Dr Nancy O'reilly

Co-founder of Unfurl Futures and founder of the global network World Pulse, Jensine Larsen, and Dr. Nancy discuss the purpose of Larsen’s leadership in connecting the untapped human potential of women and girls to create a more powerful force. She describes how privileged she feels to have worked with so many grassroots women leaders from every country in the world, digitally and in person, and learned how the power of online worlds can create an impact offline. She has taken the valuable lessons of World Pulse and started a new project called Connected Power, ultimately to harness AI for the benefit of women and girls.Larsen describes this moment as a narrow window of opportunity, which she is using to explore the innovations being built to shape the technology of AI, not just to create profit, but to benefit communities and transform lives. Collaborating with peers, journalists, researchers, and digital entrepreneurs, she is taking a year to explore what good work is being done for women and girls. She and

Dr. Nancy and Sheena Katz, strategic partnerships leader for World Pulse, discuss the importance of the global social impact network, which brings women and allies together to share grassroots stories, access resources, collaborate, and ultimately create real-world impact.Katz describes the origin of the organization as providing a safe place where women could share their experiences and be heard. She stresses that the real impact happens after their stories are shared because stories create connections, and those connections lead to shared resources and opportunities, which result in collective action.More than 90,000 women now lead change through World Pulse on issues ranging from gender-based violence and education to economic opportunity. Katz notes that the relationships need to be reciprocal. It’s not only about the expertise a new member brings to the network, but also what they can learn from grassroots members.Katz says that she pivoted from her corporate path to one of purpose when she joined World

Asha Dahya, award-winning filmmaker and storyteller, sits down with Dr. Nancy to discuss the power of storytelling to change culture and how she has used that power in recent projects. Inspired to tell stories by her immigrant family’s colorful heritage, and not hearing those stories in the media or seeing anyone who looked like her while growing up in Australia, Asha embarked on a career in entertainment, first working in pop culture at MTV, Disney, and Nickelodeon. She realized how valuable it was to use her voice and platform for something she felt passionate about and began producing independent films.The way the mainstream media talked about Hillary Clinton in relation to Donald Trump in the 2016 election sparked a fire in Dahya to tell women’s stories, especially underrepresented women, using art and entertainment to tell their truth. Among her most recent projects is “Green Tide Rising,” an 8-episode, bilingual video and audio series with social media segments showcasing Latin America’s Green Wave abor

Kim Villanueva, President of the National Organization for Women (NOW), sits down with Dr. Nancy for an in-depth perspective on the power of sisterhood, feminism, the founding of NOW, and how it serves today’s women. Dr. Nancy stresses the relationship of organizations like Women Connect4Good and NOW during the current attacks on women, and Villanueva agreed, saying, “Sisterhood is powerful. We need to keep reinforcing that.”NOW was formed 60 years ago when women met in Washington, D.C., to push for implementation and enforcement of new EEOC laws meant to protect women in the workforce. Back in their hotel room, with little action in Congress, Betty Friedan wrote NOW on a napkin, and the first members put down their five dollars and joined.Villanueva explained that the organization is based on the NAACP as a civil rights organization and continues today with multiple issues: working to recognize the Equal Rights Amendment, stop violence against women, abortion rights, economic rights, racial justice. In 1966,

Dr. Nancy sits down with William He, founder of Dream for America, to learn how he feels about democracy and why he launched the nonprofit/social-profit organization at 16 years old. He recalls feeling compelled to contribute to democracy and do his part to help his generation find purpose in politics rather than cynicism. He wanted to give young people a place to contribute and fight back against the Christian Nationalists and fascism with the great values, ideas, and policies that have made America great. That’s what Dream for America does, with chapters springing up in all 50 states and more than one billion views on social media.Dream for America’s mission is “to identify, educate and inspire the next generation of young American leaders…to become the vanguards and defenders of our democracy for decades and generations to come.” To encourage that leadership within the organization, He said they’ve created a culture where leadership is earned through initiative, merit, and skill. Most of their teams are le

Maggie O’Neill, award-winning artist and founder of Vote for Your Daughter and Our Daughters’ Futures Fund, joins Dr. Nancy in a discussion about the FEMME Art Fair August 26-30, with a sneak peek available for attendees of Take The Lead’s Power Up Concert and Conference, August 25 and 26, Women’s Equality Day, the 106th anniversary of the certification of the 19th Amendment, which guaranteed women the right to vote. O’Neill says that opening FEMME on Women’s Equality Day is appropriate since women are so under-represented in the art world. Only seven percent of artists shown in major collections are women, but as long as men are in leadership, they will control the market, pricing, and representation.FEMME Art Fair is a market correction, offering women an opportunity, not just to show and sell their work, but to gather in community and learn from other artists. For four days, attendees will be exposed to women in creative entrepreneurial pursuits. In addition to traditional visual artists, women in film, an

Julia Stewart, founder and CEO of Alurx, joins Dr. Nancy for a discussion about her career path, forging a place for herself as a business leader in the hospitality industry, eventually becoming CEO at IHOP, then buying Applebee’s and creating Dine Brands Global. Her story traces what happens when barriers to advancement appear, and the choice is to endure or leave to keep growing. Stewart chose to leave companies that didn’t support her advancement and advises others to find a culture that supports them, values them, and cares about their growth. The culture will help you make a difference or block your way with the glass ceiling.Founding Alurx is Stewart’s second career. Raised to take care of herself, she watched so many women in the food service business put themselves last, often in the midst of burnout and overwhelm. She had a vision of what would make self-care easy and available, and that led to the development of the Alura AI app, the first voice-activated wellness coach designed to shift health and

Lifelong broadcaster Ann Thomas joins Dr. Nancy in a conversation about her journey as a professional woman in a field that has seen numerous changes for women since she began as an intern at WJR 760 in Detroit. Lucky to be in a business that she instantly loved, Thomas pursued her dream in many capacities as producer, news reporter, anchor, executive producer of the award-winning “Paul W. Smith Show,” and creator and host of “Women Who Lead.” In its eleventh year, “Women Who Lead” has three components: a podcast that features women making a difference, a monthly award recognizing outstanding women in Michigan, culminating with a special show in their honor.Thomas discussed various aspects of her career, including the importance of mentorship. Since there were so few women in the profession when she started, she felt fortunate to have men willing to mentor her from the start. Her advice for young people starting out is not to be afraid to ask for what you want. Management will respect you for speaking up for

Welcome to Smart, Amazing Conversations with Dr. Nancy, a podcast that examines the stories of life and leadership for smart, amazing women (and men). Each episode features powerful conversations with people who are changing the world and making a difference in their communities. Our guests share their personal stories, insights, and advice on how to break through barriers and achieve success and, in the process, provide access to new ideas, resources, and expertise that can expand opportunities for us all.Show Notes:Dr. Nancy talks with Tony Porter and Kimya Motley about domestic violence and abuse – and how their work with A Call to Men is changing the conversation around violence against women and girls. Porter traces the problem to the “Man Box,” a set of social rules, laid down early, that dictates how men are supposed to treat women and each other. From boyhood, he explains, boys are taught they are strong, and girls are weak; that women have less value, and that men can own women. Violence, in this vie

This episode is all about the future and how we can support the young leaders who will shape it. Highlights from previous interviews with inspiring changemakers show the work that’s being done to empower and equip today’s youth to become leaders and create the change they want to see in the world.Show Notes:First, DeNora Getachew and Keely Quinn, leaders of DoSomething.org, discuss how their organization was originally founded to make volunteering cool and has since evolved into the largest online platform for young people to make a difference. Do Something has mobilized millions of young people worldwide to take action on the issues they care about most. These range from safety from gun violence and mental health issues to equity and justice. Meeting young people where they engage online, Do Something gives them a resource, an opportunity to get involved, find and use their voice, and equips them with the tools for effective leadership.Second, Tracy Evans Land, three-time Olympian and freestyle skiing pionee

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 Alexan

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. A

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. Get full access to Dr. Nancy O’Reilly and the Women Connect4Good Foundation at drnancyoreilly.substack.com/subscribe

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. Get full access to Dr. Nancy O’Reilly and the Women Connect4Good Foundation at drnancyoreilly.substack.com/subscribe

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. Get full access to Dr. Nancy O’Reilly and

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/ Get full access to Dr. Nancy O’Reilly and the Women Connect4Good Foundation at drnancyoreilly.substack.com/subscribe

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. Get full access to Dr. Nancy O’Reilly and the Women Connect4Good Foundation at drnancyoreilly.substack.com/subscribe

Dr. Leah Robinson: Optimal Health for an Optimal Life Get full access to Dr. Nancy O’Reilly and the Women Connect4Good Foundation at drnancyoreilly.substack.com/subscribe

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.Subscribe to Dr. Nancy O’Reilly and the Women Connect4Good Foundation Get full access to Dr. Nancy O’Reilly and the Women Connect4Good Foundation at drnancyoreilly.substack.com/subscribe

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