitalVoices) and like us on Facebook (facebook.com/VitalVoices)! You can also donate to Vital Voices by texting VITAL to 41444.

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Vital Voices Podcast

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