Women from diverse cultures always add value to the conversation. Their unique experiences demand we be inclusive and welcoming of their perspectives. As a Somalian woman working to effect change, this is critical to my work. -Amina Sheikh, Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action and Diversity Award recipient; Heads the African American Campaign for the Network for a […]

When I was younger the voice of feminism was strength and power and finding your own way in life, being able to stand up and take care of yourself, not being dependent on a man for anything. It was really important for me to chart my own path and to make sure that I was […]

The experiences I’ve had made me realize more and more that we’re all part of this global world, and I had to find my place. Life has taught me that people are the most important thing—people and relationships, how we see them, how we have compassion for them, or may not. We must talk with […]

I think that life challenges are an opportunity for self-growth and introspection. That leads to the opportunity to give back to those who are facing the same challenges. As a breast cancer survivor, that’s what I want to do. -Bette Hoffman, Activist, Community Leader, Cancer Survivor, San Diego, CA 

The more I study history and look back upon what I’ve learned, the more I don’t believe in roles anymore. Human beings require partnerships of equality, of shared power. -Carol Rowell Council, Co-founder, Women’s Studies Department, San Diego State University; Co-founder, Center for Women’s Studies and Services (now the Center for Community Solutions), San Diego, […]

On my visit to Uganda, at age 13, I realized the power and strength of women to change the world. I left Uganda believing that by becoming a social entrepreneur I can change the world. You’re never too young to make a difference. -Catherine Mitchell, Student. At age 15 Catherine established her micro-business, Beauty 4 […]

What exactly is Native American, and what does Native American look like? Well, it doesn’t just look like one thing; it looks like a lot of different things. And in reality it’s not really a look—it’s a spirituality; it’s how we interact with people; it’s our songs, which reminds us of who we are and […]

My philosophy on life is not about how many rights or wrongs we’ve done but what we’ve learned, what we’ve accomplished, what we’ve changed, what we have given back. -Chong Kim, Sex Trafficking Survivor and Activist, Equal Rights Advocate, Co-writer of Story of Eden, Dallas, TX 

I am wiser as a result of my struggles. I’ve discovered that justice is essential to humanity. -Crystal Harris, Social activist, Survivor, Feminist; Inspired Assembly Bill 1522, San Diego, CA 

I discovered around age 5 that my calling is serving others and fighting for human rights. My other calling, though, is prayer. To be in spirit. -Deborah Santana, Activist for peace and social justice; Founder of Do A Little, a nonprofit serving women and girls in the areas of health, education, and happiness; Author, Space […]

This I know: keep busy doing things for others as well as for yourself. That’s how you learn. -Deborah Szekely, Philanthropist 

My work has taught me to be humble, to listen, to look. There’s such an amazing world of possibility when you actually do those three things. The greatest thing is humility. -Dee Aker, Psychological Anthropologist, Conflict Resolution Professional, University of San Diego Joan B. Kroc Institute of Peace and Justice San Diego, CA 

I was angry at life. This was before I realized my purpose. From my experience, and from what I’ve had, it’s not easy to live with HIV. I just want to prove that anything is possible. I’m focused on being a doctor. My dad is my inspiration. Life has taught me patience. -Dorah Wanyana Dunigan, […]

What I do for myself dies with me. What I do for others lives on forever. -Dr. Josephine Odumakin, 2013 International Women of Courage award, Nigerian Democracy Activist, and Women’s Right Advocate; Executive Director of the Institute of Human Rights and Democratic Studies; President of Women Arise for Change Initiative; Chairman, Task Force of the […]

During my university study in Spain, the country was riddled with poverty and little opportunity for creative expression. I returned to the U.S. and perceived a kind of cultural bubble. I became adamantly engaged in issues related to women and children, and worked with activist anger. An inspired leader suggested to me, “If this work […]

My dad gave me confidence. He was a remarkable man of faith who believed in God and the goodness of mankind. It became commonplace for us to move every year, living in various churches, and then later we were moved to the internment camps. We never really had a home. Yet, my father would remind […]

When you go through a trauma you start to examine a lot of things in your life. And one thing I realized was that I tried to be fine all the time. I sloughed off my emotions most of the time and ignored my health because it got in the way of what I was […]

To help somebody understand their ability in a loving, warm way—when that is understood by a child or by any person, you’re freed as a human being to be truly the best you can be. It’s a wonderful thing to give another human. -Eunice Sanchez, physician, healthcare advocate, Friends Family Community Connection, which has hosted […]

It’s amazing that when you follow your heart, your dream, your passion, there’s a different force also helping you. I felt this force while working to increase educational opportunities for girls and young women in Jalalabad, Afghanistan. It’s an amazing and deeply satisfying journey. -Fary Moini, Champion of Change honoree for humanitarianism and contributions to […]

The world has its flaws, just like everybody. The world isn’t perfect, but we can only hope. And I’m going to keep hoping. -Inocente Izucar, Artist, Teen Activist, Academy Award Winner, Former Homeless Teen, Undocumented Daughter of Mexican Immigrant Parents, Chula Vista, CA 

As a restaurateur, I’ve noticed that women have an insight, an inner patience that sometimes men don’t have. I’m not saying all men don’t have it, but a lot of men don’t. This inner patience makes it so that women see things that men don’t see all the time. And I think that’s really important. […]

Our contribution to diminish the suffering of others is what causes meaning and value. What causes me to feel my life has meaning is the gesture I make to diminish another’s pain. -Jan Phillips, Author, Activist, Artist, Co-founder, and Executive Director of The Livingkindness Foundation. San Diego, CA 

Forgiveness, for me, in one word, is freedom. It is freeing to release bitterness, sorrow, and regrets. -Jeanine Lee, Public Speaker, Survivor, Advocate, San Diego, CA 

Seeing someone homeless, living off the streets, scared, alone—it touches me. I would be terrified if I were in their shoes. But it’s also an opportunity to see more than just suffering, to also see strength. That’s where my path has gone much more: from that recognition of our common humanity and the need for […]