The Well-Spoken Women of 2014

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The Well-Spoken Women of 2014 called it like they saw it. Dared to defy authority. Changed the debate. Broadened the dialogue. Their words and ideas challenge us to think differently and act boldly.

Mo’ne Davis – Little League Star 

 

With a 70 mph fastball, 13-year old Mo’ne is in a league of her own. The pitcher made history becoming the first girl to throw a shutout in a Little League World Series. Equally impressive was the deft handling of her celebrity status. On ESPN, an unflappable Mo’ne says her special weapon for dealing with the media is saying no.”

Kaci Hickox – Ebola Fighting Nurse

 

While the threat of Ebola caused some politicians to panic, the public health nurse presented a voice of reason. At an impromptu press conference, Kaci calmly responded to critics who vilified her for rejecting a state imposed health quarantine. After serving in Sierra Leone, she voluntarily agreed to a self-monitoring program saying it was scientifically sound and wouldn’t stigmatize aid workers. Kaci hopes to return to Africa to continue her public health service.

Sallie Krawcheck – “Investing in Women is Simply Smart Business”

 

Sallie is a Wall Street veteran who is putting money where her passion is with the first and only mutual fund which invests in companies that are women-centric. Tons of evidence support Sallie’s assertion that companies with more women in top jobs have higher returns, lower volatility, and increased innovation. During a conversation at the 92nd St. Y, Sallie shares her vision for the Pax Ellevate Global Women’s Index Fund 

Ai-jen Poo – Caring for Our Caregivers

Congratulations to Ai-jen, a 2014 MacArthur “Genius Grant” recipient for dedicating her life to fighting for some of the hardest working people in America. At the National Domestic Workers Alliance she fights for the women who clean our homes, cook our meals, and care for our children and seniors. In her TEDx Talk Ai-jen, calls on the audience to reflect on the people in their lives who’ve cared for them.

Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg – A Blistering Dissent

 

“I certainly respect the belief of the Hobby Lobby owners. But, on the other hand they have no constitutional right to foist that belief on the hundreds and hundreds of women who work for them and who don’t share that belief.” Justice Ginsberg’s 35-page dissent in the case that denies birth control coverage to women on religious grounds ensured women’s voices were not completely silenced. In a Yahoo interview, the Justice discusses the ramifications of the decision made by five male justices.  

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand – Calling Them Out

 

Talk about a hostile work environment. In her book “Off the Sidelines,” Senator Gillibrand revealed the clueless comments made by male colleagues about her eating habits and appearance. On “The Daily Show,” the Senator says at this point in her career those types of remarks don’t throw her off her game. However, it was a different story when she was a young lawyer.  

Anita Sarkeesian – Feminist Frequency Blogger

 

The threat of a shooting massacre on the campus of Utah State University caused the cancelation of a speech Anita planned on the sexism and misogyny in the gaming industry. But, months of death and rape threats have not prevented the blogger from condemning the industry’s penchant for depicting women as damsels, victims, and hyper-sexualized play things. As a youngster, Anita had begged her parents for a Game Boy. On the “Colbert Report,” she says the industry would benefit from including positive female images and creating a wider range of games.

Emma Watson – UN Women Goodwill Ambassador

The “Harry Potter” actress says when she was 8 she was called bossy for wanting to direct plays. Speaking at the United Nations, the self-proclaimed feminist delivers an eloquent call to action to end gender inequality by inviting men to join the HeForShe campaign.

Photo Credit: Photo by Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels