Today we’re exploring one of the most powerful forces for connection and change - the stories we tell and the ones we choose to preserve. Throughout history, stories have shaped our understanding of who we are and what’s possible. But too often, the voices of women, changemakers, and diverse communities have been overlooked or forgotten.

In this episode, Dr. Nancy revisits some of our favorite conversations with three influential leaders who promote the power of personal stories to drive cultural change. Together, their voices remind us that storytelling isn’t just about history or entertainment. It’s about legacy, identity, and empowerment.

Adam Torres believes so strongly in the power of stories that he’s made it his life’s work to help people tell their own. Stressing that it’s not just famous people who need a platform. He urges everyone to share their stories, reminding listeners that the platform is the story, and everyone has one. Share it to inspire others and drive your own mission forward.

Erika Alexander’s story begins in her childhood, when she took her first acting job at age 12. One job led to another, ultimately leading to the role of Maxine Shaw, Attorney at Law. It was through that character that she became a role model for many women of color, inspiring them to pursue their dreams. Later, to fully understand the profound phenomenon, known as the Maxine Shaw Effect, Erika commissioned a study to assess the impact the show had on women of color. From there, she developed a curriculum based on lessons learned and founded Color Farm Media, building an ecosystem that fosters greater equity, inclusion, and diversity in media and that empowers and elevates voices who are underrepresented, overlooked, and undervalued.

Frédérique Campagne Irwin, CEO of the National Women’s History Museum, also understands the need to preserve stories and is sharing them to flip the script of the predicted 100 years to women’s equity. Her journey through the many facets of women’s advocacy has taken her from helping women entrepreneurs where she saw systemic barriers to equity, to governments and founders, like the Gates Foundation, who worked to eliminate those barriers. Today, in her role as leader of NWHM, she thinks that by telling more women’s stories to the younger generation, she will see change happen in her lifetime.

About Adam Torres:

Adam Torres is Host of the Mission Matters series of shows, ranked in the top 2.5% of podcasts globally.” As Co-Founder of Mission Matters, a media, branding, and book publishing agency, Adam is dedicated to amplifying the voices of entrepreneurs, entertainers, executives, and experts. An international speaker and author of multiple best-selling books on business and investing, his advice is featured regularly in major media outlets such as Forbes, Yahoo! Finance, Fox Business, and CBS.

About Erika Alexander:

Erika Alexander, SAG and Independent Spirit Award nominee, is celebrated for iconic roles such as Maxine Shaw (Living Single), Detective Latoya (Get Out), and Cousin Pam (The Cosby Show). An activist, entrepreneur, and co-founder of Color Farm Media, Alexander harnesses storytelling to drive social change. Color Farm, the “Motown of Film, TV, and Tech,” produces impactful films like John Lewis: Good Trouble and Finding Tamika. Recent projects include starring in the Academy Award-winning American Fiction and Apple TV’s Invasion. A sought-after speaker, Alexander empowers with insights on leadership, diversity, and future-proofing the next generation through innovative programs and media.

About Frédérique Campagne Irwin:Frédérique Campagne Irwin is a seasoned entrepreneur and advocate for women’s empowerment, with over 25 years of experience in strategic management, non-profit and commercial business, impact, and entrepreneurship. As the President and CEO of the National Women’s History Museum, she has dedicated herself to showcasing the significant role of women in shaping American history and culture. Before her leadership role at the museum, she served as the Managing Director of Impact Strategy at the Sorensen Impact Center, where she led initiatives for equity in higher education and women in entrepreneurship. Her dedication to empowering women was also evident in her founding and leadership of Her Corner, a company that supported women and educated them on how to scale their businesses. Frédérique’s commitment to creating networks, inspiring confidence, and elevating women’s voices has been at the core of her work, making her an influential figure in women’s advocacy and business leadership.

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Dr. Nancy welcomes four powerful young activists fighting for women’s rights. First, Asha Dahya and Monica Morales-Garcia stop by to talk about their podcast series, “Green Tide Rising.” Borrowing the title from the Green Wave, a movement started by feminists and organizers across Latin America to champion reproductive freedoms, the podcast features a human rights attorney and shares the stories of women suffering from the criminalization of abortion in several countries. Both Dahya and Morales-Garcia hope the movement and podcast will serve as both a warning of what could happen if there is no action and a blueprint for the United States to turn the tide on reproductive rights.

Second, Dr. Sophia Armen of the Feminist Front and Rosie Couture, co-founder of the Young Feminist Party, are also on hand to discuss their passion for being the next generation to take up the fight for the Equal Rights Amendment as their own. They join the 100-year fight to secure women’s constitutional protection, once and for all. All of these amazing young leaders urge others to get involved in whatever way is possible: whether taking the messaging online and posting on social media, donating time, talent, or cash, communicating with elected representatives, speaking out, or educating family and friends. Equality is everyone’s fight, and together we can win.

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Dr. Nancy welcomes Mona Sinha, CEO of Equality Now, who shares her journey from growing up in India and volunteering with Mother Teresa’s all-girls orphanage, to learning the value of women supporting women at Smith College, to leading a global organization that drives the legal and systemic change needed to end violence and discrimination against all women and girls. Sinha discusses the rising challenges and systemic backlash against women’s rights globally, emphasizing the urgent need for collective action and collaborative leadership to protect women and girls, and the importance of building strong legal frameworks that promote universal equality. Through her inspiring work and vision for the future, she calls on everyone to listen, learn, support each other, and demand equal rights in their communities.

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Dr. Denise Dunning joins the conversation to share her transformative journey as the founder of Rise Up Together, an organization dedicated to the global empowerment of women and girls by supporting local leaders in solving problems and driving impactful change. Dr. Dunning discusses the challenges women face in accessing resources and power, emphasizing the need for collective action and solidarity to reach gender equality in the U.S. and globally. Through her inspiring work, she calls on listeners to support initiatives that amplify women’s voices and create equitable opportunities.

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Dr. Nancy welcomes Dr. Krishauna Hines-Gaither, a passionate advocate for diversity, equity, and women’s empowerment, to discuss her inspiring journey from North Carolina to Los Angeles. Dr. Hines-Gaither shares how mentors, like her mother and other influential women in her life, shaped her path and ignited her mission to advance gender equity through women’s education. She highlights the transformative work at Mount Saint Mary’s University in Los Angeles, including The Report on the Status of Women and Girls in California, and the signature career-readiness program, (M)POWER, which helps students identify their passions and career aspirations, and provides academic guidance, career coaches, and more. The conversation explores the evolving status of women, the power of storytelling, and the importance of partnerships in driving change. Dr. Hines-Gaither emphasizes the need for collective action to create opportunities and foster a brighter future for women and girls.

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Dr. Nancy welcomes The Honorable Carolyn B. Maloney, former U.S. Congresswoman, to share her inspiring journey of public service, focusing on her unwavering commitment to gender equality and the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA). She discusses her upcoming “Driving the Vote for Women’s Equality” campaign, modeled after historic suffragist efforts, to raise awareness and mobilize support for the ERA. Rep. Maloney highlights the critical need to enshrine women’s rights in the Constitution to protect against rollbacks on equality and justice. Through her passionate advocacy, she calls on listeners to take action, emphasizing that civic engagement is essential to securing equal opportunities for all. The time to act is now. Notify your representative of your support for the ERA by signing at https://www.sign4era.org/

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Dr. Nancy welcomes Francine Mbvoumbo, founder of Mothers to Daughters, for an inspiring conversation about empowering women through intergenerational mentorship and support. Mbvoumbo shares her journey, highlighting how her upbringing and her mother’s entrepreneurial spirit shaped her mission to lift women up. She discusses the alarming lack of funding for women and girls, the importance of resilience, and the power of mentorship in creating opportunities for young women. Through Mothers to Daughters, Mbvoumbo has matched hundreds of women with mentors, fostering confidence, economic empowerment, and a sense of community. She emphasizes the need for actionable support—whether through capital, resources, or connections—to help women thrive and leave a lasting legacy.

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Dr. Nancy welcomes Michelle Milford Morse, Vice President for Girls and Women Strategy at the United Nations Foundation, for an inspiring conversation about advancing global gender equality. Milford Morse shares how her Texas roots and influential women leaders have shaped her journey, and highlights the UN Foundation’s critical role in fostering global cooperation to address challenges such as gender-based violence, climate change, and health inequities. She emphasizes the transformative power of women’s leadership and youth engagement in creating durable solutions. Together, they discuss the importance of hope, collaboration, and the UN’s impact on women’s rights worldwide. This episode is a powerful reminder of the progress we can achieve when women and men unite for a better future.

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Dr. Nancy sits down with David G. Smith, PhD, a sociologist, author, and leading expert on the benefits male allies bring to women in the workplace. Sharing his unique journey from Navy pilot alongside his wife to be to passionate advocate for male allyship and gender equity in the workplace. It was through her experiences, especially surrounding a lack of mentor and resources that transformed the way he saw gender in the workplace He discusses how his personal experiences versus hers shaped his work and led to his acclaimed books, "Athena Rising: How and Why Men Should Mentor Women" and "Good Guys: How Women Can Be Better Allies for Women in the Workplace," both of which he co-authored with W. Brad Johnson, PhD.

Dr. Smith explains the concept of systemic allyship and why it's a leadership issue that benefits everyone. He offers practical, actionable steps for men who want to become better allies, mentors, and sponsors for women. This conversation explores how to move beyond good intentions to create real, measurable change, fostering inclusive workplaces where collaboration thrives, and everyone can reach their full potential.

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Dr. Nancy welcomes Heidi Sieck and Dr. Nicole Haggard for a powerful compilation on the topic of equality. Sieck shares her insights on the decades-long political strategy to limit reproductive freedom, and its critical role in empowering women to step into leadership. She also weighs in on the importance of local political engagement to protect these rights. Haggard highlights the necessity of intersectionality, comprehensive data, and the inclusion of men in the fight for gender equity. Together, they explore pathways to equality through representation, narrative research, coalition building, and actionable steps to create lasting change. This episode is a call to action and looks at the ways we can support one another, engage politically, and reimagine a future where equality is the foundation for progress.

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