Women's History Month Women Change Makers

Women In History: Influential Social Change Makers of the World

/0 Comments/in , , , , /by

Social issues are the problems that are faced by the society on a daily basis. Sometimes we are able to solve them or sometimes we lose the battle. This doesn’t mean we should stop and embrace defeat. We should challenge the problems and face them head-on. The moment we give up is the moment we let someone else win. Below are some of the many influential women who are battling social changes and making the world a better place.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg Ruth Bader Ginsburg

What can we say about RBG, that hasn’t already been said at numerous occasions. Being appointed to the US Supreme Court in 1993 by then President, Bill Clinton, she has been serving this great nation with ferocity. She has been referred to as a “pop culture icon” by the media and various industries. Her views on Abortion where she mentioned that the government has no role in making a choice for a woman has been the most cited case in the courts. Her Gender Discrimination case where she mentioned that VMI’s (Virginia Military Institute) male-only policy was wrong and it needed to changed was the case that won her 100 most influential people in the TIME Magazine. Ruth has been fighting cases ferociously and setting an example on how to lead.

Malala YousafzaiMalala Yousafzai

Magnanimous Malala is a survivor of a Taliban shot since age 15. It took her 2 years to assess her life and since then she has been an advocate of basic human rights like education for women and children, especially in her village in Pakistan. After she was shot and underwent surgeries, Gordon Brown, the UN special envoy for Global Education met her in her hospital room and told her that they were launching a petition in her name. It was launched in the same name as she used while fighting battles internally and externally. ‘I am Malala’. The Malala fund now has enough money to open schools around the world and educate girls and children.

Emma GonzalezEmma Gonzalez

Gun control has been America’s biggest issue since I can remember. Emma Gonzalez has been an activist for Gun Control since she survived the deadly attack at Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, FL. She has been advocating for change in issues through social media and also through the website, neveragain.com. The hashtags #neveragain and #enoughisenough has gained international attraction and people have shown support and helped the movement through pledges and donations and marches. This has been possible because of Emma and her bold steps.

Michelle ObamaFirst Lady Michelle Obama

The First African American First Lady of the United States. She is a lawyer, a university administrator and a writer. But firstly, she is a Mom. She is a Mom in chief and has given priority to family while handling social issues. She has been outspoken on LGBT rights and have supported them with her husband, Barack Obama. She and her husband came out publicly in favor of same-sex marriage in May, 2012 and have changed the law since then. Her book, ‘Becoming’ is a must-read and NY Times Bestseller on how to be a mom and handle changes in the society.

Ellen DeGeneres

Ellen DeGeneresEllen has been making people laugh since the 1990s’. Let it be her stand-up comedy, her observational humor or her show. She is one of the most influential people in the LGBTQ+ community. She came out as a lesbian in 1997 on Oprah’s show and her character on her show, ‘Ellen’ also came out as the same. The show was canceled because the management of the production company weren’t happy with it. She had to start from scratch again and go back to stand-up comedy. When more people started coming out and they were given the same treatment as not being treated fairly, she started a revolution and today she is one of the most watched people in the world. ‘The Ellen Show’ has ratings that are off the charts and she, herself has been awarded the ‘Presidential Medal of Freedom’, which is the highest honor given to a civilian.

Women's History Month Influential Women in Politics

Women in History: Influential women in politics across the world

/0 Comments/in , , /by

Politics, a multifaceted word that has made everyone feel that they are a part of something. In this modern nation, we strive to be better and help everyone. The word sometimes gets a bad rep but, in its entirety, politics is how the world is run. Influenced by women all over the world, Politics still favors men, but we will talk about some of the amazing women below and why there should be more women like them running the political parties and making policies.

Nancy Pelosi

Nancy Pelosi

Nancy Pelosi

These days we can’t talk about Politics without talking about Nancy Pelosi. Her views on important matters like immigration, LGBT rights, Monetary policy, Foreign affairs have been for the people. Prior to being the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, she was he House Minority Leader and also the Chair of the California Democratic Party. She is known for speaking her mind and standing against the policies which do more harm to the general public than good. She has supported LGBT rights since 1996 and voted against the Defense of Marriage Act. She has supported the use of medical Marijuana. She voted for the No child left behind act. These are just a minor portion of the acts that have been supported by her. It goes to show that Nancy Pelosi has been working for the people, which politics should be about.

Angela Merkel

Angela Merkel

Angela Merkel

Merkel is a leader in German politics, currently serving as the chancellor of Germany since she was appointed in 2005. She was named TIME Magazine’s Person of the Year in 2015 for her generosity and leadership after the act of allowing more than 1 million Syrian refugees into Germany. She is looked up to as a highly respected female in power who bears freedom onto her people. She is frequently referred to as the most powerful leading woman in the world. Many see her as a symbol of freedom and power, inspiring women all over the globe.

 

 

Ursula von der Leyen

Ursula von der Leyen

Ursula von der Leyen

Leyen, a German politician and President of the European Commission, is a rising female power in politics. She has a heavy background in medicine and is a well disciplined and licensed physician. Her involvement in German politics starting in 2005 has led her to hold the title of the longest-serving cabinet member under Angela Merkel. Her presidency of the European Commission is an honorable achievement and the height of her career. Her rise to power despite her late entry into the field of politics is a message to women who strive for success, at any age.

Sheikh Hasina Wazed

Sheikh Hasina Wazed

Sheikh Hasina Wazed

Since 2009, Sheikh Hasina has held the position as the 10th Prime Minister of Bangladesh. Her previous office position was Prime Minister from 1996 to 2001. Her road to her successful achievements in the political field did not come easy. Her early advocacy of democracy ultimately landed her under house arrest many times. She was politically active throughout her years in her university in the 60’s. Her fight for her beliefs started young and carried through until she had enough voices behind her to make a difference. In 1975 however, her family was assassinated by military officials. Her return back home, she became a beacon of hope to those who disapproved of military violence and wanted to speak out on important human rights issues.

Zainab Ahmad

Zainab Ahmad

Zainab Ahmad

Ahmad is an American prosecutor who focuses on terrorism. Working with the United States Department of Justice since 2008, she started out with gang violence and related issues around Staten Island and Brooklyn, New York, and then moved on to the bigger cases of terrorism. Her job often requires her to travel and interrogate witnesses, requiring a strong force of will and dedication. She battles with negotiating with international officials and long hours of face to face conversations with violent individuals. Her daily job requires her to face the very individuals that the public fears, to prepare for a safer tomorrow.

Zainab Shamsuna Ahmed

Zainab Shamsuna Ahmed

Zainab Shamsuna Ahmed

Ahmed was appointed as Nigeria’s Minister of state for Budget and National Planning in 2015, and the Finance Minister in 2018. She is one of the county’s most influential female leaders. Her goals are to offset the estimated 80-billion-dollar public debt while also giving a boost to national revenue through value-added taxes. Starting work in 1982 as an Accountant in Kanduna state, and then working in telecommunication, she has come a long way. Ahmed has always tried to publicly serve her country, working many jobs that fed her rise to the top. She now holds the power to make huge shifts in the entire nation’s financial areas.

 

 

Show your love for Women Nonprofits this Month

Share your love for women’s nonprofits this month

/0 Comments/in , , , , , /by

Show your love for Women Nonprofits this MonthShare your love for women’s nonprofits this month

Philanthropic giving by individual Americans has been steadily increasing. According to National Philanthropic Trust, Americans gave $427.71 billion in 2018 (a 0.7% increase from 2017) and the largest source of charitable giving was by individuals at $292.09 billion (68% of total giving).

Nonprofits helping women and girls may have been gaining visibility, but they receive a small percentage of the charitable dollars. According to The Women & Girls Index: Measuring Giving to Women’s and Girls’ Causes by the Women’s Philanthropy Institute at Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy found that in 2016 more than 45,000 organizations dedicated to women and girls received a total of  $6.3 billion — only 1.6% of charitable giving.

The WINGS team believes it is time to change that. Here are 4 ways you can show your love for women’s organizations this month:

Donate your time and talent by volunteering

Over 77 million (30%) adult Americans volunteer their time, talents, and energy to making a difference. Most women’s and girls’ nonprofits can use volunteers’ expertise and support all year long. This month is a good time to reach out your local women’s or girls’ organizations to determine where they could use a helping hand.

Donate your Treasure

Philanthropy is not just the domain of the wealthy. Small financial contributions are impactful. According to the study, Women and Giving by Fidelity Charitable, 55 percent of millennials support a wide variety of causes, but may be diluting their impact by giving to too many charities. This month is a good time to make a list of your giving priorities and save the majority of your giving budget for 2020 for the issues you care most about.

Become a voice for the organizations you love

According to the study by Fidelity Charitable, 51% of millennial women encourage others to donate to the charities they do by posting success stories on social media to inspire friends, family and potential donors. Donate your voice this month to advocating and educating others about women’s and girls’ issues. You could start small by sharing a post or a news article as way to inform and inspire.

Leverage your personal and professional Network for a cause

According to the Millennial Impact Project, 75 percent of Millennials say they share content on social media. Recognize the incredible influence and potential your network carries. This Feb, recognize the influence you have online, in social networks, in your relationships, and at your workplace. Introduce two people in your network to a women’s organization you are passionate about.

About the Author:

Sheeba Madan Loewinger is the Business Manager at Little Silver Foot Care. She has a multi-faceted background in marketing and communications. She is a mentee of the WINGS Signature Program 2019 cohort.

Dr. King’s dream inspires us to have equal rights for women to lead

/0 Comments/in , , /by

Celebrating Dr. King's legacy and continuing his crusade

Dr. King’s dream inspires us to have equal rights for women to lead

The Martin Luther King Jr. holiday honors the minister, civil-rights activist and Nobel Peace Prize winner whose accomplishments have continued to inspire generations of Americans. Dr. King’s philosophy and leadership style continues to inspire WINGS leadership.

Dr. MLK Jr

WINGS CEO and Founder, Varsha Waishampayan, left a successful career on Wall Street to start a women’s leadership development non-profit when her father echoed Dr. King’s sentiment. Her father told her,

“You should give back with what you have learned. There is never a bad time to do good; it’s just a matter of priorities.”

Chairperson of the WINGS Board, Dr. Bob Eng wishes men, women, and children across the country and around the world celebrating Dr. King’s birthday: “WINGS joins like-minded men and women around the globe to advance the cause for a more just world…much remains to be done to reach Dr. King’s dream.”

Bob opines on Dr.King Jr.

Dr. Bob Eng, Chairperson, Board of Directors, WINGS for Growth opines on Dr. King’s legacy

Dr. Eng adds, “A visionary and leader who fought for a more just world, he is a towering role model for all of us. Many of his words ring as stirringly today as they did when he spoke them. ‘The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends towards justice.’”

Dilek on Dr. King Jr.

Dr. Dilek Uzunalioglu, WINGS Mentee ’19 opines on Dr. King’s leadership style

For the WINGS team, Jan 20 this year is not just a day to celebrate the phenomenal Civil Rights activist’s life and legacy, it is also a day to reflect on his leadership style that continues to inspire. The WINGS 2019 cohort mentees are inspired by Dr. King’s leadership style. R&D leader, Dr. Dilek Uzunalioglu, says, “Leadership is about developing a purpose, explaining it clearly and further building it by listening and asking questions, finally motivating the crowd to accomplish the purpose successfully. I believe the following quote from Dr. King says it well: ‘A genuine leader is not a searcher for consensus but a molder of consensus.’”

Santhi Nithi opines on Dr. King Jr.

Santhi Nithi, WINGS Mentee ’19 opines on Dr. King’s leadership style

Dr. King’s leadership style was truly transformative. WINGS Mentee and Consultant Senior Project Manager, L’Oreal, Santhi Nithi continues to be motivated by his vision. She says, “I believe in Dr. King’s transformational leadership that sets a vision to the team, makes the team believe in their capabilities, dream big on what is possible, and make their work fit in the broader company strategy by empowering them and giving them authority to take actions on what they believe in.”

Dr. King placed emphasis on character and lived his life with courage and integrity. Dr. King wrote, “Intelligence plus character—that is the goal of true education.” We at WINGS believe that integrity is an important aspect of a mentee’s character and is worth striving for. Leaders with integrity help build trust and strengthen businesses as they are able to attract investors, customers and talented professionals.

As we commemorate this special day, the WINGS team would love to hear about what inspires you most about Dr. King’s leadership style.

About the Author:

Sheeba Madan Loewinger is the Business Manager at Little Silver Foot Care. She has a multi-faceted background in marketing and communications. She is a mentee of the WINGS Signature Program 2019 cohort.