The Power Of Stories Podcast

Mitra Kadarsih is a midwife and passionate advocate for women’s and girl’s health, empowerment and Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR).  In this episode, Mitra discusses being a free and independent woman… learning from other women… the influence and inspiration of her parents in her life and in her sense of empowerment… embracing each and every day, and embracing what you feel… findi...

Vivienne Porritt is passionate about education. She is a leadership consultant, TEDx Speaker, keynote speaker, and Co-Founder and Strategic Leader of WomenEd.  In this episode, Vivienne covered many topics, including.. the inspiration for her TEDx talk… the stigma associated with experiencing breast cancer or other health issues women face… turning anger into positive action for change… and the gr...

Yodit Kifle Smith is a creative dedicated to making sure the voices and stories of women are heard, and is co-host of The Power of Stories podcast.  Yodit talks about the experiences of immigrating from Ethiopia to the USA as a child…  the impact of finding and using your voice… accepting who God created you to be.... the importance of sharing your story… the role of faith in dealing with injustic...

Verlaine-Diane Soobroydoo is an international strategist and public policy professional serving at UN Women Executive Office, founder of Zahara’s Dream, and the author of the newly released book Unbound: Twitter Thoughts for the Heart and Mind.  Verlaine discusses creating a safe space for young women to learn, grow, and give back… her own journey and career… having a loving and supportive family…...

Jessica Roland is a feminist and human rights advocate, passionate about advancing women’s rights and gender justice. Jessica is a Senior Specialist for Inclusive Peace at The Network for Religious and Traditional Peacemakers and she volunteers as the North American Community Lead for Zahara’s Dream. Jessica discusses addressing gender injustices … experiencing domestic violence and being a surviv...

Whitney Dowers, a strategic leader, entrepreneur, and mom of two young boys discusses facing the challenges of working from home while helping her sons learn and thrive throughout the pandemic… burnout… using her mother’s death to shape the rest of her own life… the importance of meditating and practicing gratitude daily… and setting boundaries. (Canada)

Pauline Castres, a disability rights activist and artist, shares perspectives about… claiming the identity of having a disability and living without shame or guilt… the strength and diversity of the disability community… discrimination in the workplace… using art in her advocacy… and the importance of sharing our stories and of connecting with other people. (United Kingdom and France)

Irene Rizzo, an environmental law specialist, discusses the impact of the environmental and climate crisis on women… adapting to new cultures and countries… gender norms and expectations… the importance of women helping women through mentorship… facing and overcoming fear... Zahara’s Dream… and the importance of kindness and integrity. (Italy)

Ceci Garcia Ruiz, a feminist, human rights activist, and gender equality advocate talks about the role of her parents and family in establishing her sense of empowerment… recognizing herself as a leader and as a powerful voice for positive change... overcoming imposter syndrome as a young leader… and the importance of self-care and boundaries. (Mexico) 

Okech Annette Adhiambo, a social entrepreneur and gender equality advocate, discusses the role of education in her own empowerment, her role as a community peace-builder and education ambassador, and the importance of giving young women access to resources and opportunities to be heard. (Kenya)  

Janeen Uzzell, Chief Operating Officer for the Wikimedia Foundation, shares her perspectives on using your talents to change the world, “taking a bet on yourself,” the ebb and flow of confidence in a woman’s life, success, being surrounded by a community and a tribe that you trust, and amplifying the voices of other women.

Lindsay Menard-Freeman, founder and CEO of the Torchlight Collective, talks about her mother's influence in her own human rights activism and advocacy, “showing up” to make a difference, the importance of self-care, and encouraging girls to feel unlimited. (USA)

Dr. Suchi Gaur talks about big decisions and big moves, confidence, self-empowerment, having empowering parents, education, feminism, the importance of negotiation skills, motherhood and supporting the next generation. (Switzerland and India) 

Blessing Timidi Digha discusses her move from Nigeria to Canada, processing grief after the death of two children, therapy, the support of a dear friend, and speaking out in our own way for ourselves and for others.  (Canada and Nigeria)  

Andrea Bonita Jordan discusses being separated from her family during the pandemic, friendship, why she became a midwife, surviving childhood sexual abuse, intimate partner violence, the importance of therapy, and women’s rights and power. (United Kingdom)

Dr. Shakira Choonara discusses racism, colorism, the impact of class on healthcare, shifting identity, and the importance of sharing the limelight. (South Africa)

Julia Wiklander, founder of Girls’ Globe, shares perspectives on childbirth, gender inequality, being a change-maker, and self-care. (Sweden)

Mushairat Mamun speaks about identity, “belonging” in a culture, establishing connections with others, challenges immigrants and their families face, empowerment, and struggles that define us. (USA)

Introducing The Power of Stories - a podcast BY women, ABOUT women, and FOR women -- featuring stories of courageous women from around the world.